David William Hinschberger

It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. He was 84.

Dave will be dearly missed by Joan (nee Crawford), his wife of 55 years, his son Darin, daughter Patricia and grandsons Jude and Finn Rousom. He was the son of the late Rita Diemert (nee Hinschberger), adored brother of Christine and Kathy Diemert and Maryanne Cahill, and beloved nephew-in-law to Ruby Crawford. As an uncle, he was precious to Michael (Kathy) and Davie Christopher Crawford, Andrew (Jessica), Emma (Sam), Magdalen, Charlotte and Eileen Cahill. Dave was also a loving great-uncle to Alexandra (Erik), Jonathan, Anika, Zoé, Norah, and Iris. He was pre-deceased by in-laws Earl and Pat Crawford, Buddy, Donnie and Sharon Crawford.

Dave, or "Hinschie", as so many knew him, was an extrovert, a schmoozer, a mingler, an entertainer. He was a talented musician, who was happy to share his gift on keyboards everywhere from pubs and restaurant lounges, to living rooms with singing children, the local hospital and his church. Everyone loved when he and his mom Rita sat together at the piano and played their rollicking, jazzy duets. His belief in early music education came through with his long-time connection to the Ontario Conservatory of Music and his work as a music adjudicator for youth.

Born in Kitchener, Ont., Dave grew up in a family full of aunts, uncles and cousins. Family lore includes stories of a 10-year-old David who would take his wagon to the farmers' market offering to pull groceries to the home of anyone willing to pay five cents. That entrepreneurial drive never left him, and he would spend the rest of his life with a keen eye out for the next profitable venture. Some were more successful than others, and nearly every one included music, musical instruments and a lot of enthusiastic hustle.

Dave met nurse Joan Crawford and they were married on Nov. 28, 1970. In 1975 their son Darin was born, followed by daughter Patricia in 1977. As a couple Dave and Joan would open their home to entertain family and friends. Dave, who was a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted Catholic, was joined in the faith by Joan and their commitment to the church ran from playing and singing in choirs to counting collections. Throughout their marriage, their enduring love would serve as an example of lasting commitment and dedication.

Dave loved food. He was an excellent and curious cook, always happy to chat with anyone about recipes, ingredients, restaurants, kitchen gadgets and the best bowl of soup. While travelling, he would explore food markets and grocery stores while others headed to museums and art galleries. And he really loved breakfast.

Insatiably curious, Dave was always asking questions. Whether he was enquiring about a niece's favourite toy, someone's new job, what is eaten for breakfast in one country or another, or how well one thought a political party might do in the next federal election, his interest was genuine and he remembered everything he learned.

Dave had an enduring optimism that extended from his ability to see the good in a person and a situation, to the belief that the next lottery scratch card was going to be the big winner. Despite the health challenges he faced in the last few months of his life, he was determined to remain positive, for himself and especially, for his family.

Family was everything to Dave. He was happiest when spending time with loved ones, eating, drinking, playing games and watching his beloved Blue Jays. He was always planning the next family gathering.

Everyone who knew and loved Dave will have personal stories to share about how he touched their lives, with the broad smile as you met, his joy playing with buddies on the tennis court, boating the waters of Lake Simcoe, his kindness, selflessness, generosity, goofy sense of humour, unending questions and his unconditional love.

He was greatly loved in return and will be dearly missed.