Dave Scullin lost his 11-year fight with prostate cancer on June 6th at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines, Ontario. Dave’s courage, optimism and determination to stay with us was truly inspiring. He always saw the silver lining in all the battles with cancer, and he never lost his sense of humor. He even joked around, singing Monty Python’s 'Aways Look at the Bright Side of Life' less than 24 hours before his passing. The love of his life was by his side, holding his hand and singing a love song. Marj and Dave had been married for 31 years and were friends long before any ceremony – they were inseparable. A one-word couple: DavenMarj.

David Victor Scullin was born on March 21, 1961, in Lancaster, California. His educational journey included memorable years at PS 64 in Queens, New York – attended not only by his brother Laurie but also, years earlier, by his mom, Connie. High school began at Lindsay Place in Pointe Claire, Quebec, where Dave made lifelong friends. He completed high school and college in Ontario, earning his certification as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist from Niagara College. His professional career culminated in a 20-year stint with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.

Dave felt privileged to have such an interesting career, keeping all the moving parts working of the 100-year-old Welland Canal, from deep within the locks and bowels to the tops of the bridges. Dave also made strong friendships there over the years. Dave learned how to play guitar in his teens, and he continued his passion for playing throughout his lifetime. His Martin guitar was his prized possession. He was not an old rocker who only knew the classics but was always listening for something new to learn. Dave loved angsty music like Green Day and often surprised a younger generation when he belted out recent rock. He shared his love of music with many musical friends and was looking forward to going to the annual “BrumbyWoodStock” get-together at his lifelong buddy Mark's place, determined to be there in July despite all his setbacks.

Dave was good with computers right from the start and ran his own Atari group in the 80's sharing with others his love of gaming. Gamer Dave evolved over the years to playing games on his PS5 like Assassin's Creed and driving games with his steering wheel and foot pedals and getting into VR tech. His latest interest was magic. He was amazing us all with his magic tricks, but his favorite spectator was his nephew Ryan who loved his Uncle Dave very much. Dave always carried cards or other pocket magic tricks in his shirt pocket and entertained many waitresses and health care workers on the chemo ward by asking, "Got a minute for a card trick?''

But Dave's happiest achievement was marrying Marj. When he proposed to her one Christmas, he said, "You know you make me merry, but will you marry me?" They both supported each other as each pursued college degrees in engineering and pharmacy from working jobs as cabdriver and dispatcher where they actually met. Dave always promoted higher education and besides teaching Marj many things, he encouraged people in their educational endeavours. Even at the hospital he was always obliging to nursing students who found his situation unique and was happy he was contributing to further education.

Marj and Dave settled in their cute little (full, but happy and comfy) house in St. Catharines 24 years ago. They bought their second house - their travel trailer - and in 2023 had their most excellent adventure to the east coast where they stayed in every maritime province. They were there for the entire summer, where they made connections with many people, saw icebergs, sunsets, fiords, and enjoyed wonderful seafood. Marj will hold dear memories of her and Dave traveling in the trailer together. She feels very lucky to have been loved so well loved by such a wonderful husband.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie Scullin, his brother Laure Scullin and wife Diane, his nephew Chris Scullin and all his family on Marj’s side. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Constance Scullin and Edward Scullin.

Dave's life will be celebrated at some of his favorite places by many friends this summer where some of his ashes will be cast at several fire pits, a certain lake, and a creek by a certain fair, as well as a celebration of life (or two) at the house. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada will help others battle this crushing disease.

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