Obituary of David Ross Irvine

David Ross Irvine, born to Mr. and Mrs. David L. Irvine at Estevan on March 28, 1926, died in Regina on Monday, March 30, 2015 at the age of eighty-nine. After schooling at Estevan, he was a radio announcer for CFCN in Calgary and CHAB in Moose Jaw. He then went on to graduate from the University of Saskatchewan in 1956 with his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree. During his varsity days, he was spoken of in the College of Pharmacy as “The Executive Type”, having served in various capacities on student councils, and having won a spirited race for President of the College of Pharmacy Council. Following his marriage to Margaret Bannatyne in 1956, they moved to Oxbow where they operated the local pharmacy. In 1968 he was selected by his pharmacist colleagues and the Saskatchewan Pharmaceutical Association to receive the A.H. Robins “Bowl of Hygeia” Award for his outstanding contribution to public health and his devotion to social responsibility. He was extremely active in the affairs of his community, serving as a Councillor and Mayor of the Town of Oxbow, a member of the Oxbow Community Planning Board, a member of the local Board of Education and as its chairman in 1963, on the boards of the library and the senior citizen’s homes, on the Oxbow Union Hospital Board, in the Oxbow Businessmen’s Association, and as vice-president and later president of the Chamber of Commerce group. As a supporter of youth activities, he was an assistant Cub Leader and a Director of Red Cross swimming. His proudest accomplishment was the parenting of two fine sons. When Ross and Margaret retired to Regina, Ross joined the Regina Philharmonic Chorus, the Regina Male Voice Choir and the All Saints Anglican Church Choir. Every Thursday morning for many years was spent visiting with the fine fellows in his coffee klatch. Ross was fortunate to work with many strong, fun, loyal and witty women on his staff during his time as the owner of Irvine’s Drugs Ltd., including Peggy Bolton. He was a very social person and enjoyed visiting and corresponding with many people, including many colleagues and neighbours over the years, particularly Pat and Gary Faulconbridge, who were unfailingly attentive during his ill health. Ross’ sisters Jean and Ruth, and his brother Keith, predeceased him. Left with many good memories are sons Andrew and his wife Joan (nee Ellman) and their children Katherine and David; Thomson and his wife Sharon Pratchler and their son Graeme; nieces Jessica Irvine, Sandra Miller, Karen DeBoeck, Doreene Menz and Janet Valair and nephew Keith Irvine. Funeral service will be conducted by the Reverend Dr. Trish McCarthy at All Saints Anglican Church, 142 Massey Road, Regina, on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at a later date at Estevan City Cemetery. The family gratefully acknowledges the compassionate care given by the staff of Unit 6F of the Regina General Hospital and Brightwater Senior Living where Ross spent his last days. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Regina Philharmonic Chorus or the Regina Male Voice Choir.