I first connected with Dana about five years ago when I was writing a blog post on student voting in elections. It was during the 2011 federal election, and I wanted to speak with someone at Elections Canada who could comment. When I phoned it was difficult to get put in touch with anyone, unless you were a reporter, so I told the gatekeeper I was writing a story for the Dalhousie Gazette. Once I did that, they put me through to Dana. I asked him the questions I had prepared, he answered with surprising candour, insight, and eagerness to have a conversation with me. After the “interview” was over, we had a good conversation about our shared interest in getting youth more engaged in politics.


A couple of years later (2013) he approached me to work on a project on the same topic I had interviewed him about two years previous. He didn’t know it at the time, but the invitation came at a time when - despite having plenty on my plate - I desperately needed paid work. There are a few times in my life when I look back and wonder, what would have happened to me if this opportunity, or that one never appeared? This is one of the big ones, perhaps small in the grand scheme of things, but critical for me at the time. I’m grateful that Dana reached out to me.


Since then, I’ve called Dana often to ask his advice. Usually, I’d call with one or two questions about elections in mind, I’d ask them, and then inevitably, I’d think of more questions as he started to talk. He tried to coach me out of the habit of saying “Ok, I have one more question…” (because it was never true) by replying: “There’s no quota on questions, you know!”


I spoke with him just two weeks ago about a project I was working on. Same Dana as always: ever helpful, and happy to be so. His enthusiasm for good, lively conversation was clear to anyone who had the opportunity to be in one with him. That’s what I’ll remember.


Nancy, Sam, Gen and Ali - you have been in my thoughts ever since I heard the news. I’ve never met Sam, Gen or Ali, but he was always talking about them, and I could tell he was very proud. I’m very sorry for your loss, and hope you’ll find some comfort in knowing the lives Dana touched while he was here.

It brings me great sadness to say goodbye to Dana so soon, and without warning. When I reflect on the intersection of our lives, I feel blessed to have shared some of my time on Earth with him.

I first met Dana when I was somewhere between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. And from that time on, he was a source of fun and great support. He often challenged my mind with riddles and word games. He was quick to lend a hand with any request I had, such as picking me up from the airport as a family surprise, dissecting my resume, or being MC at my wedding. He shared stories of his life with me when I was in university and choosing which paths to follow. I was surprised to hear that he was a naval officer (like I became). We even shared stories from the same naval reserve division in Hamilton, ON...where, he sheepishly recounted, that once, while navigating a ship, he came in too fast and took out part of the jetty. Despite that amusing error, he apparently attained the rank of lieutenant commander, which is quite an accomplishment.

Having started my own young family, Dana was always thoughtful with his gifts for my children. I wish I could keep my boys in that beautiful sweater forever, but it is outgrown, and I will save it to pass down. One of the books he gave has recently become a family favorite, and now I am reminded of him each time I read it.

Family is the greatest gift. And, I am especially grateful that Dana and Nancy provided me with 3 beautiful cousins. Though I live far away, I think of Sam, Gen and Ali often and am filled with pride watching them grow (from the first moment I held Sam in my arms...to having the girls chase after my sons). My stories can never replace the void left by their father to guide them through these stages of their lives, but I hope it will help them to understand the sort of man he was to me in those times.

Love Meghan