It is with deep sadness we announce the death of David Andrew Cummings who passed away peacefully on 24th November 2025 at the age of 90.
He is pre-deceased by his beloved partner, Anne Gilkinson, and grandson, Blaze. He was the husband of Jane Cummings (Filion) and father of Catherine (Staveley) and Robert. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Brook-lynn, Bailey-Jane, Bethany, Conor and Sean, son-in-law, David, and sister Diane (Blake), relatives and friends.
Born in Beamsville, Ontario on 2nd June 1935, Dave joined the Royal Canadian Airforce and also earned a degree from the University of Toronto in engineering. He enjoyed an extensive career in the air force as both a pilot and instructor, flying the transonic Sabre jet and later various helicopters and training craft. During this time, he served abroad in Europe and then moved around various North American bases in joint training operations with the US Airforce. After settling in Ottawa, he gave up his flying career to work as an engineer at the Land Engineering and Test Establishment (LETE), testing tanks and other military hardware. In retirement, he enjoyed golf, winters in Florida, and long afternoons at his home in Blackburn Hamlet with his partner, Anne, sitting by their pool in the company of family and friends.
A private graveside service will be held at Beechwood’s National Military Cemetery at a later date.
“His wings carried him through the heavens in life; may they carry him gently home in rest.”
Digital Guestbook
Ed Mitchell
Chris Thorp
So sad to hear that Dave has passed.
I worked with him at LETE when it was still H huts and the new building was being planned.
Yes the H huts and still looked like post war with a young officer who later helped design the Lunar Rover of the early 70s Apollo missions.
We even had a huge air inflated tent to store equipment that liked to try and fly away.
The people were great and Dave made the work fun and professional. Engineering skills were put to the test. My memories still bring me smiles.
Remember him well with all the love he gave to you.
Chris Thorp
Kanata
Don & Betty Partsch
Always enjoyed our get togethers with Dave and Anne - in Florida golfing and cocktail hours, in Ottawa golfing and evening dinners, and of course, Dave's unique humour along the way. We will miss him but remember the great guy that he was.
Don & Betty
Orleans
Norm Lee
Dave and I met in 1954 as fresh recruits at RMC in Kingston and we also roomed together for a year at U of Toronto along with two other reprobates. We went through flying training together from 1954 to receiving our wings in Portage La Prairie where we parted physically, but remained friends for life. I will miss him.
Luane and John
Saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. We have many fond and happy memories of the times we spent with Dave, both here in Ottawa and our times in Florida. He was a great friend and he will be sadly missed.
Enjoyed our friendship, golf, dinners and beverages in Florida., good memories