Obituary - Creery, David, PEng, MEng

 Creery, David, PEng, MEng 

October 9, 1934 - May 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dave, devoted husband, father and grandfather on Friday May 15, 2026 in his 92nd year. Survived by Marcia (nee Marontate), his wife of 64 years, daughter Anne, son David (Lee-Anne), grandson Ashton (Hannah), brother-in-law Mike Marontate (Cathy) and nieces Jeri Powers, Lisa Gill, Sandra Lauder, Victoria Wegelin, Marie Kelen and nephew Matthew Marontate. Predeceased by his parents David and Alice Creery, sister Joan Overs and nephew Michael Marontate Jr. 

Born and raised in Sault Ste Marie, he developed his life-long love of the outdoors on the shores of Lake Superior. With a height of 6'7" Dave was an avid basketball player in high school and university. 

Upon graduation Dave joined his parents who had moved to Amherstburg; where he found employment over several years with Walt Ranta Enterprises, Giffels Engineering, Heinz, and Loaring Construction. 

In his spare time, Dave coached a boys’ basketball team; this is where he met the love of his life Marcia, a teacher who coached a girls’ basketball team. They were married on July 1, 1961 and began a life together filled with love, family, hard work, friendships, and fulfilling all their dreams. 

Dave completed his Master of Science in Civil Engineering at Wayne State University in 1968. His early professional work experiences led him to the conclusion that he should open his own business and thus began Creery Contracting Inc. Some of his early projects were the construction of the Amherstburg Medical Centre on Sandwich Street, Duffy's Motor Hotel, and the Pelee Island Lighthouse. 

Before Dave retired he found his next adventure to keep him busy. Buying land in the countryside, he and Marcia planned and built their forever home. From barren land to a final estate, they planted acres of oak, walnut, pine and a variety of other trees; and dug two ponds, with one stocked for fishing. They loved cutting the grass (he on his Kubota and she on her John Deere), watching wildlife and living a simple country life interspersed with international travel. 

Dave was private, principled and ethical. He taught his children the value of hard work and earning your place in the working world. He also had a dry sense of humour and you had to watch out for the finger poke, especially in church! He enjoyed sparking up a conversation with anyone and loved teasing kids. With his height, his children felt like they could see the world from his shoulders! 

Visitation will be held at Families First Funeral Home, 585 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 10:00 am, with a Memorial Service at 11:30 am. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Windsor Essex Humane Society, or plant a tree in Dave’s honour.