My heart breaks to learn of Mr. Cormack’s passing. My deepest sympathies to his family.

I had the great privilege to be among many of the students he profoundly impacted at Central Memorial High School in his final years of teaching. Mr. Cormack had the ability to make anyone he met feel like they had value and that they could take on any tasks put before them.

During my grade 12 year I was in a serious car accident that left me worried I would not be able to continue my role as Celia in our spring production of As You Like it. Mr. Cormack visited me in the hospital, assuring me the part would still be there for me, even arranging script readings during my six week absence from school and insisting I could do the role with crutches if a had to (luckily my cast came off just a couple weeks before the first show).

I was honoured to be among a small group of students asked to speak at his retirement send off in ‘93. I didn’t realize it at the time, but his unwavering positive energy and excitement for all he did helped shape who I wanted to be in life. It is thanks to him I became a teacher and have been teaching for 26 years.

He and I kept in touch for several years after high school; I would often see some of the productions he put on at St. Peter’s. Even then when I’d see him (and he was wildly busy getting things done) he took the time to chat and say hello.

I will forever remember his stories of the many jobs he had in his life and how he made us laugh and his passion for everything he did. But more than anything I will remember him always having a smile on his face, energy in his steps and time to make anyone who crossed his path feel like they could make the world a better place.

The world is a better place because of you, Mr. Cormack

I would like to be able to send my thoughts and condolences to Mr. Cormack’s family. Mr. Cormack was my drama teacher all through high school 1990-1993, and some of my happiest high school memories are being in his class. He led my teams through productions of HMS pinafore, Shakespeare’s as you like it, our town and various and sundry little reviews we would do as a drama group. Not only did I do drama with him. He was part of the performance art group and he was just the most fun teacher. I have pictures at my graduation with me and him in an amazing bright red plaid suit. He was so funky. I remember trying out for a production and I didn’t get the role and I was so brokenhearted that he made me his assistant stage manager and allowed me to weasel myself onto stage as a background character in the final scene knowing how much I loved it. He didn’t hold back in giving me notes and telling me I had to not be quite so squeaky when I was up on the stage and one of my fondest and funniest memories of him, which I still laugh about is telling me I was behaving like a bimbo, and when I clarified for him what a bimbo meant to me… he clarified for me that he didn’t see it is “that kind of girl at all” but rather somebody who was slightly airheaded. It was probably true, and it still strikes me so funny that he thought this ought to make me feel better. He was straight to the point and so well loved by as all

We send our love and condolences to all of David's extended family. We both consider ourselves so blessed to have known Dave. Judy and her family were friends with his entire family as neighbours in Kingsland. James knew Dave through participating in St. Peter's Players, including the very first production (!) and again many years later, as the Assistant Priest at St. Peter's.

David was an important friend to us and we were honoured that Dave and Jo shared the role of Master of Ceremonies at our wedding in 1990.

After we moved to Olds, and then to Lethbridge, we lost regular contact with Dave. But his kindness and talent and the way he served others continues to inspire us.

All blessings and comfort to Dave's family and all who mourn. May David rest in peace and rise in glory!

James and Judy Robinson

I was introduced to “Mr. Cormack” and the Buskins by Alan Robertson. I worked as crew on several Buskin’s productions. I saw Jo and David’s first Pantomime, played a footman in the second, and worked the set crew on their third. I chose Western as my high school to take Drama with Betty Mitchell, who, shortly after that, retired to be replaced by Mr. Cormack—such luck; the two best drama teachers in the school system. In my senior year, we did “You Can’t Take It with You,” directed by Mr. Cormack. I worked set design and construction. I have many memories from my Buskin and Western years, particularly riding back and forth from the Jubilee to the Cottage, his pickup truck, overloaded with pantomime scenery and props. My condolences to the family. We all were fortunate to have lived and learned with and from him.

I send my sincere condolences to the Cormack family. I think of all the lives that Mr. C. touched over the years. So many people's lives, and futures, were brightened by his mentorship, teaching, and either participating in, or experiencing the many plays he was part of. His illustrious career brought beauty, laughter, hope, and kindness to the world. May your loving memories bring peace, love, and smiles to all who were fortunate to know him.

Dear Lesley, Bill and Robin: I"m your old "Uncle" Ken from the past. I met David Cormack and JosephIne Pilcher in Edmonton during the Provincial Drama Festival. I was there with Workshop 14 and the U of A Drama Club were assisting us. After they married and moved to Calgary I became friends with them and spent many happy times at their home in Kingsland. Over the years David helped me move my home many times until 1961 when I came into my present abode. When Jo and David started The Buskins I was there and when Jo started doing the Christmas Pantomimes she starred me in all three of them. The Cormacks spent many happy hours in my back garden. I lost track of David when my Christmas Cards were returned and I had no contact with the family. I hope his final times were peaceful. Jo, David and I were all of an age and I am now liiving independently at 96 years of age .

Kenneth A. Patton - 927-15th Ave. S.W. Calgary, Alta - T2R 0S2 Phone 403 244 2485

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr Cormack's family. I took drama class from him at Western Canada High School for 2 years. As many have said he was a very kind teacher. He was so knowledgeable, a man who inspired his students. His class was important to me even though I never tried out for a play or to work backstage. At a difficult time Mr Cormack talked with me, mostly listened, and I felt heard. He touched many lives. His life was a blessing.

