Red Cross mourns the loss of David Pardoe
It was with great sadness that Red Cross staff and volunteers learned the news that long-time staff member David Pardoe passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 12, while at his cottage.
David began his long and varied career with Red Cross in September of 1973. Over the years, David worked in almost all program areas. He started with the Society in Toronto and then later moved to Vancouver to work with the British Columbia and Yukon Division, supporting the Red Cross Youth program.
In 1987 David moved to Ottawa to join National Office in Community Services, moving later to the International Department where he was a major participant in educating Canadians about the work of Red Cross around the world. Ten years ago, he was instrumental in Canadian Red Cross participation in the campaign to end landmines.
Most recently, in support of Disaster Management, David was engaged in a vulnerability and capacity building project which is working to increase capacity of the voluntary sector when disasters strike in Canada.
“David was a founder of humanitarian issues for the Red Cross in Canada,” says Leslie Dunning, General Manager of Western Zone and long-time friend of David, his wife Nancy and son Will. “He was the author of dozens of publications and was truly an educator.”
Don Shropshire, friend and colleague of David for many years, adds that David was a mentor to many people in the Society, sharing his knowledge both formally in workshops, and informally as a co-worker.
David will be missed by all who had the pleasure to work with him.
In David's memory the "David Pardoe Humanitarian Education Fund" has been established at the Canadian Red Cross. The purpose of the fund will be for the education of youth in Canada regarding humanitarian issues around the world. This was David's life's work and it is a way to carry on his legacy. Contributions to this fund may be made in the form of a lump sum or as an annual pledge to the Canadian Red Cross directed to the "David Pardoe Humanitarian Education Fund".
