David Armour’s United Way Centraide (UWC) roots began in 1986 at United Way Greater Toronto as Areawide Director, leading large regional campaigns across five UWCs. In 1988, he served as Executive Director at United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, and in 1993 became President and CEO of United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) where he served until 2002. 

David had a vision for the UWC Movement; an unwavering belief that working collectively and collaboratively was key to strengthening our Movement locally, provincially, regionally, and nationally. His vision included the value to be found in focused models for continuous learning, sharing, and development within and across the country. David believed that achieving excellence in these attributes would innovate and create the future we desired.  

An early adopter of the On-site process (a methodology for organizational analysis and development), he participated and led many On-sites throughout his career. Under David’s leadership there were new opportunities for UWC staff and volunteers to gather and exchange information and ideas. Among his accomplishments, David established a regional model where leaders from across the country were recruited to the national office bringing diverse local understanding and relationships.  He also put in place the first membership agreement between UWCC and local UWCs, and the development of shared vision and directions.   

David launched Strategic Alignment, a significant Movement-wide engagement resulting in a unanimous vote to adopt the first ever mission statement, aspirations and values, and six priority areas for investment and development.   

Future oriented, David saw the ever-expanding role of technology and its importance for UWCs in Canada and around the world. In 2000 David was seconded to United Way of America (now United Way Worldwide) as Executive in Charge, Internet Strategies Initiative.  During the first ten months at this role, he led the rapid early expansion of the $3.2 billion brand and business processes onto the internet.  

David received the Canada 125 Honorary Medal for Community Service, Queens Jubilee Medal in Recognition of Community Service, and United Way International Outstanding Staff Professional Award.  

Reflections from past UWCC staff and volunteers who worked alongside David are stories of a passionate progressive innovator, thoughtful mentor, kind and supportive to all, with a talent for injecting humour when it was needed.  

We are grateful for David’s many contributions and dedicated years of service. We send our deepest sympathies to his friends and family, and invite you to view his obituary, here. 

Author:
Kim Lockhart
Former National Director
United Way Centraide Canada