Tribute

David Maxwell Horn

March 14, 1939 – March 9, 2025

It is with great love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Maxwell Horn on March 9, 2025, in Abbotsford, BC, at the age of 85.

David was born on March 14, 1939, in Mission, BC, to Marmaduke and Alice Horn. The youngest of four children, he was predeceased by his brothers Murray and Gordon and is survived by his brother, Norman.

David was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jackie Horn, and sons Paul (Tracy) and Patrick, stepson Dan, and daughter Pamela (Gord). He was predeceased by his son, Peter. 

David’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Chelsea, Brenton, Tierra, Lauren, and David, as well as his great-grandchildren, who brought him much joy. David’s extended family was dear to him.  It included the Shaw children whom he helped to raise; the entire Manzer family tree; and his long-lost Sunderland family, with whom he reconnected in 2010.

David’s life was deeply rooted in Silverdale, where he spent nearly all of his years in the home where he was raised. The only exception was a decade spent working as a carpenter in the Yukon before moving to New Westminster to begin his long and accomplished career as a tugboat captain. For 42 years, David worked for Rivtow Straits, navigating the Fraser River, Pitt Lake, Harrison Lake, and the coastal waters between Vancouver Island and Squamish.

Before his years on the water, David started his working life in the family logging business, running chokers in the Mission Tree Farm. He took great pride in his family’s deep ties to the lumber industry and often spoke fondly of that time. Later, he combined his skills as a carpenter, craftsman, and sawyer to create Allwood Custom Saw, a business he built from the ground up. For over 40 years, David milled, designed, and handcrafted fine furniture, flooring, and custom millwork. His work can be found in homes and businesses throughout Mission and even as far as Japan. Known for his ingenuity, he found great joy in solving complex problems, always creating unique solutions with his hands and mind.

David’s work ethic was unmatched, and even on his weeks off, he was always busy—whether restoring campers, working in his sawmill, gardening or improving his home. 

He helped countless young people get their start in the workforce. He held high standards, and those who worked for him carried those lessons throughout their lives.

Beyond his career, David was an avid outdoorsman. He cherished his hunting trips for moose in northern BC and pheasants in Alberta and Montana. He had a rare ability to make lifelong friends on these adventures, and many of those friendships endured through the years. He was also a dedicated member of the Mission and Ridgedale Rod and Gun Clubs, and he was honoured by the latter with a lifetime membership. Even when he could no longer shoot due to vision loss in one eye, he engineered a custom gun stock that allowed him to continue the sport he loved.

David was also a passionate sports fan. He followed junior hockey, cheering enthusiastically for the Vancouver Giants. He loved the CFL, first as a Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan before “coming to his senses” and joining Jackie in supporting the BC Lions. In time, he also became a dedicated Toronto Blue Jays fan, thanks again to Jackie’s love of the team.

David had a particularly deep love for animals, particularly his dogs and cats. He spent much of his life raising English Springer Spaniels, initially as bird-hunting dogs but, as the years went on, more as spoiled companions. He had a soft heart for stray cats, patiently earning their trust and turning them into affectionate pets. He even created Paw Hill, a dedicated resting place on his property for his beloved animals.

David had a sharp mind and a love for debate—especially when it came to politics. He was well-known in the community, and a simple grocery store trip often turned into a social event. In fact, it became a long-standing joke that no matter how remote the hunting trip, he would inevitably run into someone he knew.

David passed peacefully after a long decline in health following multiple strokes. He wished for his ashes to be scattered alongside his companions at Paw Hill, where his spirit will forever rest among the land and creatures he loved so dearly.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

David Maxwell Horn was a man of strength, skill, and deep loyalty—to his work, his family, and his community. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, and character, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.