Obituary of David Ernest Wells

David Ernest Wells was born in 1939 in Montreal to Ernest and Dorothy Wells. His early life was highlighted by summers spent with his younger sister, Wendy, in Calgary where they enjoyed ranch life with cousins and cherished time with his grandfather, David Black.

David excelled academically, particularly in mathematics. His original dream of becoming an Air Force pilot was halted by a diagnosis of colourblindness, leading him instead to pursue a science degree at Mount Allison University with an interest in journalism. Ultimately, his strong background in science led him to focus his graduate work in nuclear physics at the University of British Columbia where he met his future wife, Solveig, at a party in 1963. The next day, the two set off on an impromptu road trip to Mount Baker. This spontaneous journey convinced Solveig that David would be her lifelong travel partner and within a year they were married.

David and Solveig began their family and professional life together in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where David took his first position in what would become a lifelong career in surveying engineering. While he earned his doctorate from the University of New Brunswick, their family grew with the birth of their first child, Corey, in 1968, followed by their daughter, Tara, in 1970, and their second son, Trevor, in 1982.

By the time of Trevor’s birth, David had become a professor at the University of New Brunswick, where he helped develop a robust core curriculum for global positioning and ocean mapping. His work led to the creation of the internationally recognized Guide to GPS Positioning, launching a parallel career that involved training professionals around the world at conferences and courses.

In 1998, David’s position at UNB transitioned to emeritus, giving him the freedom to consult. This led to a role at the University of Southern Mississippi where he collaborated with the U.S. Navy to train students in advanced navigational techniques. During this final career phase, which lasted nearly 18 years, David and Solveig enjoyed their golden winters on the Gulf Coast.

The tragic passing of Solveig in 2013 marked a profound turning point in David’s life, prompting him to gradually wind down his professional career and to pursue service roles to improve patient outcomes on national and provincial healthcare committees.

After losing Solveig, David found joy in annual Christmas visits out west to spend time with his sister Wendy, and son Corey, daughter-in-law Gillian, and his beloved grandchildren, Caleb and Abby. Accompanied by Trevor, David continued pursuing his lifelong passion for skiing, creating treasured memories with family.

David was defined by an insatiable curiosity and a deep commitment to learning, traits grounded by Solveig’s common sense and practicality. Together, they shared a love for music, art, and culture, a creative work ethic that they instilled in their children, building a strong, mutually supportive partnership.

With his impressive intellect and extraordinary recall for detail, David had a natural ability to relate information. Teaching and mentoring others was his gift and he approached all knowledge with both rigour and openness. He valued debate and encouraged a spirit of curiosity and optimism, always seeking truth while respecting the inherent shades of grey in life.

He also had a fine sense of humour, often retelling events with ironic twists or oddities that delighted those around him.

In recent years, David tried to live as independently as possible in the family home with the support of his son, Trevor. However, following a series of health issues, he passed away at Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB, on 22 November.

David Wells will be remembered for his curiosity, resilience, and generosity, and ability to ski at 80 years of age. He will be missed deeply by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transition House: https://www.womenintransitionhouse.ca/with-donations