David Alan Belsey

November 28, 1945 – June 30, 2024 David Alan Belsey, a devoted pastor, educator, and mentor, passed away on June 30, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario, at the age of 78 due to complications from chronic lung disease. Born on November 28, 1945, in Midland, Ontario, David spent his life dedicated to his faith, family, and community. David spent his early years in Midland, where he developed a love for carpentry under the guidance of his father. He displayed his athletic prowess early on, winning a high jump competition in Grade 8 and securing the Jr Track and Field Cup in Grades 9 and 10. Between Grades 10 and 11, David embraced his Christian faith, a decision that shaped the course of his life. His commitment was solidified with his baptism in Grade 11, an event he fondly recalled as marking the experience of his first miracle. His life in ministry was launched with the preaching of his first sermon at the age of 19. He pursued a Bachelor of Theology degree from Canadian Bible College in Regina, Saskatchewan, graduating in 1968. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Pamela Dolce (nee Klemke), with whom he shared 55 good years. Together, they raised three daughters, Susan, Maryruth, and Heather, each finding success and happiness in their relationships and career paths. Continuing his academic pursuits, David graduated Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 1972 and later earned a Master's of Theology from the University of Toronto in 1976. His dedication to learning culminated in completing his second dissertation in fulfillment of a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Fuller Seminary in 1998. David's career was marked by significant contributions to various Christian ministries and educational institutions. David served as a pastor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Hamilton, Ontario, and Edmonton, Alberta, mentoring many young people and encouraging over 17 to enter ministry. He established "The Inside Story" Christian Books and Music Store in Edmonton in 1976, and started the first small group in Canada while at Millbourne Alliance Church around 1978. David’s legacy of Christian leadership continued as he became an Associate Pastor at Beulah Alliance Church and oversaw the construction of their new facility on 178th street. He later took on roles as Vice President at Canadian Bible College / Canadian Theological Seminary in Regina, Saskatchewan, and Director of Advancement at Rocky Mountain College. He also served as a member of the Board of Canadian Council of Christian Charities. At the culmination of his influential career, he shared his expertise as a faith-based fundraising consultant helping dozens of churches, camps, and schools expand their work. David's thoughtful and playful life included encouraging his daughters to stretch their minds and experience new things, passing on his wisdom, taking his family on adventures across Europe, Canada, and the US, embarking on many travel excursions with Pam and their friends, playing golf, puttering with various projects like bee keeping, and sharing his goofy sense of humour and passion for learning. He was a true “Jack of all trades,” taking pleasure in repairs and builds–evident in constructing an energy-efficient home outside Stony Plain, contributing to renovations in his daughters’ homes, and building a butcherblock countertop for Heather. He also dabbled in technology and writing stories about his ancestors. David's faith was his anchor, embodied in his favorite scripture, Isaiah 44:8 : "Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!" His life was a reflection of his belief in the strength and steadfastness of God, whom he served diligently throughout his life. David is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Dolce Belsey (nee Klemke), his three daughters—Susan Deering (and her husband Wayne Deering and their three sons, Bryn, Luke, and Joshua), Maryruth Elizabeth Belsey Priebe (and her husband Jeffrey Priebe), and Heather Rae Belsey (and her partner, Carl Funk)—as well as his siblings Laurie Belsey (and his wife Annalise Belsey and their three children and grandchildren) and Lois Belsey. David’s dedication to faith, family, and community left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, leaving behind a heritage of faith, love, and service. The Celebration of David’s life will take place on July 25, 2024 at 1:30 pm Eastern Time in person at First Alliance Church (3250 Finch Ave E, Toronto, ON M1W 2Y1) and will be webcast for those unable to come in person https://youtube.com/live/MveaRn6rPEw . In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in David’s name to Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/) or The Salvation Army (https://salvationarmy.ca/donations/).