Our sweet David passed away suddenly on May 26th, 2026. To say our family is devastated doesn’t even begin to describe the shock of this event. Literally hundreds of you have reached out with an outpouring of love that we are so grateful for – each message so meaningful, telling us heartfelt and hilarious stories about Dave.

His wife of 54 years, Julia, his three children and their partners: Graham & Jess, Adam & Crystal, and Lauren & Matt, five grandchildren, Cohen, Jack, Sophia, Noelle & Nicholas, and his sister, Sue, have shared every summer, and every season at the Lake with Julia & Dave. A big, noisy, and endlessly hungry group, Julia has a Master’s degree in creating enormous amounts of delicious food and a welcoming home. Skiing in summer and winter, campfires, family hikes, swimming, picnics at Sand Bay, and building, building, building. Always projects. Just two weeks ago, Dave was toiling over a well-seasoned aluminum boat, getting it ready for Nick to blast around the bay this summer at ‘rocket’ speed.

Born in London on June 8, 1947, to Helen and Bill Bright. The two were married “late” for their time, and David was a gift I’m sure they dreamed about for years. He was a beautiful child, kind, sensitive, with an artist’s heart and soul.

In 1961, the Brights bought a lakefront property on Haliburton Lake, and thus began the love affair that continued throughout his life. A handful of families also built cottages on this pristine lake around that time (everyone will quibble that they were on the Lake first, so no dates included here!), and they became lifelong friends.

Music became his passion, and in grade 9 at Malvern, Dave became a superstar as the band’s drummer, and his picture landed on the front page of the Toronto Star. At 19, the then-shy, dark-haired boy met the love of his life. Julia Feagan. One of seven kids and a family in West Bay (ok, yes, the Feagans were there first!), and the romance flourished. Dave became a DJ and for decades loaded a mountain of equipment and records into a trailer and played at the HLCA Regattas, Sir Sam's, weddings & parties for more than 60 years. His most recent gig was three weeks ago.

As the years passed and the older generation began to leave us, Dave and Julia’s love of Haliburton led them to invest and grow their lives in the north. They moved and created their new life together, looking out at their favourite place in the world.

Dave was one of the most knowledgeable people in the country on boiler technology, and he continued his professional career until last fall. He was very well respected among his work family and forged friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Dave was the Admiral of Haliburton Lake. He cared for the health of the lake and its wildlife, taking water samples and providing shelter for its creatures. His time and efforts with shoreline planning were invaluable. He supported the community of Haliburton through many charitable donations, most notably for SIRCH.

Dave was a giant of a man who leaves a legacy of music, laughter, ridiculous stories, and love.

Sail on, Dave. Sail on.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of David’s life will take place at a later date; details to be announced. As an expression of sympathy, donations in David’s name can be made to SIRCH Community Services. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HALIBURTON COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME, 13523 Hwy. #118 Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 (705) 457-9209.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of David Bright, please visit our Tree Store.