In Celebration of
David William Court
January 12, 1950 - November 19, 2025
David William Court, 75, of Etobicoke, Ontario, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, surrounded by the family he adored. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Sharon (née Mirka), his sons Sean (Amber Pleasance) and Adam (Katie McWhirter), his beloved grandchildren Elliot, Emily, and James, and his sister Nancy Plews (Chuck). He is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Mary (née Ironside) Court.
Born and raised in Hamilton, David grew up on the West Mountain and attended Westmount Secondary School. He spent summers at the family cottage in Muskoka, creating memories he treasured and a tradition he continued with his own children. A bright and curious student, he went on to study Geography and Urban Planning at McMaster University, eventually completing a Master’s degree in the field at York University. His career in Real Estate and Development took him across the country and back to Ontario, where he spent a long and fulfilling career building lasting friendships and a reputation for hard work, integrity, and quiet expertise. For the last 22 years, he worked with Ahern Real Estate Corporation, where he was deeply respected and made a meaningful impact on colleagues and clients alike.
David met Sharon at a McMaster University dance when he was 20 – the beginning of a partnership that would last more than five decades. Together, they built a life centred around raising their boys, sharing family traditions, and tackling the everyday projects and routines that became the rhythm of their home.
David took deep pride in his sons, guiding them through life’s many milestones. He coached their countless sports teams, volunteered as a Beaver leader, and spent years commuting weekly from his job in Montreal—travelling home just to make their games before turning around and flying back. He played a key role in the Etobicoke Basketball Association, helping it grow and evolve at a time when it needed strong leadership. Even as his sons became adults, he continued showing up to watch their rec basketball and hockey games, often as the lone spectator—and an occasional recipient of technical fouls for disputing calls a little too passionately. David also played a special role in the lives of many of his sons’ friends, starting first with his “third son” How-Yune Chong, who he was so very proud of.
He loved becoming a Grandpa, and cherished his special relationship with Emily and Elliot, never hesitating to volunteer for their field trips, sports games, and participating in the annual summer ‘Grandmarama’ week with Sharon. He always jumped at the opportunity to take James to the park, or to play with him on the floor or in the backyard. Nothing made him happier than being part of his grandchildren’s world.
David had a quiet sense of style that was a part of his charm. His carefully matched vest and hat were something of a recent signature, a small reflection of the care he put into everything. At home, he loved working in the yard, tinkering with small fixes (not all of them successful), snacking on black licorice or popcorn, and reading anything related to history. He enjoyed long walks, took pride in a well-curated scotch collection, loved attending Robbie Burns dinners, and was always happy to share a tasting with friends and family.
At his core, David made people feel supported, heard, and encouraged. He had a calm, steady presence and a way of reminding those he loved to follow the things that brought them joy. One of his most repeated pieces of advice to his family remains the simplest and truest: “Do whatever makes you happy.”
We are deeply grateful to the doctors and nurses at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital, whose exceptional care, kindness, and compassion brought comfort to David and our family in his final days.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at The Old Mill on Monday, December 1, from 1–4 p.m. (21 Old Mill Rd, Toronto, ON M8X 1G5, Three Flags Entrance). A private family interment will take place in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, David wished for donations to be made to the SickKids Hospital Foundation in memory of his nephew Ian Plews.
Born and raised in Hamilton, David grew up on the West Mountain and attended Westmount Secondary School. He spent summers at the family cottage in Muskoka, creating memories he treasured and a tradition he continued with his own children. A bright and curious student, he went on to study Geography and Urban Planning at McMaster University, eventually completing a Master’s degree in the field at York University. His career in Real Estate and Development took him across the country and back to Ontario, where he spent a long and fulfilling career building lasting friendships and a reputation for hard work, integrity, and quiet expertise. For the last 22 years, he worked with Ahern Real Estate Corporation, where he was deeply respected and made a meaningful impact on colleagues and clients alike.
David met Sharon at a McMaster University dance when he was 20 – the beginning of a partnership that would last more than five decades. Together, they built a life centred around raising their boys, sharing family traditions, and tackling the everyday projects and routines that became the rhythm of their home.
David took deep pride in his sons, guiding them through life’s many milestones. He coached their countless sports teams, volunteered as a Beaver leader, and spent years commuting weekly from his job in Montreal—travelling home just to make their games before turning around and flying back. He played a key role in the Etobicoke Basketball Association, helping it grow and evolve at a time when it needed strong leadership. Even as his sons became adults, he continued showing up to watch their rec basketball and hockey games, often as the lone spectator—and an occasional recipient of technical fouls for disputing calls a little too passionately. David also played a special role in the lives of many of his sons’ friends, starting first with his “third son” How-Yune Chong, who he was so very proud of.
He loved becoming a Grandpa, and cherished his special relationship with Emily and Elliot, never hesitating to volunteer for their field trips, sports games, and participating in the annual summer ‘Grandmarama’ week with Sharon. He always jumped at the opportunity to take James to the park, or to play with him on the floor or in the backyard. Nothing made him happier than being part of his grandchildren’s world.
David had a quiet sense of style that was a part of his charm. His carefully matched vest and hat were something of a recent signature, a small reflection of the care he put into everything. At home, he loved working in the yard, tinkering with small fixes (not all of them successful), snacking on black licorice or popcorn, and reading anything related to history. He enjoyed long walks, took pride in a well-curated scotch collection, loved attending Robbie Burns dinners, and was always happy to share a tasting with friends and family.
At his core, David made people feel supported, heard, and encouraged. He had a calm, steady presence and a way of reminding those he loved to follow the things that brought them joy. One of his most repeated pieces of advice to his family remains the simplest and truest: “Do whatever makes you happy.”
We are deeply grateful to the doctors and nurses at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital, whose exceptional care, kindness, and compassion brought comfort to David and our family in his final days.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at The Old Mill on Monday, December 1, from 1–4 p.m. (21 Old Mill Rd, Toronto, ON M8X 1G5, Three Flags Entrance). A private family interment will take place in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, David wished for donations to be made to the SickKids Hospital Foundation in memory of his nephew Ian Plews.
