Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a man I was lucky enough to get to know over the last 10 years. David Barnett of my riding of Vancouver Quadra passed away on February 5 at the age of 53, after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Dave was executive vice-president of the Dayhu Group of Companies, working alongside his brother Jonathan to build on their family's 70-year legacy in real estate.
However, what I will remember him for and what he may be best remembered for is founding the Music Heals Charitable Foundation with his wife Sara Ferguson. Together, they helped fund music therapy programs across British Columbia and Canada with over $5 million.
David's life was far too short, but his impact was undoubtedly profound. He was known for his kindness, his generosity and his warmth.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife Sara; their children Asher, Cassidy and Zoe; and his parents Shirley and Peter. May his memory be for a blessing.