I knew "Mr. C." through my 3 years in his television class at Central Memorial, 77-80. I built sets with him for plays in the AV club. I always looked up to him and admired him, and he inspired me to take the television class at SAIT and pursue a career in television and AV. Thanks Mr. C... you were a wonderful and talented man!

Rev Gerry & Shirley Skeet

November 10, 2024

I first met the Cormacks many years ago. The Buskins were producing "Mr. Roberts" and I produced the progam for that show. We became friends when both families became involved with St. Peter's Anglican church. A n original member of St. Peter's Players, I had the delightful experience of working on stage with Dave.He was so unbelievably talented. As an amateur in theatre, I learned so very much from Dave (and Jo).My most favourite memory is working with him in the production of "Wizard of OZ" I was fortunate to be asked to be the "Tin Man" working along side Brian Anderson as "Scarecrow" and Dave as the "Cowardly Lion" It still brings a smile to my face when I recall the fantastic perfoormance of Dave Cormack. I was convinced that whoever or whatever role Dave took on, he would make it real. When ever Dave was not on stage, he could be found erecting the addition to the stage, on top of a very tall laddder adjusting the lights or building or painting sets. Dave not only spent time with S.P.P., he could always be found working around the church,or selling firewood at the Fall Fair .He was truly a remarkable human being. It was truly a pleasure to know him and be a friend.Our sincere condolences to Lesley, Bill, Robin and all of his family.

Dave, God's richest blessings on you and all of your family Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and llet light perpetual shine upon hm. Rev. Gerry and Shirley Skeet

Got to know Mr. Cormack through my friendship with his son, Bill. A very kind and gentle man, he will be missed. Hopefully the memories of the good times together sustain the family through this difficult time.

Such a dear, wonderful human and treasured colleague. Always so positive and abundantly supportive with his endless energy and creative solutions on all things technical. What a legacy !

I remember a lovelycwarm tolerant teacher.i was in his class in 1965

Oh my! The Heavens above will be welcoming an amazing creative and gentile soul!! I was privileged to be taught by Mr. Cormack in Central Memorial High School! He played a major part in creating some of the happiest years of my teen years attending High School! He was perennially happy and silly- keeping things light for us insecure adolescents in the school’s stage productions. I am sure his family will miss him greatly. Not to be too schmaltzy, but thanks for the memories Mr. Cormack!!!!! I hold a warm space in my heart for my high school years because of you!!

Dear Lesley, Robin and Bill and families,

I am sorry to read the notice of your Dad's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathy. He (and your Mom) contributed so much to the education of students in the theatre arts and for our community at large. I have a grand-daughter who is currently at Central and is passionate about the performing arts opportunity there so students are still benefiting from the work that your Dad did there! Those kids even went on a "field trip" to New York City's theatre scene last year so I wonder if your Dad inspired that kind of awesome experience!

I do hope that you all find great comfort in all of your memories of family times. I also hope that you find comfort in your faith in God's Easter Promise and that you think of your Mom and Dad promoting heavenly productions!!

Many blessings.. Caritas! Fran Cormack

I worked with Dave at Central Memorial for six years. He was an amazing teacher, colleague and friend. I don’t think he ever said “no” to a request by anyone. He was incredibly intelligent, talented, energetic and fun. I have thought about him often over the years. I feel confident that he and Jo are up there organizing the best Christmas play … and managing to include everyone who wants to participate!

Vicki Brown

It was my pleasure to be a colleague of Dave’s.

He did amazing things as a drama teacher and accomplishments in community theatre.

He was a kind, humble man and will be missed.

Marilyn Potts

My husband I were saddened to read of Mr. Cormack's passing recently. I myself will always remember Mr. Cormack as a Wonderful Teacher, who taught me at Western Canada High School back many decades ago. I always looked forward to his classes and he was so good with all of his Students, including me. I wished I had a few more teachers like Mr. Cormack was. Back a few years ago, my husband and I bumped into Mr. Cormack at the Saint Peter's Anglican Church. He was busy as a beaver around the Church, helping out and he still had a great attitude like he did, many years ago- it was so nice to see him again. We are extending our Condolences to His Family at this time.

Charlotte & Ray Kenney

I was so sorry to hear of David's passing. He was so important to theatre in Calgary and so many budding thespians, techies and directors. I was one of those. I learned so much from David and will remember his strong belief in the importance of theatre, and laughter. He was quite a man and mentor. My condolences.

Gail Whiteford

Mr. Cormack was my drama teacher when I was in grade 10 at Western Canada High in 1965/66. He was one of the kindest men I knew. I was very recently thinking of him and remembering the experience I had in drama class. I was very shy and very much an introvert and a year or more younger than all of the other of my classmates. My sincere and kind regards and condolences to the Cormack family. Chris McGregor

Dave Cormack changed my life. He put me in a play with St. Peter's Players, (SPP), as a lead character when I was in post partum depression and my husband was severly hurt, and he, quite simply, changed my life. I will forever adore this man. Forever and forever. He befriended me and taught me how to direct and then I was in plays and directing them, too. I went through so much but SPP saw me through it all. Truly, I loved him. I was blessed to know him. God bless you all. - Cathy Hiscocks