04/08/2026
David began working in 1986 doing odd jobs for the Melady Family. He had a good connection with the founder, the late Ferg Melady, his wife the late Kaye, and the Melady children (with whom he is still connected to this day). David had an interest in pursuing Funeral Services at Humber College but put off the idea following the unexpected death of his father. David went on to study Accounting closer to home at St. Clair College, but ended up pursuing a career in funeral services regardless in 1989 when he was hired as a Funeral Assistant by Janisse Brothers Funeral Home following their acquisition of Melady Funeral Home in 1989. David experienced a series of transitions, first in 1990 when Janisse Brothers acquired Marcotte Funeral Home becoming the Care Group of Funeral Homes, and again in 1998 when Arbor Memorial acquired the Care Group.
David has been an active member of the community for over thirty-five years in a variety of areas. Within his parish, Saint Simon & Saint Jude, David served ten years on the parish cemetery board (five years as chair) as well as chair of the pastoral council. During the early 2000s when the church needed extensive repairs, David served as chair of the Restoration Lottery, and co-chair of the Restoration Gala, two successful efforts to raise funds to bring the necessary repairs to the church. David is currently involved with the restoration of another historic building (Former St. Joachim Church) through the 927 St Joachim L’Association. Within the Royal Canadian Legion, David has been a member of branch #399 since 1994 and served on the branch executive. He is also a life member of the Essex & Kent Scottish Regiment Association. David has previously been a board member and former president of the Optimist Club (Belle River) and has been the Director of Indigenous Education at the Maidstone & Area Historical Society. David is involved with the Our Lady of the Rosary Shrine in Merlin, Ontario serving on the shrine committee and the executive committee. In recognition of his community service, David was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
David belongs to two religious orders. He is a Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a papal order founded in the 11th century; he is also a Secular of the Congregation of Rosarians (the first Secular in all of Canada). David is a father to two adult sons. He is also proud of his Métis heritage. In his free time, David enjoys spending time with his family and friends, crafting & woodworking, fishing, cooking, and spending time with his chocolate lab, Nimkii & his parrot, Spirit. David brings his crafting spirit to Melady Funeral Home by being passionate about the 5-star program. David specializes in personalized memorial banners that are given to families as a keepsake (a tradition he began at the passing of his own mother in 2023). As of 2026, David has spent 36 years serving the families of Belle River and surrounding areas.