David Alexander Horne

David Alexander Horne, 81, of Halifax, NS, passed away on Sept 11, 2023. He will be celebrated and missed by his family and friends. David was born at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax on May 22, 1942, to parents Catherine Edith (nee Alexander) and Reginald Frederick Horne. He arrived just ahead of his twin brother Kenneth Hugh Horne. For the first few years, David grew up in the north end of Halifax attending Mulgrave Park School. However, for the majority of his childhood and teenage years he lived on Preston St. Attending first Le Marchant St Elementary School (1949-53), then Cornwallis Jr. High (1953-56) and finally Queen Elizabeth High School (1956-59). David then went on to university at Dalhousie, eventually obtaining a Master of Science degree in Chemistry in 1965. Later that year he moved to UBC to study Education. In 1966, he returned to Halifax to teach Chemistry at Queen Elizabeth High School but moved on after one year (David had a passion for teaching but he was drawn to less traditional “classrooms”). David had a number of careers. In 1967, he accepted a research job as a Chemist at the Fisheries Research Board Lab in Halifax. In 1972, he was appointed Executive Director of the Canadian Youth Hostels Association-Maritime Region. David was appointed Development Co-ordinator for Canoe Nova Scotia and Alpine Ski Nova Scotia in 1982. Then, in 1985, David became the manager of Marivac Ltd. (owned by his late friend and mentor Dick James). He worked there until his retirement in 2001. While his career was important to him, his life is best remembered through two things: his loving marriage to Norma (nee Young) and his passion for the outdoors and recreation. David and Norma met at Point Pleasant Park at an orienteering meet on June 16, 1972. They were married on April 21, 1973 and just this year celebrated 50 years together. They had countless adventures over the years, including many with their two sons, Matthew and Andrew. David was happiest outside. As a boy, he was a member of Cubs and Scouts and he received his Queen’s Scout Award in 1960. He was an avid paddler and was awarded the first Fred Lynch Award in recognition of his contribution to recreational paddling in 1983, and was President of Canoe Nova Scotia from 1987-89. David loved teaching paddling and instructed at Canoe Nova Scotia Provincial Instructor School at Camp Mockingee the first week in July for a number of years beginning in 1978. His love for the outdoors kept him involved in many ways. He was a founding member of the Orienteering Association of Nova Scotia, Canoe Nova Scotia, and the Association of Outdoor Nova Scotians. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of Nordic Ski Nova Scotia, and Chair of the Nova Scotia Outdoor Leadership Development Program Committee. His kids’ love for soccer translated into David founding the Halifax City Wanderers Kick-a-Round in 1990. This is a weekly game meant for adults new to the game or those looking to rediscover soccer once again. While David hung up his soccer cleats a few years ago, the Kick-a-Round continues on to this day. David was also heavily involved in soccer referee development. David continued his passion for outdoor pursuits by golfing in his later years. He was a proud member of Ashburn Golf Club and dutifully calculated statistics for the Masters group there for many years. David is survived by his wife Norma, his children Matthew (Sarah MacKinnon) and Andrew (Carrie Roberts) along with four grandchildren (Eila, Farley, Sammy and Mae) and extended family. David was a great person, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He led by quiet example but was a leader nonetheless. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers donations can be made either to Feed Nova Scotia, or a charity of your choice. A contribution to Soccer Nova Scotia (SNS) in support of referee development would also be welcome, but note SNS is not a charity. A gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date. For a more complete obituary please visit www.harboursidecremation.ca/obituaries/

David Alexander Horne

May 22, 1942 - September 11, 2023