Historical

David Ursulak (10Jun1939 - 24Jul2025)

The Teacher

May you be at peace
DAVID URSULAK

It is with loving hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of David Ursulak, who left us on July 24, 2025, at the Malaspina Age Care facility in Nanaimo at the age of 86.
 
Born on June 10, 1939, in Inglis, Manitoba, David was the youngest of eight siblings and is survived by his beloved wife Rhonda Ursulak, with whom he shared an inspiring 64 years of marriage, his devoted son David Christopher Ursulak, and his brother Jim. David was devoted to his family—a caring husband and loving father—always keeping those he loved closest to his heart, especially Rhonda, whose well-being was his priority even in his last days.
 
David lived a life marked by service, both to his country and his community. After serving in the Canadian Navy, he returned to school to pursue his passion for education, eventually earning a master's degree in psychology. As a teacher, David dedicated himself to helping others grow, touching innumerable lives with his intelligence, thoughtfulness, and boundless energy. Even outside the classroom, he gave back wholeheartedly—volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the RE-Store, and environmental cleanup projects.
 
David had an infectious zest for life. He was always in motion—whether woodworking in his workshop, paddling on the water in his kayak, or tending to his aquariums. His thoughtful and caring nature endeared him to all who knew him, and his impact as a teacher, friend, and member of his community will be felt for generations.
img_5073framed.jpg

Video Galleries

Photo Galleries

Guest Book Entries

Scroll through the entries

David Ursulak's Timeline

Some of the events are approximate or estimated.

10th June 1939

Birth

Born in Inglis, Manitoba and is the youngest of 8 children: Elizabeth, Pauline, Vera, John, Carrie, Jim, Nicki, David.

10th June 1939

1940 (39?)

Moved to South Porcupine, Ontario

Moved to South Porcupine (with 6 or 7 kids (one being baby David and not sure if Elizabeth, the oldest was there) and Mary and George in one car with a flatbed trailer for their possessions, including a pump organ. The trailer flipped over but nothing was damaged, so they continued on their way. The organ was sold to a church in South Porcupine to enable the family to buy a piano. They opened a grocery store which was successful because there were only 2 other stores (a Jewish family, the Crawfords and the Ursulaks)

1948/49

Moved to Kamloops, BC

Mary and sons, Jim and David, moved to Kamloops and Mary worked in a cannery.  Jim and David expressed their concern regarding George’s disrespectful treatment of Mary. Jim joined the Air Force as a Clerk Typist and eventually moved to electronics and playing clarinet in the AF Band.

1948/49

1954

Moved to Hamilton, ON

Mary begged Carrie to let her and 15-year old David come and live with her so she could help with Susan who was about to be born.  They moved to Herb and Carrie’s place in Hamilton for one year.

1955

Moved to St. Catharines, Ontario

Mary and David moved to St. Catharines. Mary worked in the E.D. Smith cannery and David in a grocery store. Mary then got a job with a lawyer’s family with 12 kids doing the laundry and baking and enjoyed working there until she was 74.

1955

June 1958

Graduated from High School

Took trip with two other friends (Bill Tajer was one) to Algonquin Park. Tried to live off the land but didn't catch any fish and ended up eating canned food.

03Sep1958 - 05Jul1960

Enrolled in Canadian Navy Training Officer Program

Enrolled at Esquimalt, BC. and was first stationed in Victoria, BC. He served in Canada and on the seas, later with honourable discharge for service.

03Sep1958 - 05Jul1960

1960

Worked Partime at A&P

21st January 1961

Married Rhonda Clare Lennox

David and Rhonda were married. David worked at A & P for $65.00 more a week compared to office work. His friend at the store said he’d make a good teacher, so when Brock University opened a College of Education, he applied. After graduating, he began teaching in a blue-collar area of St. Catharines with a very difficult class, and excelled in his profession.

21st January 1961

1967

Moved to Ridgeville, ON

38 Rolland Road, Ridgeville, ON.

Exact Date Unknown

June 1969

Graduated from McMaster University

June 1969

October 1969

Adopted David Christopher Ursulak

at 3 months old.

3rd June 1975

Obtained Masters of Education

From University of Toronto

3rd June 1975

1977 ??

Attempted to Adopt a Daughter

In the summer of this year David and Rhonda attempted to adopt a daughter. She was from Innuvik, NT. The agreement is we'd drive/camp our way up to Yellowknife, meet her there, and drive back with her. She'd have a 1 year stay with us where she'd decide if she wished to stay. Ultimately she rejected our family and returned back to her foster home in Innuvik. Her name was Patti.

1978??

Moved to 94 Roland Road

Exact date unknown

1978??

Summer 1980

Purchased Property on McKenzie Lake

Summer 1980

3 week trip to England & Scotland

Summer 1980

Summer of 1981

Built McKenzie Lake Cottage

2000

Moved to Nanaimo BC

Post retirement sold the farmhouse in Ridgeville and moved to 3162 Marion Way, Nanaimo, BC.

2000

August 2010

Alaskan Cruise

1st March 2024

Moved into Wexford Senior Living Centre

A lovely appartment in a retirement complex.

1st March 2024

21st Jan 2025

64th Wedding Anniversary

14 May 2025

Transferred to Malaspina

To be with Mom

14 May 2025

24 July 2025

Passed Away

At Malaspina in Nanaimo BC.

David's ashes are buried at McKenzie Lake, Ontario.