It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of David Bélanger, who passed away on September 7th, 2025, in Ottawa at the age of 49, after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
David’s life and his passing was marked by quiet strength, sharp wit and an unshakable calm. He had a devastating sense of humor and loved nothing more than delivering a perfectly timed, shocking joke. Even through illness, he used laughter to lift those around him, always checking in on others before himself. He was equally analytical and lighthearted, deeply thoughtful and endlessly kind and helpful.
At the center of his world was his family. With his wife and partner of more than a decade, Zara, he shared a bond rooted in love, laughter and resilience. Together they built a family around four extraordinary children — Audrée, Callista, Isla and Jonah — who were his greatest joy and his proudest legacy. Each of them carries forward a piece of who he was: his humour, his curiosity, his insight and his determination. He shared the privilege of raising his older daughters, Audrée and Callie, with their mother, Sarah whose partnership had a defining impact on his life.
David will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his parents, Anita and Guy, and his siblings — Trish (Andrew), Matthew, Daniel (Ivona), and Meara (Devon) who admired and looked up to their big brother in many ways. He was the much-adored uncle of Matthew, Ella, Maeve, Rhys, Benedikt, Adriana, Dominic, Isabelle and Amy, each of whom will remember him as funny, kind and always decked out in great shoes.
He will also be longingly remembered by his parents-in-law, Fran and Steve and by Zara’s siblings, Nick (Ingrid) and Dan (Steph), who embraced him as a brother. His circle of love extended outward to his many close friends, who stood by him in health and illness and were truly part of his family.
David’s passions stretched into many corners of life — from his fascination with all things mechanical, especially his beloved BMWs, to his mastery in the kitchen, where he could spend hours perfecting a recipe. He poured the same dedication into his career, where he worked to advocate for the vulnerable and building programs that will continue to make an impact.
Finally, the family would like to thank the medical team at The Ottawa General Hospital especially the Oncology, Hematology and Transplant doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to treat and comfort David with genuine care and kindness.
Though his time with us was far too short, his legacy is vast. It lives on in his children, in his family, in his work and in the countless people who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada or by donating blood/registering as a stem cell donor with Canadian Blood Services.
Digital Guestbook
Meara
Patrick Boily
Dave was my sister Sarah’s former husband. When I was preparing to become a father, our daughters arrived within weeks of each other. His eldest, Audrée, was born six weeks before my eldest. At a time when I felt uncertain, I watched Dave embrace fatherhood with steadiness and care. His example helped me find peace and confidence.
Though Dave and I were different in many ways, I witnessed his deep love for and pride in Audrée and Callista. I am certain that the same devotion guided his life with Zara, Isla, and Jonah. I am grateful to have known him and will remember him with respect and affection.
My thoughts are with his family all who loved him in this difficult time.
Isabelle Delage
Chères Sarah, Audrée et Callie,
Je suis de tout cœur avec vous. Je vous offre ma sympathie pour la perte de votre père Audrée et Callie. J’espère vous voir bientôt pour vous exprimer l’admiration que j’ai pour vous pour votre résilience à travers cette période extrêmement difficile. Je vous ai portées dans mon cœur toutes les trois en espérant que vous puissiez trouver des moments de bonheur à travers votre peine. Je pense beaucoup à vous et vous embrasse.
Isabelle 💕
Antonio Campo
David was one of the good ones that you meet in your life. I am devasted by the loss of a great friend. David had a gift for gab and could keep the dinner going late into the night, chatting and laughing over a pint or two. I will miss him terribly.
Rémy Guervin
David was an extraordinary gentleman. When I started in a new intimidating role, he was a humorous Director from another department with whom I shared a love of automobiles. We would often chat about the next modification for his BMW, or my racing events. I was really fortunate to mostly see him smirking, and will always remember him as the hard-working talent-filled genuine person that he was. My condolences to his family for this great loss.
Leticia Capili
David was my Manager under the Reaching Home Program and yes, I am a recipient of his "perfectly timed, shocking joke" which happened during an interview.
David is such a good soul, kind and took care of the people he worked with. We will miss you.
Rest easy, David.
Marc, Anna and Jeremy Belanger
Even though we’re a great distance apart, our grieving hearts will always be with you. May you rest in peace.
Ninnette y Camille Pomerleau
Our thoughts and best wishes are with his loving family.
Martine Tanguay
Mes sincères condoléances à Zara, aux enfants et à toute la famille. Je vous souhaite force et courage pour traverser cette épreuve douloureuse.
J’ai eu le privilège de travailler avec David pendant près de trois ans, lors de mon passage à POB, et j’ai grandement apprécié notre collaboration. Son départ soudain est un choc pour moi, et il représente aussi un rappel poignant de l’importance de vivre pleinement, avec intention et gratitude.
Jody Doyle
To David's family and loved ones, my deepest sympathies on his passing. We worked together in the early 2000s and I always respected both David's dedication and his sense of humour. I have a distinct memory of him inviting a group of us from work to his home for a meal and him making homemade tortillas :) May you be comforted by many warm memories of his time with you.
Dave was my oldest brother, and someone I could rely on since infancy. He has always been funny, brave, smart, and kind in ways that I wish everyone could experience. He became a father when I was very little and I grew up watching him become an amazing parent and husband. The times he babysat me as a kid, making butterscotch pudding, playing Super Mario Bros and falling asleep on his couch watching Pirates of the Caribbean are memories I will cherish forever. Seeing Dave's four beautiful children grow into such unique, talented, and thoughtful human beings is a joy, and I know his spirit will always live on in them, his beloved wife, and the memories of all the countless people who loved him. I love you, Dave.