David Moss was a much-loved husband, father, uncle and grandfather who passed away at home on August 18, 2025 in Sidney, B.C. He was 94.
Born in the seaside town of Ramsgate, England, in 1931, David left school at 14 as was common with his generation and apprenticed at an engineering firm in London. He met Anna Gray at a church youth club in London and their first dates were long rides on his black motorcycle. They married in 1955.
Trained as a quantity surveyor, David’s first big engineering project was in in Ghana, West Africa, an overseas assignment that lasted six years and sparked a lifetime love of international travel.
David emigrated with his wife and family to Canada in 1966 at the age of 36, taking up residence in Vancouver and later Richmond, B.C. He helped build pulp mills throughout the province in the 1970s and then worked on Canadian engineering projects in the Congo, Indonesia, and parts of Europe. His last assignment was in Montreal, a city that he had fond memories of. Throughout his life, he retained a warm nostalgia for the U.K. After a brief stay in Calgary, Alberta, he and Anna retired on sunny Vancouver Island.
David loved being on the water and enjoyed puttering on his sailboat. He once built a full size kayak in his garage. He was a model railway enthusiast, an avid tennis player and, for a while, a part-time beekeeper.
A reserved and modest man, David had a typically British dry sense of humour. He was a keen observer of life and turned his hand to photography and writing in his spare time. In his later years, he built complex Lego models.
David is survived by his wife of 70 years Anna (nee Gray); his children Joanna, Philippa (Bruce), Guy (Darlene), Samantha (Stephen) and George (Jo); and by nine grandchildren Robyn (Stacy), Erin (Adam), Jordan, Victoria, Stirling, Alex (Sarah), Nicola (Spenser), Logan and Tanner; and his great-grandchildren Jones and Hannah.
A graveside farewell will be held at Oak Bay Burial site on August 25 for immediate family.
David’s family would like to extend enormous gratitude to the many kind and dedicated professionals at Island Health who delivered exceptional care and helped make his passing comfortable.
The family has requested that no unauthorized or reproduction of this obituary is to be made (Le Necrologue or Echovita).
Offer Condolence for the family of David Moss [1]
[2] Print Obituary & Condolences [2]
3 Comments To "David Moss"
#1 Comment By Robyn Armstrong On August 29, 2025 @ 3:47 am
Today we say goodbye
With a tear or two
Thinking of the moments we had
Spending time with you
A life full of love and family
Travelling the world
With your sons and daughters
Experiences that unfurled
Nearly 70 years of matrimony
A bond longer than most
We gently lay you to rest
And raise our glasses in a toast
To David’s life we remember
Memories locked in forever
Of how you were oh so clever
And your company, always a pleasure
With love,
Robyn Stacy Jones
#2 Comment By Peter Jasmin On September 3, 2025 @ 7:12 am
Lorraine and I visited Anna and David at their home(s) in Richmond, West Vancouver and in Sidney. Lorraine particularly enjoyed the “British touch” in their personality. She was a big fan of proper tea times, which Anna always made impeccable. We knew the Mosses for nearly 50 years and always delighted in their company and the clever conversations we’ve had over the years. Shortly before I left BC to live in Montreal, I again visited with Anna and David at their home in Sidney. A decision I have never regretted. What a couple!, and such an inspiration to all who have known them! Anna, I believe you owe me a tea time. I will come and claim my crumpets next summer. . May God’s unexplainable peace be with you and your family.
#3 Comment By Bill Barker On September 4, 2025 @ 7:32 am
Anna and family: Lin and I are of course saddened at David’ passing but comforted in the knowledge that he lived life on his own terms. He and your growing family were instrumental in making the Kitimat chapter of my life an enjoyable and educational life experience, both at work and play! Our subsequent life experiences together were both hilarious and serious. The things I will always remember include the naming of George, building decks in North Vancouver in order to generate cash flow and of course the canned tomatoe debacle! Anna and family thank you for sharing your and David’s lives with those of us who needed a kind word or a little encouragement. Peace be with you all.