1936 – 2026
David Philip Alder went home to be with his Lord on Monday April 23, 2026, at age 90.
David was born Philip Milton Richmond to Charles and Kate Richmond on April 13, 1936, in Matsqui BC. At the time of his birth his mother passed away and he was raised by his maternal Aunt Phylis Violet Alder. He legally changed his name to honor his surrogate mother in 1953.
David married Carol in 1958. They met on a blind date and Dave proposed to her the same day. They built their life on a shared faith and the raising of their 5 children.
David has joined his parents and brothers, Frank, Ralph and Neil and his wife Carol. Carol passed away in 2019, and he has desperately missed her these last years. They were married for 60+ years. She was the love of his life.
David joined the Air Force in 1953. After that he was mostly self-employed until his retirement when he was 80.
David had deep convictions and loved to have long conversations with others about his belief in God. He made it his aim to integrate his faith in God into real life.
David is survived by his children, Philip Alder, Richard Alder (Laurie), Scott Alder, Margaret Visser (Gerrit) and Russel Alder. His Grandchildren, Bruce Dunphy, Matthew Alder (Allisha), Brian Hamilton (Cheyanna), Karl Alder, Terri Hamilton, and Sara Alder and many Great Grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Union Street Atlantic Baptist Church in St. Stephen NB at 2pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 . A second celebration will be held in Ontario at a later date.
“…but I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of day If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.