Profile

David was born in Klerksdorp, South Africa in 1955 to Rose and Victor Lurie. As a young man, he studied dentistry at Wits University, where he was introduced to his future wife, Lynne, with whom he shared an interest in musical theatre. Lynne was born in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in 1958. She studied drama and did freelance directing and stage management for children’s theatre. After finishing his studies, David served in the army for two years before opening a private practice in Johannesburg.

David and Lynne married in December 1979. For many years, the two considered emigrating, principally because the neighbourhood in which David practiced as a dentist was becoming increasingly dangerous. The family, which consisted of David and Lynne and three children—Danielle (born in 1982), Lisa (born in 1984), and Asher (born in 1987)—came to Canada in 1989. Their fourth child, Shira, was born in Canada in 1990.

Upon arriving, David completed his examinations for the National Dental Examining Board of Canada in 1989 and then joined the partnership at Uptowne Dental Centre and Amberwood Dental Centre. Lynne, who arrived two months after David in July 1989, began teaching at a drama school for children.

Having lived in Thornhill since they moved to Canada, David and Lynne downsized to a condo in midtown Toronto in 2015. David continues to pursue his love of running and Lynne is still involved in children’s musical theatre projects.