DAVID MCNAUGHT KILGOUR

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DAVID MCNAUGHT KILGOUR

December 19, 1934 – February 22, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of David McNaught Kilgour. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ann; children David Ian, Eileen, Maureen (Richard), and Colin (Kathleen); grandchildren Graydon, Mitchell, Clare, Gillian, Callum, and Kyla; and family members and friends across the world. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Agnes, and his sister Myra Clost.

David was born in Parkhead, Glasgow. As a lad, he played football, was a boy scout, and delivered newspapers and bread in the mornings. At 16, he left school to get a job to help support his family, but his father marched him right back. After completing high school, he enrolled in a civil and structural engineering program and worked for British Railways upon graduation.

At work, he met Ann Torley. It was love at first sight and they have been inseparable since. They decided to immigrate to Canada, with David arriving in Winnipeg in 1957. Ann joined him in 1958, and they married at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Their relationship was one of utter devotion and love, exemplifying Burns’ “Till a’ the seas gang dry”. In recent years, David was a particularly devoted caregiver.

In 1958, he joined what is now Crosier, Kilgour and Partners, a leading engineering firm. Throughout his career, David worked on numerous iconic projects, including The Forks, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Winnipeg Arena expansion, and the Millennium Library. In fact, there are few buildings in downtown Winnipeg that did not involve him or his firm. As a leader, he had irreproachable ethical integrity, based on unwavering principles and the highest professional standards. David recently attended the firm’s 70th anniversary celebration, where younger engineers spoke of his impact and his status as a role model.

He spent many summers at his Jessica Lake cottage and travelled extensively across North America, Britain and Ireland, including camping trips with his children. David was an avid athlete and member of the Wildewood Club, where he curled, golfed, and played badminton and tennis. He recently won a pool tournament in his retirement community. He was also a dedicated supporter of the Jets, Bombers, and Glasgow Rangers.

David was a proud Scot who instilled a love of Scotland in his children and grandchildren. He made significant contributions to Winnipeg’s Scottish community through the St. Andrew’s Society, serving as President, and the Scottish Gentlemen’s Club. He supported these groups’ charitable work and the preservation of Scottish heritage in Manitoba. David loved celebrating Burns Night, Saint Andrew’s Day, and Hogmanay. He adored music and was always keen for a singalong, which always included his rousing rendition of “I Belong to Glasgow”.

David had many other passions. He was a meticulous genealogist and a shrewd bridge player. He was a community leader, serving as President of the Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg and on boards such as Winnipeg Phoenix FC and Camp Manitou.

As a father and grandfather, David was loving and wise. He was immensely proud of his family’s accomplishments. David cared deeply for his sister Myra Clost and her family, and was very close to Ann’s family, the Torleys. He also enjoyed spending time with the Cairns, Flatt, Goulet, and Wagner clans.

David had a remarkable intellect and an acerbic wit. He was a serious person – though he didn’t take himself too seriously, always with a twinkle in his eye. He was admired and respected by all, with a commanding presence achieved through quiet strength and geniality. David was immensely generous in his personal and professional relationships and cared deeply about his community. His strong will provided moral leadership to all who knew him.

David’s legacy is immeasurable. We celebrate his life and mourn his passing.

A service commemorating and celebrating David’s life will be held at Thomson in the Park, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, on Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m. Donations made in his memory can be directed to The Manitoba Camping Association Sunshine Fund.

DAVID MCNAUGHT KILGOUR

December 19, 1934 -

February 22, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of David McNaught Kilgour.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ann; children David Ian, Eileen (Barry), Maureen (Richard), and Colin (Kathleen); grandchildren Graydon, Mitchell, Clare, Gillian, Callum, and Kyla; and family members and friends across the world. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Agnes, and his dear sister Myra.

A service commemorating and celebrating David’s life will be held at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, on Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m.

A full obituary will be published Saturday, March 1.

Tributes: www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2025, Mar 01, 2025