David Tennant
September 23, 1947 - December 11, 2025
David Tennant was born on September 23, 1947, in Shotts, Scotland, to Alec and Mary Tennant. He grew up alongside his twin sister Sandra and his brothers Malcolm and Billy, both of whom predeceased him.
From a young age, David showed remarkable athletic talent. He was a competitive swimmer who broke the British record for the 220-yard freestyle and went on to represent Scotland internationally in water polo.
At age 18, David immigrated to Canada with his family. He joined the London Police Service, where he became one of Canada’s first undercover drug officers and played a key role in forming London’s first drug squad.
During this time, David met the love of his life, Jennifer. They married and built a beautiful family together, welcoming their children, David Jr. and Nicole. After leaving policing, David moved into construction and co-founded a heating and cooling company with his brother Malcolm. Following Malcolm’s tragic passing from cancer, David transitioned into real estate and continued to build a successful career.
David was a devoted husband and father. He balanced family life with his passion for athletics, completing several triathlons and marathons. Together with Jennifer, he also grew their development company, the Hampton Group.
His interest in politics led him to contribute to numerous political campaigns, and in the 1990s he served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Trade, playing a frontline role in the creation of NAFTA.
As life moved into a new chapter, David and Jennifer embraced grandparenthood with joy. David Jr. married Deb, and Nicole married Paul, blessing David and Jennifer with seven cherished grandchildren: Amanda, Nick, Nathan, Matt, Catie, Mike, and Colin. For the once-undercover officer, becoming “Papa” was one of life’s greatest rewards.
In his 60s, David began work in southern Sudan, founding the charitable organization CEDAS to help develop farmland and support local economic growth. He also enjoyed many years of golf with friends at Sunningdale Golf Course.
In recent years, while continuing his work in development, David could often be found at Starbucks or Tim Hortons—expanding his circle of friends and sharing stories with his trademark warmth and wit.
David lived a life marked by adventure, purpose, and service. He reached great heights in sport, policing, business, and philanthropy, but his proudest achievement was the loving family he built with Jennifer, the love of his life.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Visitation will take place at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. Please join us for a reception afterwards at the Hunt Club.
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Nikki, I know it has been a while, but I wanted to reach out. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family and sending you strength at this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to Dave’s family. He and my father always maintained touch over the years, and Dad always spoke very highly of him.
Mr. Tennant was a man of wisdom who loved his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Dave Tennant was an amazing man who had an immeasurable impact on so many - I had the pleasure of knowing Sr. for 40 plus years - he will be missed
My condolences. I worked with Dave during a political campaign, getting to know him a little, he was always bigger than life. I was appreciative of the time he gave later when I was working with a local public school project. He gave of his personal time to come and meet the parent council and give some guidance. He left the door open if we needed to talk further. I will always remember him for his kindness and a few good stories he shared about his life.
I was aware of Dave’s reputation within Byron United Church before I began attending. He was widely respected in London and beyond for his wisdom, steadiness, and integrity. It was a great privilege to serve alongside him on several small committees, where discussions were often earnest and spirited. He brought patience, thoughtfulness, and good humour to the table with an unwavering commitment to serve others. His strong faith and big-heartedness will be a lasting legacy to Byron United Church, the London community, Canada, and the wider world. He continues to inspire me to love and serve my community.
I'm saddened to learn of the passing of David. I worked at the downtown YMCA from 1985 - 1996. He was an amazing swimmer! I remember having many great conversations with him on the pool deck. My condolences to the family. Mary Forrest
David was one of the first people to welcome us to Byron United Church. I will always appreciate his sense of humour, his leadership and generous support through the Leaders Board and the Men’s Bible Study Group. David was such a wonderful disciple as was shown through his love and service to the Lord, his love of family and care for his brothers and sisters in Christ.
As our family meet David and his family 26 years ago by a blessed winning of the London Free Press Dream Home. We think of them each day . l would like to say at this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. From Kathy, Scott Beamish and Family.
Very sad to hear the news of Dave's passing. I t was great to see him on his daily run with his adorable dog. I hope your great memories will help you through this difficult time. He was a lovely neighbor. Our thoughts are with you, Jennifer and your dear family at this time.
