David Francis Lenson
January 16, 2021
Passed away peacefully, after a 5-year battle with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, at the age of 70. David was born August 21, 1950, to Francis Lenson and Betty Mae (née Pickering) in St. Catharines, Ontario. Predeceased by his father, Frank, and brother, Bob. Survived by his wife, Pat; their children, Miriam (Justin Kominar), Jonathan (Jaim Uram) and Nicholas; and grandchildren, Lochlan, Tristan, and Blake. Also survived by his mother, Betty, and by his siblings: Deby (Jack Gibson), Kathy (Daniel Lourenço), Doug (Patricia Lenson), and Bill (Laura Lenson). He will be missed by his in-laws, Rob Gyenes (Brenda), Jodi Jekielek, Mary (Bruce Llewellyn); and the family of the late Linda Trebilcock. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins across Canada. David and Pat met while studying at Brock University and were married on June 11, 1977. David completed a Bachelor of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University and his MA in Musicology at Western University. He developed his love of music history while performing with Brock’s commedia dell’arte troupe and became an accomplished performer of lute and theorbo. He also played a variety of string and wind instruments and sang, both as a tenor and a countertenor. He developed the first program to transcribe medieval notation which could only be done by hand previously, which led to a successful career in computer programming. David was a quiet force of nature. He worked right up to the day before the brain tumours left him bedridden, never accepting that the cancer was winning. He loved so many things – his work, musical projects, golfing, travels, pugs, fine wines and scotch, books, movies, and latest technological gadgets. Most of all, he loved gathering with his large and boisterous family, his hippy family, and his many friends for any and every occasion. He was most proud of being a father and grandfather. David made numerous contributions to the musical community over the years with his involvement in commedia at Brock, the Three Centuries Festival at Laurier, Parnassus at UWO, the Norfolk Singers, Arcady, The Renaissance Singers, and the Toronto Continuo Collective. When he wasn’t performing, you would find him recording the occasion. He extended his photography and videography skills to capturing many family occasions, from weddings to birthdays to group vacations. He was the Lenson-Gyenes personal paparazzi, and his gift for capturing our special moments will be sorely missed. Public visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a private funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. The family welcomes friends to view the service via livestream. Registration is required to attend the visitation or to view the livestream of the service.
To register for David’s visitation, please click here: >Registration page for David Lenson’s visitation.
To register for the livestream of David’s service, please click here: >Registration page for the livestream of David’s private service at 3:00 p.m.
A memorial service will be held when COVID restrictions are finally lifted and David’s far-flung family and friends can safely gather again. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of David are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or Guitars for Kids (GFK Toronto).
Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, attendance numbers will be restricted. Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols are in place which may preclude some from being able to attend and masks are mandatory at both indoor and outdoor services.
Leave a tribute for David Francis Lenson
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I had the privilege of working with David for many years at London Life. What a kind, caring man. My condolences to all his family during this difficult time. He will be missed.
I had the pleasure of working with David at London Life. He always made time to answer all of my questions and it was a pleasure to work with him.
Our loving thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this very difficult time. We wish we could be with you.
Sending many condolences to David's family at this difficult time. I was very sad to hear about David's passing. I sang with David quite a few times at UWO when he accompanied me playing lute. He was always so kind, quiet, humble, encouraging and had a wonderful sense of humour. I know he'll be deeply missed by everyone.
Listening to Dave and my brother Jay play music during the Christmas holiday, is one of the fondest memories I have from my early years, learning how to play guitar. He had a large influence on me as musician. He introduced me to the tablature of Bach's Bourree in Em, a piece I have yet to master. I was constantly impressed by his musical skills and knowledge. Since moving to Western Canada in the late 70's, one of the things I missed most at Christmas time, was hearing his music. I wished I had a recording, I still do. To me, every piece of music Dave played was wonderful. Being a humble man, he would sometimes object to my praise, knowing the work it took, to do Justine to the piece, but it was wonderful. I marvelled at the first lute he built and his ability to play. I last saw Dave 5 years ago, where he let me try his Theorbo. As I was incapable of playing it, all I could do was marvel at this most eclectic instrument, it's sound and his mastery of it. His wife Pat, I consider to be my adopted sister. I was still wearing cowboy pyjamas when I met Pat, then Pat met Dave, and both have been one of the cornerstones that helped shape my life. My heard grieves for Pat, their children and grandchildren. I stand with his many, many friends who's heart weighs heavy at his leaving. Dave was part of my family, our family. Much loved and so dearly missed.
I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. I enjoyed working with David at London Life and listening to his music. My thoughts and prayers are with David's family at this time.
I remember David from our time together at the Faculty of Music, UWO. We shared an office as grad students. At first, he seemed so quiet and serious, but as time went on and I got to know him and his family, I grew to appreciate his brilliant mind, gentle soul, and quirky sense of humour. I'll never forget time spent in his home - the warm welcome extended by David and Pat and the children made me feel like part of their family. Another wonderful memory is seeing the astonishment on the faces of our wedding guests when David played his theorbo. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with David's family. He was unique, unrepeatable, and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and we miss being with you now in the hardest of times. We remember the great times we had with David at so many of our family gatherings. Mostly celebrations and holidays where David was always part of a great conversation and carefully captured a photo for us to remember the moments. We are glad to have the memories and will miss him. Our love to everyone.
We were sorry to hear of David's passing. Our condolences to all the family and friends. We remember David fondly from Emily and Jere's wedding where he added so much to the festivities with his beautiful lute playing.
I worked with Dave at Canada Life. He was a kind, caring and intelligent gentleman. I sat close to him for many years and had the opportunity to listen to stories about the things he loved most in life; his wife, children, grandchildren, golf, music, travels, and fine wine. He truly cared about others and would always lend an ear to listen to anyone who wanted advice or just a sounding board. I will miss our chats and the opportunity to learn from this incredible human. Dave will definitely be missed. RIP my friend.
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to Guitars for Kids (GFK Toronto))
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to Guitars for Kids (GFK Toronto))
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We are thinking of all the times we, as a family, have had together over the years...some hilarious and some heartbreaking, David will be missed so much but never forgotten! Sending our heartfelt love to all the family! Love, Jack and Deby
~ Jack and Deby Gibson