David Reid Sagan
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
David Reid Sagan lived an exceptional life on his own terms and was one of those good men, now gone far too soon. He peacefully passed away on September 18th , 2023 due to cardiac arrest, at the age of 58 in Edmonton, Alberta.
He was a devoted husband to Julie, and her best friend for 43 years. He was a loving father and mentor to Angus, and a considerably proud Pappy to Archie, June, and Roscoe. A kind brother to his sisters, Leigh-Ann and Cheryl. Caring son to his mother, Carol. True confidant to his close friends and colleagues.
David viewed friendship, family, sport, and business not as things to be conquered but championed. He did not shy away from challenge or confrontation; rather, faced life head on, aimed for truth, and always spoke his mind – even if it was to his own detriment.
One of Dave’s best qualities was his willingness to share his many accomplishments, in a selfless manner, with those he loved. Be it his: Financial Planning and Wealth Advisory career; accomplished golfing ability and as a competitive partner; expert skier and World Cup Technical Delegate official; private pilots licence holder; cowboy bringing up the rear; outdoors man and fly fisherman; connoisseur of great food and drink, talented chef and humble host.
He leaves behind many friends and family in Edmonton, Jasper, Mexico, and beyond. Those who knew him best will remember a loving and caring man who
would bend when needed, but never break.
As per David’s wishes, there will be no service. He would detest all the attention and tears.
Please honour him in the same fashion of how you knew him and experienced him.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, one may choose to make a donation to: Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
– a special thank you to the staff, for their compassionate care and deliverance of dignity. Friends of Barron, Mazatlán– Humanitarian Aid in Mexico.
My condolences go out to Julie, Angus and the family. I loved my brother. We had a great childhood, other than losing our Dad Fred Sagan in 1975 to Cancer. We drove across Canada, and Dave took my Dad’s place in many instances. I’ll miss the most when he brought me a Christmas Tree to my new first apartment, lights and all. Dave and Julie treated me well over the years, I have fond memories. Thank you.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Goodbye Dave, I Love You.
Cher xoxo
Back in the 70’s Dave, Paul and I used to get together to skate board. Dave had a ramp in his driveway … he led the way. We had a boom box and Boston was the band of the day. We played “More than a Feeling” over and over and some of the lyrics are appropriate now:
” So many people have come and gone
Their faces fade as the years go by
Yet I still recall as I wander on
As clear as the sun in the summer sky”.
Those were good days and fond memories.
I send my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will live again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4)
Julie, Angus, and families. My deepest sympathies, most heartfelt condolences at this time, way to many years earlier than we would have liked or accepted. Be strong, as you are, and know there is still a smile on that face as he looks down upon you
Les Douglas,and family
It’s taken me some time to find these words. I don’t like saying goodbye.
Over the years, I’d call up and say: “We need to chat about the Penske file.” Bill’s reply, “Got it right here Farn, it’s always on the top.” Our code for chatting from afar since that day he lined me up with insurance shortly after uni. Neither of us fond of small talk, we had a break the ice 🙂 One of a few nicknames for Dave (aka simply Sagan) over the years. Bill was short for Bilbo, another one. You even had Pappy before you were a Pappy. It could have been Temple. A handle you went with for a while…when you were “training” for something. My body is a “Temple”. Oh, my friend, what a gem. Sagan was often reserved for frustration, like when he was taking money from my pocket after losing another press. “So do you want to press that?” I fell for it too often because you said it with that famous, mischievous grin. And just to hear that chuckle. Oh, did we laugh, at the silliest of things.
Dave was my best man at my wedding. My son Alexander’s middle name, Reid, was given to him for good reason. I looked up to you like a big brother. All for the same reasons I’ve spoken fondly of you as I nudged Alex to purse his career in insurance. Bill, you were all about quality and excellence, in everything you took on. Equally, you had the ease and calmness about you that was matter of fact. Nothing was by chance.
It’s been a few years since we last visited, playing JPL, and you taking a few bucks from me. We just picked up there like always, like it was yesterday. I got the news of your passing sitting in the middle of a lake in Northern BC in belly boat – fly fishing – new to me. Once again getting skunked. 4 days the year before. 2 days so far on this trip. After the call and tears (sorry bud), I caught my first! Then another…and more!
Thanks, bud, for reaching out, and making it a day I’ll never forget – like you.
My sincere condolences to everyone – Jules, Angus, families, and friends. Dave – one of a kind. I love you brother.