David Canby, age 76, of Wilmington Delaware, died on August 30, 2021 surrounded by family. Born and raised in Wilmington, he attended the Tatnall School and graduated from the University of Maryland. He attended the Defense Language Institute and served in Army Intelligence overseas and later at home. He handled regional sales for a mid-Atlantic floral wholesaler and later in life worked for Longwood Gardens, where he developed new friendships over the years.
An avid fisherman in his younger years, David was also, as described by his cousin, a fanatical supporter of the Washington Football Team.
In his fifties, he went back to school to earn an additional degree — in social work and counseling — to buttress his work with those subject to addictions. David was active in both Trinity Church and Alcoholics Anonymous, both of which gave his life significant meaning and purpose. He was also quite proud of his family legacies, in both the Bushes and Canbys and their roles in local history.
He is survived by his sisters, Anne Canby (Page Nelson) and Alicia Smith, both of Wilmington, along with a loving group of cousins and a loyal circle of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in David’s memory to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 N. Adams St, Wilmington, DE 19801-1327 or to Limen Recovery & Wellness, P.O. Box 1306, Wilmington, DE 19899.
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