Mr. David Stuart Chellew

Obituary

It is with great sorrow that the family of David Stuart Chellew announces his passing on the morning of August 28, 2019, at Toronto Western Hospital. Dave took the final steps in his dance with the "Big C" in the presence of Linda Odnokon, his loving wife of 20 years. He left this world to the gentle strains of k.d. lang's rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. Dave's was a life of service to others, but he always put his children first. The son of the late Ivan Eric Chellew and the late Beverly Lorraine Brown, David was born in Charney, Quebec, a short distance from the St-Sylvestre RCAF station where his father served. An air force brat who moved from one base to another, Dave eventually joined the Canadian Armed Forces after the family settled in North Bay, Ontario. However, a training injury cut short his military career, thus setting David on a path of constant personal and professional reinvention. A life-long member and volunteer at the United Church of Canada, a teacher at Cambrian College and Laurentian University, and a financial services professional, Dave made it his mission to empower and encourage others. His goal was to make a lasting difference. Dave was a larger-than-life personality who treated CEOs, politicians, young entrepreneurs, and the homeless with equal respect. He made friends everywhere he went, and always gave more than he received. Despite his many career achievements, he took the most pride in raising his two daughters and two stepsons after he and Linda blended families in 1999. After years of commuting between Sudbury and Toronto, the couple moved the family to the provincial capital in 2008. Ten years later, they moved their business from Bay Street to a co-working space at the Centre for Social Innovation's Spadina location. It was here that Dave reinvented himself one last time. He spent the final year of his life learning to build community, live sustainably, and invest ethically. It was also here that he indulged his passion for breaking bread with and cooking for others. Along with Linda, Dave leaves behind daughters Cara and Shannon Chellew; their respective partners Rowan McNamara and Emiliano Paternostro; stepsons Rob Anderson (partner to Ela Zak) and James Anderson (partner to Crystal Provencher); and grandsons Alessio and Adriano Paternostro. Dave is also survived by his younger siblings, George and Shirley. Per his wishes, Dave was cremated in a private ceremony, and a celebration of his life was held at the Centre for Social Innovation on September 3. As a memorial, he asked the family to plant a tree and to place a bench in his name at Stanley Park near his King West residence. In this way, he hoped to provide a space where friends, family, and neighbours can sit, reflect, and take a break from their busy lives. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the GoFundMe campaign (http://www.gofundme.com/davesdance) to help cover Dave's medical expenses and to purchase the memorial bench and tree. You can also read Dave's writing at DAVIDCHELLEW.COM Arrangements have been entrusted to Cardinal Funeral Home in Toronto. Condolences may be made through www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Service

Burial / Entombment / Cremation