David John Gueulette

November 25, 1966 - October 31, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved son, brother, husband, and father. David died peacefully on October 31st after a courageous battle with complications following open heart surgery in early August.
David was born in Nanaimo on November 25, 1966, second son to Ken and Sue Gueulette. He grew up in the Nanaimo School District, where his great love of music began and was nurtured. He attended Malaspina College and the University of Victoria, where he graduated with both a bachelor's and a master's degree in music.
Growing up in Nanaimo, David was an active member of Scouts Canada, becoming a Queen's Venturer and a recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. He worked several seasons in the sound booth for Nanaimo Theatre Group and also appeared on stage. He played in the Nanaimo Musician's Association Big Band and at 22, was the youngest conductor of the venerable Nanaimo Concert Band.
As an active member of St. Paul's Anglican Church, he was a server and a lay reader. David met his soul mate, Tricia Sexton, at a church picnic. They wed in 1991 and celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this summer. They loved to renovate houses as well as travel and see the world, both before and after their son and daughter arrived.
David loved teaching music and knew from an early age that was his calling. He believed that music education has a ripple effect across all areas of children's lives including identity and connection. He touched the lives of many young people during his teaching career as the Director of Music at Charles Bloom High School in the Interior, Shawnigan Lake School, and Ashbury College in Ottawa. While in Ottawa, he served as President of the Ontario Music Educators' Association and on the board of Capital Regional MusicFest. On his retirement from teaching to Victoria, he ran his own very successful Homeowner Helper business, until the time of his illness.
David is survived by his loving wife Tricia, son Alexander, and daughter Maya, in Victoria.
Predeceased by his father, Ken, he is also survived by his mother, Sue; his brothers Edward (Sandee) and Thomas (Crystal) of Nanaimo; his father and mother-in-law, Ken and Diane Sexton, and sister-in-law Michelle (Todd) Izuka, of Victoria; and sister-in-law Amy (Steve) van Riessen of Beaverton, Oregon. David was a beloved uncle to Leora, Rachael, Nicholas and Christopher Gueulette, and Molly, Paige and Garrett van Riessen. Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.
A celebration of David's life will be held at Shawnigan Lake School Chapel located at 1975 Renfrew Road, Shawnigan Lake, on Saturday, November 13th at 2:30 pm. Double COVID vaccination is required to attend, and masks are required indoors.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in David's memory to MusicCounts, Canada's music education charity at 219 Dufferin Street, Suite 211C, Toronto, ON M6K 3J1.