After a beautiful life lived, David James Pike passed on to Heaven peacefully on the evening of June 21st, 2026.
David was born on July 8th, 1951 to James and Hazel Pike. He grew up in Fredericton and later moved to Saint John, New Brunswick then to Lower Millstream, New Brunswick in 2020. He spent lots of recreational time at their family’s cottage at Miramichi Lake.
David spent his entire career as an accountant and CFO working in Saint John and Alberta. After his retirement due to a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) in 2010, he worked diligently to recover. In 2016, he started taking on accounting clients again. David was there for anything his clients needed 24 hours a day and they appreciated his fine work and diligence.
He spent time as a coach of the Saint John Dodgers baseball team in the 1980s and 1990s. One night, on a dark highway near Bathurst, New Brunswick, David learned that the ‘E’ on the gas tank gauge did not mean ‘Enough’ leading to a prolonged trip where the other van they were traveling with had to set out in search of gas. He coached Cheryl’s team when she played basketball. He also got a great laugh when Pauline ended up coaching Skyler’s hockey team for a year-and-a-half, playfully purchasing her the book, ‘Hockey Coaching for Dummies’.
A lifelong Toronto Maple Leaf fan and with Skyler and Cheryl’s family being die hard Montreal Canadiens fans, it made it interesting for David and he took much ribbing about cheering for the Leafs, though he did have a kindred spirit in his sister, Kathy.
Together, David and Pauline raised two children, Skyler and Cheryl. Skyler was a goalie for many years while Cheryl chose basketball. Annual vacations were fun-filled times, always with new adventures. They especially enjoyed their trek every August to buy school clothes in North Conway, New Hampshire. While visiting Newfoundland, they went horseback riding and discovered a light house next to a huge field of wild strawberries where all of their fingers were red from enjoying the sweet delight. Going to the Saint John Flames games was always an enjoyed time together.
Pauline loved to find ways to give the kids fits of giggles at the expense of their father. Once, after getting groceries with the kids, Pauline found where David had parked his vehicle while Christmas shopping in McAllister Place mall and moved it a couple of rows over. That gig was up when the kids couldn’t contain their laughter at the dinner table when Pauline asked David if he had had any issue finding the car at the mall (they, of course, watched from a safe distance – loving the confusion on their Dad’s face). Other times, Pauline would hide in the closest just as David was coming home while the kids peeked on from the stairs. David would always give a ‘whoop’ followed by some choice words when Pauline would jump from the closet just as he reached to hang up his coat.
Skyler chose being a chef as his career path and just received his first Michelin Star while working as head chef at Mirabelle by Ørjan Johannessen in Bekkjarvik, Norway. Cheryl, along with her husband, Matt, became physical education teachers. His two grandsons, Cameron and Patrick, are accomplished in both hockey and baseball. David went to their games in person and also watched on the TV when they were streamed live. He was proud of all of their accomplishments.
Skyler was home for two weeks in May and they got to spend time together as a family – memories that will be cherished by all of them.
David’s last six-and-a-half weeks were challenging after a shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 Liver cancer that had spread to his bones. This was complicated by his severe Osteoarthritis. Through the truly appreciated help from incredible caregivers, nurses, doctors, family and friends, David was able to remain at home until his last day – which was his wish – duly fulfilled. Both David and Pauline credited the dedication of those amazing people who gave him the best quality of life possible and they could not have asked for anything more.
David is survived by his wife of 28 years, Pauline Milner, son, Skyler Milner (Kajsa), Norway, daughter, Cheryl Throop (Matt), Darling’s Island, New Brunswick and grandsons, Cameron and Patrick Throop along with his beloved dog, Casey. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Turner (the late Don Turner) and sister-in-law, Debbie Pike (the late Rod Pike). In addition, an extended network of other family members and friends will mourn his passing.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Rod Pike and his brother-in-law, Don Turner.
Pauline and David had been working on a ‘Living Memorial’ before he passed away. Details will be posted online when they are finalized.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, N.B. David’s family would appreciate you posting your memories of David, especially ones that would bring a smile to their faces in a time of insurmountable grief. There will not be a service at this time and cremation has taken place.