Contributions to the tribute of David Olding

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

David and my father James Andrew Cochrane came to Canada from Scotland and settled in Baie Comeau in Quebec for work and a fabulous adventure.These two Scotsmen with limited grasp of the French language were employed and welcomed and thrived to start their lives. Entailed curling and festivities that a club would offer! Life evolved and took them on different paths but maintained their friendship from different corners of the world. Eventually they both were settled in Halifax NS in their latter years! They would periodically join for lunch and catch up and reminisce. I was there for one of those lunches. Heartwarming listening to the lads talk and share. James brought an old Robbie Burns book that had a significant meaning for David. My visit with the lads might have been 20 years ago. My father Jim died in August of this year and I called to give the news to David and the family. Marilyn told me that David was very ill and express their condolences for my loss. I am reaching out to express my condolences to the family and remember David with a full head of fabulous white hair and a lovely caring spirit. Jim and David are friends forever.

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Calvin McKay posted a condolence

Monday, October 26, 2020

So sad to hear of David's passing. Sincere condolences to Marilyn and family. I would like to share a few of my memories of working with David: He became my friend... I walked into the office of Mackinnon and Olding on Wyse road. I was 22 years old. I met this older gentleman to whom I began to speak slowly about my concerns. He basically told me to speak up and he didn't have time for my concerns. I left thinking what an old so and so he was! Two years later I was up in Tuktoyactuk NWT on a job with M&O and I became sick (really ill). I was in a room coming in and out of sleep. David was at my side every time I awoke. He got me through it and sent me home to Nova Scotia to recover. During the years he was an amazing boss. Our standing joke was about the black book he had which contained 20 years worth of answers to the questions he had asked me about the job - 'How much shot for 3000ft?, how much fuel on nightshift?' etc. I tried to get that book for years. I told him he would probably be laying on it in the afterlife.. To see the special relationship he and Don shared was amazing. I remember one time they had talked about the outrageous increase in prices for breakfast at the hotel when it went up $1 'Scandalous! Will never enter the place again!' Then to a time when he was thinking about retiring and leaving M&O. I had worked with him for 25 years. I was setting up offices in the new building we had purchased. Don and Scott said not to bother with an office for David as he would be leaving. I met him in the parking lot and told him this but then I said if he wanted one I would cut Scotts office in half and build him one. He thanked me, gave me a hug and had a tear in his eye. He stayed for a while longer and left at his leisure. I will leave by quoting him while he once watched me fix a light switch for Marilyn at their apartment: "Happy wife, happy life" I will miss you David Olding Thank you for the memories. Love Calvin P.S. I could still use that black book!

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Sharon & Larry Armstrong posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, October 9, 2020

Marilyn & Family, So sorry for your loss. As Jeremy and Erin's grandparents we shared a mutual gift. David will always have a special place in our memories of his thoughtfulness and his wonderful smile. We quite liked the man. Sharon & Larry Armstrong

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Dawn Robertson lit a candle

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

I had the privilege of meeting David when he received the LG Faith in Action Award in 2010 at Atlantic School of Theology's convocation ceremony. His kindness and thoughtfulness in carrying out his work as a chaplain was evident and so touched my heart. I am so sorry to read of his passing and offer sincere condolences to his wife and family. He will certainly be missed. Dawn Robertson

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Christine Miller lit a candle

Sunday, October 4, 2020

During this time of healing, may David's family find solace in the celebration of such a large, long life of such an amazing person. Condolences, Christine Miller

David Olding

1933 - 2020