Dave Westfall
Every evening when Miriam and I enjoy a
glass of wine together, we raise a toast to someone who has left us smiling
that day, or has inspired us, or has achieved success in fields of endeavour
important to us, or has improved our community, or in one way or another has
made a difference to our day.
It
occurred to me a few evenings ago that we toast Dave Westfall more often than
anyone else.
Let me
tell you about Dave.
Dave
has dealt with cerebral palsy all his life. As he remarked to me just
yesterday, “You deal with what you are given” – and so he has. I only got to
know Dave last year, and it is my loss for not having known him earlier – for
few finer men exist. I can truthfully say that I have never encountered Dave in
a down moment; he is always supremely cheerful and full of vigour.
Dave
has led a productive life, until fairly recently working full time in the
family insurance business in Kitchener. Along the way he has directed a youth
camp, travelled in the Far East, designed the beautiful house (and extensive
gardens) at SpruceHaven which he shares with sister Sandy, and her husband
Jamie, and has contributed in countless ways to the betterment of all who know
him, and has been generous philanthropically.
He considers himself privileged to have
served as President of the Insurance Brokers of Waterloo Region and as
Congregational Chairman for Kitchener’s Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He
is a recipient of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA’s Meritorious Service Award and
Canada’s Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Where
Dave and I most closely align is as advocates for the environment. He is
committed to the preservation and restoration of habitat for wild creatures –
fellow travellers on this precious planet that serves as home for all of us. It
has been my good fortune that Dave values my lifelong interest in and knowledge
of birds and their world, and has entrusted to me the enhancement of their
habitat and the initiation of scientific surveys such as bird banding, which
even in this day of technological wizardry still contributes volumes of
important data to biologists trying to reverse the catastrophic declines in
avian populations. The best is yet to come!
As Dave
gets older his mobility and flexibility decline somewhat, as it does indeed for
all of us, but his sheer enjoyment when I tell him about species I have
discovered on his property, is no less ebullient and sincere than if he could
get out and observe them for himself. I cherish my licence to wander
SpruceHaven at will, but I cherish no less the pure joy in seeing Dave’s
enthusiastic reaction to the news I have for him about recent sightings, or
suggestions that I have for new projects. I am not so sure that giving good
news to Dave is not the best thing of all.
In
life, if you are lucky, you meet people who make a difference, people who leave
their mark on you, people who attach themselves to your psyche, people who
tattoo their imprint on your brain. For me, Dave Westfall is such a person. I can
state unabashedly that I am filled with admiration and respect (dare I say
love?) for this truly decent human being, a person who in the nine months or so
that I have known him, has contributed so much to me.
I
salute you Dave. Thanks for the privilege
I'll raise a glass to Dave later tonight too!
ReplyDeleteGreat post to honour such a man as Dave.
ReplyDeleteIt was a real pleasure to read it and discover his personality through your feelings.
And yes, love is a word to behold dearly for it is the cement of our earthly experience :)
Take good care, and warm hugs to share with Miriam
Impressive story, it's good to have such a positive man in your live.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Tinie
A great story, lovely man.
ReplyDeleteCheers Dave you sound an amazing man. We all take health for granted until we realise there are people who manage so well with disabilities be they great or small! Glad to hear you enjoy life and long may you continue to do so. Diane
ReplyDeleteHi David, I intend to raise a glass to this fine man myself this evening, what a friend you have made in a man who deals with disability in such a way. All the best to you Dave and good luck for the future.
ReplyDeleteRegards John
Sounds like a great guy!
ReplyDeleteThat is a distinct understatement.
DeleteBeautifully written.
ReplyDeleteWe meet people for a reason, sometimes that reason isn't known for a very long time.
Good luck to Dave.
Thank you, David for sharing about Dave and what a great man he is. We all need such man or person in our life to be a role model to us.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteThis is really great that you give a post to Dave commemorating him. When I read how he dealt with his paralysis, he has been a very postief man who brought joy to many people.
I will soon have to work but when I get home late from work tonight I'll take a glass and drink it in honor of Dave.
You know David, you yourself also about someone who is always cheerful and brings joy to many people.
Kind regards, Helma
You are so Lucky to have such a great friend David. Everybody should meet such wonderful people and the world would be a better place. And I agree with Helma, that you are Always positive and cheerful, it is a privalidge to know you.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Regards,
Roos
I really do love the custom you and Miriam have with your happy hour toast. And your good friend David is worthy of being thus honored. .thank you for sharing his inspiring story. You are lucky to have him in your life ... And I know he would say the same about you ... A true friendship.
ReplyDeleteDearest David,
ReplyDeleteYes, it is above all the upbeat and positivity that radiates off such a person. Like Dave, we too have met people all over the world, like an ex polio sufferer in Australia who had to walk on crutches but he was hard to keep pace with. Or another ex polio sufferer in Indonesia who accomplished such great things for others! On and on and it only makes us feel guilty if we 'dare' to complain on a rainy day or when we're a bit under the weather.
But meeting such people has a special purpose and it sure leaves a lasting imprint in our hearts!
We're all blessed for encountering such great role models, true heroes of this world that make the very best of what is given to them!
Hugs and happy birding,
Mariette
This was so beautifully written, and wonderful to read, I'm pleased you shared this very special man's story with us.
ReplyDeleteI too raise a glass to him.
All the best Jan
You write beautifully about Dave. I don't know him, but it sounds he is a very special man. He now has a admirer in Finland <3.
ReplyDeleteLovely post and tribute to your friend Dave! Have a happy day and week ahead.
ReplyDeleteDavid sounds like an exceptional and terrific human being. After reading your glowing account of this wonderful man, I salute him also. Thank you for introducing us to him and he now has an admirer in Virginia :)
ReplyDeleteOH gee David, many thanks for your comment about my sparrowhawk!
ReplyDeleteI can't understand the stupidity of many people to feel "sorry" for a prey when they themselves feed on animals or PLANTS! Yes, they too are alive!!!
For heaven's sake, this is how this planet functions!!!!
Take good care huge hugs to share with lady Miriam :)