Dave Hall was a man of strong conviction, an oftentimes larger-than-life presence at the City Council table and prior to that, at Langley School Board meetings.
A husband and father of two, Hall lost his battle against cancer in January, and late Sunday morning was honoured at the conclusion of the annual TRI-IT Triathlon, a community event the longtime fitness enthusiast had been involved with for many years.
Fellow City Council members along with Mayor Ted Schaffer paid tribute to their late colleague as they unveiled a plaque in front of a memorial tree in his honour.
The plaque and tree will have a permanent place at the northwest corner of Al Anderson Pool.
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Hall’s dedication to Langley City – a place he called home for more than three decades – was unquestioned.
He served on City council for the past seven years, including working on numerous committees before resigning in late November 2015.
Hall was also a Langley School District trustee for nine years, including a term as board chair.
He also serving 20 years on the City’s Advisory Planning Committee and 17 on the City Park, Recreation and Environment Committee.
With Hall’s best friend Dave Rife and family including wife Ellen, son Andrew, and son-in-law Darnell Smith (Hall’s daughter, Ellen Smith, was unable to attend due to illness) looking on, Schaffer spoke about his colleague.
Schaffer said it was a “bittersweet moment,” to be together once again to remember Hall.
“It’s been almost six months, now, since his passing and I personally still think of him often,” Schaffer said. “We as a council and among staff still share fond memories and chuckles over some of his finest moments. He was a kind and caring man, and since his passing I’ve really gained more insight into how many lives he touched.”
Schaffer added that while Hall loved to challenge his fellow Council members and some of the staff, “we do miss him.”
To Hall’s family, Schaffer said, “I know that the pain of your loss still runs deep. I know you still miss Dave every single day. I want to tell you this will get easier with time, and maybe it will. I just remind you to hold on to those beautiful memories of a dedicated family man who loved you so much.”
The mayor ended with a quote from an unknown author: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
