February 14, 1942 - November 13, 2022
David was born on February 14, 1942 in Ottawa, Ontario to his loving parents, Charles Frederick Oldridge and Minnie Oldridge. After the war ended in 1946 the family moved to Vancouver where David spent most of his childhood and early teenage years. In 1958 they moved to a house in Richmond.
He is survived by his brothers Dennis Oldridge (Sue) of Mission BC and Martin Oldridge (Brenda) of Chilliwack BC and 5 nieces and nephews.
David was interested in radios and technology from a young age. This led to enrollment in a Radio Operator's course at Vancouver Vocational School qualifying him for a Federal Government course in radio and weather observation. He graduated at the top of his class and, after additional training in Ottawa, David began his career as a Radio Operator and meteorologist for the Ministry of Transportation. His early job placements included Kimberly, Williams Lake and Smithers. Later he worked at some very remote locations, including Alert on Ellesmere Island (The farthest northern point of land in Canada) and Sable Island 200 kilometres off the coast of Nova Scotia. He provided communication services and weather reports to ships and aircraft operating in these remote areas.
While his interest in radio led to his career, it was also a passion and hobby outside of his work life. He continued to operate Ham Radios during his retirement and he was an active member of the Chilliwack Amateur Radio Club. Through his hobby, he talked to and made friends with many people in the community and around the world.
David was also fond of animals, giving a home to several strays over the years.
Upon retirement, David purchased a mobile home on some rural land near Halifax Nova Scotia. In September 2003 Hurricane Juan destroyed his home. Following that, he moved back to BC, where he lived in an apartment in downtown Chilliwack until suffering a stroke in May 2022. Following the stroke, he moved to Jackman Manor in Aldergrove, where he received compassionate care.