Obituary of Charles David Gould Hackett

CHARLES DAVID GOULD

HACKETT

May 26, 1937 – February 25, 2023

David died peacefully on February 25, 2023 at Belmont House, in Toronto, after struggling valiantly for many years with frontal lobe dementia.

David was born in Toronto, the son of William Thomas Gould Hackett and Alice Hackett. He graduated from Lower Canada College (LCC) in Montreal and then Bishop's University.  He is survived by his loving wife, Jean, his children, David (Cheryl) and Tori, and grandchildren, Sarah and Benjamin Hackett and Eliza and Nicholas Bower, and the family dog, Ginny.

David joined McLeod Young Weir right out of University and went on to have a 34-year career as a Director, overseeing areas as diverse as Bond Trading and Government Finance.  It was rare, even then, to have such a long career at one firm, but he maintained many of the relationships he built and fostered there, and is remembered for his bold leadership, sharp intelligence, and keen insight.  He enjoyed mentoring younger colleagues.  David and Jean travelled with their McLeod friends for decades, including many memorable fall weekends at Niagara-on-the-Lake for the Shaw festival.

David was introduced to Jean by friends during the summer of 1960.  From that initial meeting, they created a true partnership that lasted over the course of their 61-year marriage.  They shared a love for sports, a passion for travel, and an appreciation for family time and one another.  David once convinced Jean to drive down to New York City to see the US Open when it was still played on grass courts at the West Side Tennis Club in Flushing Meadows.  They turned that field trip into an annual event they enjoyed for over four decades.

David was an accomplished athlete.  He played tennis and basketball in high school and University, taught tennis as the head professional at Jasper Park Lodge, and picked up squash with enthusiasm when he moved to Toronto in 1969.  He was a fixture at The Badminton and Racquet Club, and his competitive career extended from singles to doubles.  When paddle tennis came on the scene in the 1980’s, David quickly and adeptly embraced this outdoor racquet sport.  From a young age, he was a Montreal Canadians super fan, attending games at the Montreal Forum and cheering on Henri “the Rocket” Richard, Guy Lafleur, and Jean Beliveau.  He was also natural at cards, playing bridge with Jean in tournaments all over Canada and the United States, and garnering multiple Master points along the way.  He shared his athletic and intellectual passions with his adored children and grandchildren.  In rousing family games of Hearts, he would inevitably “Shoot the Moon” as no one realized how or when he’d sneakily backed everyone else into a corner!

David loved spending summer time at the family cottage in Beaumaris, Muskoka and at their winter home in Naples, Florida.  He played tennis and golf at the Club Pelican Bay in the winter, at Beaumaris Yacht Club in the summer, and at the Toronto Golf Club and The Badminton and Racquet Club in the shoulder seasons. 

David will be remembered for his kindness, character, and unceasing devotion to his friends and family, who appreciated his loving vigilance and sound counsel.  His professional and personal legacies continue to be enduring and impactful. 

The family would like to thank Lorraine, June, Trina and the staff at Belmont House for their loving care of David.  A private family interment will take place in the spring.  In his memory, the family asks that you consider a donation to Belmont House - 55 Belmont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1R1 (https://www.belmonthouse.com).  Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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