Eight Bells: David Yule

David Yule, a significant contributor to Canadian sailing, has died.

A member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (Toronto, Ca), David was President of Sail Canada (known as the Canadian Yachting Association) in 1978 and 1979. His involvement in the sport also includes being part of the Canada One America’s Cup challenge and Toronto’s first bid for the Olympic Games.

“On behalf of the Sail Canada community, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of David Yule,” said Kate MacLennan, Chair of Sail Canada’s Board of Directors. “Sailing was one of David’s numerous volunteer involvements, and we wish to thank him for everything that he did for our sport.”

Born in Invercargill, New Zealand, he loved to explore and found his way from the Arctic to the Antarctic, across Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. He was an avid sailor while also enjoying skiing, curling, and giving back. He tirelessly dedicated much of his time to volunteering, channeling his energy and expertise into everything he touched.

He and his wife Joan met in Algonquin Park (Ontario, Ca) and shared a deep love of family and the outdoors, splitting summers between their fishing cabin at Key Harbour (built in the remote northern wilds of Georgian Bay by David and his buddies when he was only 18 years old) and their cottage at Canoe Lake. They instilled this appreciation for the north in their children, Karen and Bruce (Lynn).

After success at UCC and the University of Toronto (Trinity College), David enjoyed a rewarding career at Clarkson Gordon/Ernst & Young. He then continued on as a valued board director, family advisor, arbitrator and much sought after professional expert witness throughout the rest of his life.

He was appreciated as someone who was reserved in voicing his opinions but carefully listened to when he did. He always managed to find ways to be part of the solution to any challenge faced by those around him.

David was predeceased by his parents Dr. Owen and Margaret Yule and his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan (Ridpath). Along with his children, he leaves behind four treasured grandsons – Finn, AJ, Colin and Evan to follow his example as well as his sister Lesley (Bill Rogan). In lieu of flowers, donations can be submitted to Sail Canada (https://www.sailing.ca/donate) or the Georgian Bay Land Trust (https://www.gblt/donate-now) in support of things he held dear.