David Aves

It is with profound sadness that the family of David James Aves announce his passing on Sunday, December 10^th, 2023.

David leaves behind his much loved and loving wife Helena (nee Kolkowski). They shared a true love story and had a wonderful life together that endured for over 50 years.

He was predeceased by his parents Jim and Lucy Aves.

David will be deeply missed by his nephew Andre Kolkowski, his wife Cathi and their children Zak and Corina along with his devoted long-time friends Jack and Wendy Brown and their boys Adam and Trevor. He will also be lovingly remembered by all the members of his extended family, past students and many friends.

David was a true “people person”. He enjoyed meeting new people and was always truly interested in the views of others. He loved to dig into a good, and often lengthy, discussion especially over his go-to beverage of choice, a cup of tea. David enjoyed exploring the ins and outs of different opinions and was famous for extending that exploration by asking “why?”

He was a graduate of York University where he majored in Environmental Studies. David had many fond memories of working both at the YMCA and Volkswagen earlier on, but found his true calling when he began his teaching career at Georgian College where he taught Automotive Marketing for 26 years. As a college Professor Dave’s passion for cars was surpassed only by his dedication to his students, who affectionately called him, Uncle Dave. He made it his mission to provide students with a fantastic range of experiences related to the automotive industry. He single-handedly developed a speaker series to enhance student appreciation for all the aspects of the industry he loved so well by bringing in a broad spectrum of personalities from all facets of that industry – from presidents of car companies, to after market personnel, government regulators, and many others who broadened the educational base of the Canadian Automotive Marketing students. “Uncle Dave” made it a point to assist any students experiencing challenges and always made time for a chat and a cup of tea to listen to those who needed the wisdom and caring that he so readily and freely dispatched.

Dave took great interest in helping students develop not only academically but physically as well. He was instrumental in bringing varsity rugby to Georgian College and in his capacity as Coach and Manager took students not only to other venues in Ontario but into the U.S. as well. Dave had many hilarious stories of the team’s escapades, both on and off the field.

He touched many lives in a positive and uplifting way. He and Helena’s home was always open to any student who wanted to stop in and chat and the phone in his home office often rang with calls from his students, both past and present, who were seeking his advice or simply wanting to catch-up.

David was an avid reader and a true animal lover. He and Helena’s many pets over the years were always well loved and treated as important members of their family.

 A naturally warm and loving person David had a very big heart, a fabulous laugh and he was one of the world’s all-time best huggers. His family will be holding a Celebration of Life for David at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ontario SPCA (or the charity of your choice) in David’s memory would be greatly appreciated by the family.