Jan. 27, 2020

In Memoriam: David Andre Santiago

Faculty of Science
David Andre Santiago

David Santiago

It is with great sadness that the University of Calgary community mourns the loss of David Andre Santiago.

David was born on January 29, 1998, in Brunei while his parents were Filipino foreign workers there. They immigrated to Canada two weeks before he turned three years old. As a child, he was known for his remarkable brightness, kindness and joy – and as he grew up, he continued to bring light into the lives of everyone around him.

In middle school, David shaved his head to raise money for kids with cancer, became a class president, and was an official school photographer and DJ.

David excelled in everything he put his hands to. He was extremely good at sketch drawings. His acrylic on canvas painting has been displayed at the Fluor Gallery, and his photographs have been featured in magazines and used by a soda company. He was engaged to take photographs in fashion shows and for a high-end car showroom. He was also passionate about rock climbing, bouldering, sumo deadlift, Muay Thai kickboxing, hiking and summiting mountain peaks. He was a jack-of-all trades and master of all.

In university, David developed a passion for the field of chemistry, and was working toward the completion of his Bachelor of Science in chemistry.

David will forever be remembered with love by his parents, brother Kevin, friends, relatives and many within his university community.

The world became a better place with David’s light and love.

In honour of David, the Canadian flag on the University of Calgary’s main campus will be lowered to half-mast on Jan. 27.

David’s obituary, as well as a place to leave condolences and share your memories of David, can be found here.