(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...