David Thornton McNab

David Thornton McNab passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on May 30, 2026, at the age of 78, in Toronto. Born on October 28, 1947, in Kitchener, Ontario, David was a humble, kind, patient man, and a wonderful storyteller. He was a loving husband to Ute Lischke for 56 years, and a devoted father to his sons Jeffrey (Lisa) and Paul-Emile and grandfather to Max. He will be dearly missed by his brothers Alan (Renate) and Cameron (Linda) and sisters Heather and Laurie (Shilling), nieces, nephews, and many friends. David was predeceased by his parents John and Kathryn McNab. David lived in diverse places while studying for his MA at McMaster University and his PhD at Lancaster University, UK. He taught at Memorial University, Grenfell College in Corner Brook, Nfd before settling in Toronto where he worked with the Native Affairs Directorate, MNR. He also collaborated with various First Nations, including the Walpole Island First Nation, on Land Claims, then taught at various universities across Canada, including York University until his retirement in 2021. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2017. A devoted scholar, he was the author of many books on Indigenous issues in Canada. A celebration of life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Canadian Council of Indigenous Business, Aboriginal Legal Services, or the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, or plant a native tree in his memory.