(Written by Anne Taylor) Whenever I think of Dave – which is quite often – I cannot help but smile and then, lately,  it is quickly followed by a sense of deep loss.  When I first learned that Dave had died, I was shocked and truly struggled to believe it could possibly be so!  This must be some kind of terrible mistake of identity!!  Yes, I went through all the stages of loss ( and still do) – anger – bargaining –“ please God don’t make it be true” – inevitably a deep sense of loss...then I think about what he would tell me if he were here...and I am quickly back to smiling.  Dave Fortin was a strong presence – gift I would say – in my life.

I feel his presence – it was especially strong in Yellowknife, when we went as a team to deliver the Reconciliation – where the turtle was born.  It was wonderful to share his memory with others – to be reminded of all the smiles and laughter his name and memory brings forward – so quickly!  We had his picture on the altar throughout the Reconciliation and those...

For those who are interested, Dave's obituary can be found at this link.

In January 2011, we learned that one of our first trainers, Dave Fortin, has passed away in August 2010. While Dave had moved on to other things in his life, we always held him close to our hearts, and were shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.