Former North Cowichan councillor and school trustee David Haywood passed away today (October 7, 2026).
“On behalf of North Cowichan, I want to offer my condolences to the friends and family of David Haywood, who sadly passed away earlier today,” Mayor Rob Douglas said. “David was deeply dedicated to our community, having served at both the municipal and school board levels. He was a strong supporter of recreational development and expanding opportunities for recreation in our community. Over the years, David also served as a mentor to new councillors and was always willing to share his knowledge, experience, and wise advice. His dedication to our community will be remembered, and he will be greatly missed.”
David was first elected to North Cowichan Council in 1999 and served 11 years as a councillor (1999-2002 and 2004 – 2011). Before municipal politics, David served 10 years as a school board trustee for School District 65 (1969 to 1978), two of those years he served as board chair. While on council he served on numerous committees, boards, and commissions and supported improvements to the Evans ball fields, the move of the Cowichan Exhibition to its current location, the creation of the Cowichan Sportsplex, and the purchase of the Duncan Curling Club.
David was honoured with Freedom of the Municipality in 2023, in recognition of his significant contributions to the community.
Flags at North Cowichan facilities have been lowered to half-mast in David’s honour.