David "Dave" Derrick Neuman

My heart broke my heart to read of Dave's passing. I have recently reflected on his kindness with my wife. I had the distinct pleasure of having Dave as a reference, a colleague and a mentor all in one at Campbell. Daves guidance helped me become the person I am today. Dave's kindness and smile were only matched by the level of devotion to his work and to all students. I will always cherish his memory. With deepest sympathy, Patrick Earl

I am very sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. I never knew him very well as I was a year older and was better acquainted with Perry. I recall running into Dave a few years after high school and sharing a laugh about how he wound up back at Campbell Collegiate. Based on the beautiful tributes, Dave clearly had an amazing career and was a comfort and inspiration to many. So sad he is gone too soon. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Fran and family, Very sorry to hear the news that Dave has passed! Fran, I only met him once at you home in Ladysmith, but it was easy to see why you were so proud of him. He seemed quiet and unassuming, probably his modesty, yet my having done the same kind of job he did, I know what kind of person it takes to stay at it that many years. So glad to read above that he will be greatly missed and was very appreciated! He has touch so many lives and made them better, perhaps remembering this will help ease some of the sense of loss you must be feeling. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Lauriew

Dave was Loved by so many!!!! Rest In Peace “little buddy” (that’s what he’d call Mitch who was a student) that’s what I’ll remember always

My deepest condolences to the bereaved family... I am very fortunate to be one of the recipient of Mr. Neuman's amazing love and care during our time at Campbell Collegiate Alternate Education in the early 2000s. He used to take us out, did bunch of stuff with us, folded my wheelchair up when we had our Bell Ringers, assisted me swimming, assisted me going to the bus and a lot more. He made us laugh and he was always there to help us with everything. Definitely, Mr. Neuman made my whole Campbell Collegiate Alternate Education memorable. I will miss him and I will never forget him. It was a pleasure meeting such a beautiful soul in this lifetime...

What I remember most about Dave is his devotion to kids in the FIAP program here at Campbell Collegiate. They really responded to his gentle demeanour and knew he cared deeply for them. He was there to lend a hand and would use his carpentry skills each year to help with the set and props for the musical and Yes You Can Theatre. He was someone to emulate and will be greatly missed. I am glad to have worked with him. My sympathies to his family.

When our family received the news of Dave’s passing, our hearts were broken. When Dave decided to retire last year, our two Campbell Grad daughters and my wife and I, 12 year Campbell teachers, took a trip down memory lane and in so doing sent a note to Dave encapsulating our respect, love and appreciation. There were so many wonderful moments we each celebrated involving Dave, all representative of his beautiful spirit, his compassion, his humility and his constant care. Our first recollections concerned Dave’s involvement each year with the Campbell Musical Theatre’s class presentation of a Broadway Musical in early December. The musicals included fabulous sets and Dave would be the major builder/volunteering after school and on weekends. The product was always a pro job. He would always say the reason for committing so much time and effort, “It’s for the kids.” The same he said about working on the “Yes You Can” Theatre productions in May. This musical involved the Special Needs students and was directed by main stream grade 11 and 12 students who would ask for the moon and Dave would deliver. He was such a great model of service for everyone. Our Special Needs students took responsibility for the extensive recycle program and mail delivery; when Dave was in charge he would encourage the student or students he was guiding to present in a personal yet business like manner. The encouragement and warmth that he modeled was on display by the workers he was guiding. That side of Dave we so appreciated but what was incomparably special was his connection to the Special Needs students. Every student who had a connection to “Mr. Neuman” felt valued and cared for in that relationship. Dave made our Special Needs kids feel SPECIAL because of the loving attention he gave them, and that made their time at Campbell joyful. He always went the extra mile to make them feel special. This included taking one of our students to participate in local Pow-wows, and staying late into the evening to ensure that a student could participate in after school rehearsals. This was Dave… Dave was always “there” always “available”; he was a friend and guardian, he was caretaker and protector, he was a wonderful colleague. He was in the perfect place for some 30 years and countless students and countless staff are richer for having had the benefit of this gentle, grace filled, humble and caring soul. We mourn the loss of this beautiful soul who cared for so many. We will never forget him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of the many students and staff that he impacted! In Loving Memory, Russ, Deidre, Elizabeth and Alexandra

Dave, you were one of my Angels on earth being one of my daughter Roz's favourite assistants at Campbell Collegiate. You had such a fun spirit and truly cared for our kids like no other. Rest in peace Dave and I hope you continue enjoying endless days with Roz and other students who had gone to Heaven before to welcome you Home.

Fran, Mike, Perry and Lisa - so sorry for the passing of Dave. I read about it in the LP obits and was shocked. We often ran into each other with school related activities and enjoyed our chats. I hope you all find strength to overcome as a family. Mike, please reach out to me when you are able, we have catching up. Sandy and I send our sincerest sympathies to all and your family members.

David, though I never had the opportunity to meet you; I feel I know you well from all the wonderful things that your mother has said about you. Fran loved you dearly and is so proud of all that you have done to make this world a better and brighter place. My condolences to your mom, brothers, sister and family. May their precious memories them comfort at this sad time.

My deepest condolences to Dave's family. My family was deeply touched by Dave both personally and professionally. Dave's quiet manner and dedication to the students will be greatly missed. My Son was mentored by Dave and he became a very special person to him. Lots of great stories were shared about his time working with him. Dave was a very caring, kind and quiet man with a great sense of humor. I am honored to have worked with him at Campbell. Thank you for the memories, the laughter and your quiet spirit Dave. You will be missed but never forgotten. We will keep your memories alive at Campbell as reminisce our great times we had.

My thoughts and Prayers go out to Dave's Family and friends. I was shocked to hear of his passing and began to recall working at Campbell together. He was great with the kids , often stopping in my room with them to see the Christmas decorations; or working together on the sets for the different plays and musicals. He was talented. A good man.

Dave was a positive influence for many students over the decades and his loss will be felt by students and staff alike. I will miss Dave’s willingness to help, calm nature, and quiet humour. My sincere condolences to Dave’s family and friends.

Dave will be missed by so many of us at Campbell Collegiate. I miss my daily visits with him over lunch hour. Our Campbell family sends our love and support to his family and gladly honor his memories with our students!

My condolences to Dave’s family and friends. Dave was a very special person! He will forever be missed by me. Rest In Peace my beautiful friend. Sue

I worked with Dave at Campbell as an EA. We had a lot of fun and Dave was a great guy. We were close to the same age and shared the same sense of humour, that sometimes, other people didn’t get. Did our jobs, but had fun and some laughs! Rest easy my friend.

Dear Fran and Family, In times like these we are bonded by the love we share for this beautiful soul that Dave so openly shared with his students. I will be glad to assist here in Ladysmith. I tell Bill “hi” often as I pass by his beautiful resting place. Dave is no doubt being comforted by him now. Peace to all of you, Judith

My deepest heart felt condolences my dearest Fran and family. David was a remarkable man, it takes a special person to work with special needs children and his lifelong dedication and love for his profession will shine in your memories and the hearts of those he worked with forever. May our higher power guide you throw these tough times and my prayers are with you all. Love Myrna

My heart aches for you my friend and your family for the loss of your brother Dave and I know it won’t be easy over the next little while but he is at peace now. Love and remember the good times you shared. I am again so sorry for your loss. Jan

My deepest condolences to David's family and friends. Sorry Lisa of the loss of your brother!!! So sad.

Goodbye my brother you will be missed I love you with all my heart !I know you have joined Dad and I will miss you forever !Rest In Peace till we meet again much love Lisa .