Editor: I am writing this letter to acknowledge the great loss the City of Langley has had with Dave Hall passing away just a few months ago.
I can't say that I was a close friend of Dave's but we did share two passions: one as teachers, and two as passionate believers in parks, recreation, and culture for residents of all ages and economic status.
I taught school in Delta, and Dave taught school in Surrey.
When Dave became a school trustee and later on the school board chair, I asked him what it was like being a teacher and school trustee.
He just chuckled and said, "it was easier being a trustee.”
And that was Dave, he had a great sense of humour, and a real passion for teaching and moulding the students who crossed his path into being better community citizens. We also shared stories about getting time off our teaching jobs to participate in duties at the elected level. Needless to say, it was never easy getting that time off, but we always chuckled about getting the bureaucratic forms filled out.
The last Parks Recreation and Culture joint Langley City/Langley Township) meeting that Dave and I participated in was just a couple of years ago, we agreed to disagree on some things and believe it or not agreed on other things. Dave chaired the meeting and I asked some of the questions. It was a real hoot; I think we solved every recreation problem in the entire Metro region. Everything was on the table: more sports fields, the proposed Cultural/Performing Arts centre, bike trails (a passion of Dave's), recreation resources, and other issues related to sports and leisure services for the residents of the Langleys.
At the end of the meeting, Dave said, "Well we should meet more regularly," everyone agreed and I said that I'll chair the next meeting. We all just laughed and Dave chuckled again and agreed.
Although I never sat in Langley City chambers with Dave, I do know that he worked extremely hard on behalf of the residents of Langley City and always spoke his mind in an open and independent manner.
Dave will surely be missed at the Langley City table.
I understand that there will be a celebration of Life for Dave Hall on Saturday March 5 at 2 p.m., at the new Timm's Community Centre (next to the Langley City Library)
I know that Dave was very proud of this new Centre and he will be looking down on those using the facility with a little chuckle.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to David's family and friends. He will be missed.
Steve Ferguson and family
Fernridge