David Roy Snelling
September 14, 1937– February 4, 2026
Born on the southern coast of England in 1937, Dave earned a Chemistry PhD at age 24.
He came to Canada in 1962 to study with John Polanyi at the University of Toronto. The work developing chemical lasers, was recognized when Polanyi was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1986.
He joined the Defence Research Board in 1966 and in 1971 became leader of a chemical laser group responsible for developing several types of lasers for which he held patents.
In 1978 he transferred from the Defence Research Establishment in Val Cartier to Ottawa, moving to Ramsay Township where he lived the remainder of his days.
In 1986 he joined the National Research Council where he worked on laser techniques for measuring gas properties in combustion. His research was used in civil aviation gas turbine engines and instruments to measure emissions for environmental monitoring.
Dave was a recognized world leader in the development of laser-based diagnostic techniques for combustion research. He represented Canadian science on the international stage, maintaining contacts and serving as a representative with the International Energy Agency.
In 1992 he was promoted into the Principal Research Officer category, the highest category for an NRC research officer. He received the Research Discovery Award in 2006 from NRC’s Institute for Chemical Process and Environmental Technology.
His work is acclaimed by public, private and university sectors, both nationally and internationally. He was an author on hundreds of scientific papers that have thousands of citations.
He is survived by his children Marc (Treena), and Sarah (Merouan), and his brother Richard (Margaret). He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years Suzanne J Drybread, his sister Catherine ‘Tina’ (Graham), and parents Lily and Roy ‘Joe’.
He lived a life shaped by work, thought, and persistence, and his passing marks the close of a long chapter for those connected to him, both personally and professionally. His life and career will be remembered by those who knew him and worked alongside him.
Arrangements Entrusted Into The Care Of
C.R. Gamble Funeral Home and Chapel Inc.
127 Church St. Almonte, ON. 613-256-3313
Condolences & Tributes: www.crgamble.com
