DAVE WHITE
June 22, 1966—February 24, 2001

On February 24, 2001, Dave White lost his life in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in the Purcell Mountains, northwest of Invermere.

As Reverend Michael Rice said on March 1, 2001, as he looked out over the gathering of 350 people crowded into Christ Church Trinity to remember Dave,

"Wow!"

So many people, from so many different parts of the community gathered to pay their respects to Dave and his family. Forest Service people, forest industry people, ranchers, loggers, paddlers, skiers, mountain bikers, hockey players, musicians and friends. What an eclectic mix, to pay tribute to a true Renaissance Man.

Dave was born in Vancouver and shortly after, his family moved to Montreal for seven years. After several more moves, the family settled in Maple Ridge where Dave grew up and honed his passion for hockey. He graduated from UBC in forestry and soon found himself in Invermere where his Forest Service career began in 1990, in the district’s silviculture program.

It soon became apparent that Dave was exceptional. His intelligence, wit and enthusiasm were all reflected in his work and in those around him.

Six years ago, Dave was presented with the challenge to make ecological sense out of the Rocky Mountain Trench between Golden, B.C. and the U.S. boundary. In his customary manner, Dave embraced this challenge with professionalism and a young man’s passion.

He formulated a vision of how the forests of the Trench should be managed, and plotted a course to make that vision a reality. He saw the Trench taking a trip 70 years back in time, through a process of timber harvesting and the use of prescribed fire. The vision was so well-founded and biologically sound that soon it became everyone’s goal. Given the polarization that often surrounds environmental issues, it’s a tribute to Dave that everyone—those in the lumber industry, ranchers, wildlife enthusiasts, environmentalists and many others—supported his vision.

Unfortunately Dave won’t be here to see his vision fulfilled, but his legacy will carry on as we continue his work.

Cherish the moment. Farewell Dave. We’ll try to remember your example by embracing what’s truly important in life.

As Dave’s brother Scott said in his eulogy,

How quickly "is" becomes "was"
and "have" turns into "had."

Written by staff at the Invermere Forest District.