David Cartwright Cayley Obituary

On Wednesday, June the 10th at home in Toronto in his 81st year, son of the late Edward Cayley and Margaret Noble, brother of Susan Ladipo and Jane Foulds, step-brother of Frank and the late Eric Stephenson, father of Rachael (Mitch), Kate (Lea), Luke (Melinda) and Daniel (Francesca), divorced husband of the late Mary Breen (mother of Rachael), husband of Jutta Mason (mother of Kate, Luke and Daniel), grandfather of Jacob, Eli, Livia, Tom, Danny, Kane and Alexandra.

He was born in Toronto in 1946, and educated at Trinity College School and Holderness School, where his father taught, before attending Harvard University. He then spent two years in Malaysia teaching with CUSO. After moving back and forth between Toronto and Vancouver, he settled in Toronto’s west end, where he lived until his death. He worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in both Vancouver and Toronto until his retirement in 2012. His career was mostly spent with the documentary program Ideas on CBC Radio where he produced and broadcast many series on a wide variety of topics including philosophy, science, education and religion. He also wrote eight books on topics ranging from prisons to the CBC.

He had a nearly life-long friendship with the philosopher Ivan Illich, who was the subject of several of David’s radio series and three of his books. He was a loving husband and collaborator with Jutta, a kind father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a lively companion. David approached many things in his life with a cheerful optimism, including his support for the Jays and the Leafs. One of his great joys was playing music with friends, as he was doing at the moment of his death.

The funeral will be held at the chapel of St. James the Less, 635 Parliament St. (inside the gates of St. James Cemetery) at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice.