Prominent Londoner and philanthropist Dave Tennant Sr. passes away

Prominent London philanthropist David Tennant has passed away at the age of 78. CTV’s Nick Paparella with the details.

Dave Tennant Jr. broke down as he tried to describe the impact the life of his father Dave Sr. has had on so many in the community.

“He was an extremely big personality, when he walked into a room his presence was immediately felt,” said Dave Jr.

Dave Tennant Sr. came to Canada from his native Scotland when he was 18 years old. He quickly joined the London Police Service as one of the city’s finest.

Not long after he arrived, he went undercover for the police and was part of a joint task force with the RCMP.

After he left policing, Dave Sr. became a builder and eventually started up what is today known as the Hampton Group.

“In the late 80s he got into house construction and then subdivision work, and eventually into developments,” his son explained.

He later got involved in politics serving as chief of staff for then minister of trade Tom Hockin during the Free Trade Agreement in the 90s.

He also got involved in the mayoral bit of Jack Burghardt.

When in his 60s, Dave Sr. began charitable work in Sudan, helping develop farmland.

“My dad always looked at politics as a way to give back to the country that he loved,” said Dave Jr. “With Sudan he saw a need there and wanted to help.”

As a young man he was a competitive swimmer and remained physically active until he passed away with his son saying, “When my dad took up jogging it wasn’t enough just to jog, he had to run marathons.”

Married to his wife Jennifer, they had two kids and was known as “papa” to seven grandchildren.

“Being a papa was probably his greatest job,” said Dave. Jr.

Visitation is being held on Wednesday at Westview Funeral Home with a funeral on Thursday morning at Byron United Church.

Dave Tennant Sr. was 78 years old.