Tribute to David Wink

David Wink (1979-2010) was a PhD candidate in political philosophy at Carleton University, a senior policy analyst at the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and a pillar of our young adult community at St. Joseph’s Parish. David passed away on Sunday, May 16th, 2010. Those who attended university mass over the past several years undoubtedly remember how active David was in our community. He frequently served as Eucharistic minister, gave reflections and played a key role in developing our young adult program. When David first started attending university mass six years ago, less than a dozen students gathered each Sunday evening in a circle around the altar. During the last academic year, our challenge was no longer how to fill the seats near the front, but to make room at the front of the church for the more than 60 students and young adults attending mass each Sunday evening.  University mass changed significantly over the years and David witnessed this transformation first-hand.

During the summer months, many of us from university mass attended morning service at St. Joseph’s and went for brunch at the Royal Oak just down the street. This, along with pub nights following university mass during the year, served as an opportunity to engage David in many of the topics he felt most passionate about: politics, public policy, social justice and how all of these tie into our faith.    

David’s funeral was held on May 21, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Church and we created a collage of photos in his memory. David is deeply missed by his family, by his fiancee, Doaa Mohie, by his friends and community here at St. Joe’s. We are planning a special program for September 21, 2010, David’s birthday, in tribute.