David was a very special part of our church family at Byron United Church and will be deeply missed. I will especially miss his big bear hugs every time I saw him at church. David was involved in so many ministries at church, I had the opportunity to serve alongside him on the church Leader’s Board and I learned a great deal from him during that time. You could truly see Jesus in his heart through the kindness, patience, and respect he showed to everyone he met. And because of his belief in our Lord, he knew—and we know—where he now resides. My heart aches for Jennifer and the family—please know you are all being kept in my prayers while you grieve your loss. Farewell, my brother in Christ. Shelley Scott
I am so saddened at the loss of my friend and brother in Christ - David was both of those. Through the last many years he served in numerous volunteer positions at Byron United Church - his faith filled heart most recently had him serving on a growth team - how to encourage others to join us was front of mind. Dave and I served on the church leader's board at the same time - which offered me the opportunity to truly come to know him. It was a priviledge. My heart aches for Jennifer and the family as they face this tremendous loss - a husband, father, papa, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend who had peace in the knowledge of where he resides now - but whose larger than life presence has left us all heartbroken. Rest in peace my brother - until we meet again.
A Donation has been Made in Memory of Dave Tennant to United Way on behalf of MTE Consultants.
David was a mentor and an encouraging friend. It was a privilege to serve with him at Byron United Church. He helped me learn and grow as a follower of Christ. His sense of humour and caring nature made every meeting and encounter feel warm and purposeful. I will miss him so much. Jennifer and family, I am so sorry for your loss. David was an incredible person.
On behalf of the Green family in Toronto and UK we offer our dearest condolances and thoughts (so many with names with Tennant in them) and know that with a legacy like that he shall never be forgotten. Sandy Green
Dear Jennifer, David, Nicole & family: I have known David for over 35 years and will miss him. I will always remember his wit and good nature and generosity. He was so proud when he spoke of all of you and his grandchildren. The two most important attributes for a man are family and integrity and David had both in spades. He was one of a kind. Hush
Deepest condolences to the whole Tennant family. So many wonderful memories of the past. John Hodgson
Dave and family. So sorry of David's passing. He was an astute businessman, highly professional and achieved great success with his "more flies with honey" approach. I always enjoyed our meetings in advancing the Hampton Group projects. You are a chip off the old block and will continue the great successes of your business ventures. I'm sure David will be greatly missed. My condolences.
I was fortunate to know Dave early in my planning career assisting him with development approvals. His passion transcend all that he did whether it be work, running or golf, but most importantly he was passionate about his family. Dave will live on in our found memories as well as his family legacy. We miss you Dave.
My deepest condolences to Jennifer, Nikki, and David and family. I cannot imagine the feeling of loss for someone of such personal magnitude. David had such love for all of you and touched so many people - with me being the beneficiary of a small part of that. David has always held a special place in my heart. Me cared for my family and treated them with love, and he was a mentor to me - often when I needed it most. Like many - I will miss his smile, his compassion, and his character.
Sending my deepest sympathies to David’s family and friends. The world is dimmer without his light. I had immense respect for him as a developer and a person. Although rarely relavant to our work, I always enjoyed our chats about our shared Scottish heritage. I also loved seeing him beam with pride, when he would show up onsite with his grandchildren in tow. He was a man who led by example, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
To Jennifer, Dave jr and Nikki and families; I am so sad to learn of this monumental loss. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
My sincere condolences. Have been sad since hearing the news. He treated every interaction with me with honesty, humour, and a genuine warmth. He always made me feel valued. Our friendly banter and poking fun at one another when we crossed paths running in Springbank Park will be a lasting memory for me. Loved Dave Senior and will miss him! Hoping the countless memories you shared and the influence he had on so many lives bring you comfort and pride in the days ahead. Carm
Services for David Tennant
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 17, 2025 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
December 17, 2025 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Byron United Church
420 Boler Road
London, Ontario
December 18, 2025 11:00 am
Additional Service information
Interment to follow the funeral service at Woodland Cemetery, London.
A reception will follow the interment at the Hunt Club in London.
Although I didn't know Mr. Tennant himself well, I could tell what a wonderful person he was through Michael. He spoke of him in the highest regard, and it was obvious Mr. Tennant's qualities carried down to Michael. I am so blessed to be friends with someone who had such an amazing grandfather. Thank you for the rides, Mr. Tennant. My condolences to Michael and his family; my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Josh Kim