LANE, David James DSC

August 23, 1963 to March 24, 2024

David Lane was a remarkable man. A renowned astronomer, he was also an incredibly kind, caring and generous man who brought energy, enthusiasm and expertise to everything he did. He was the guy ever ready to pitch in and help, regardless of what needed to be done; he was also deeply committed to making things better. Dave had a great sense of humour and a keen intellect. Friends and colleagues also appreciated his integrity and the honest and insightful perspective he brought to every conversation. For those qualities and many more, David was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.

Born in Iserlohn, Germany, Dave grew up in Hebbville, Nova Scotia. As the youngest of three boys, Dave had lots of ‘project’ time with his dad, during which everything from backyard observatories to canvas-covered kayaks were built, repaired, and used a lot. Time on the Lahave River, whether kayaking or canoeing was also part of the mix.

Dave attended NSCC’S predecessor school, the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology (NSIT), after high school, graduating from Electronic Engineering Technology (’83) and Computer Engineering Technology (’84). Dave’s early career years were spent at Seimac, where he honed his technical skills developing and deploying instrumentation systems for oceanography and meteorology. When the Astronomy and Physics Department at Saint Mary’s University was looking for a Science Technician and System Administrator in 1992, Dave seized the opportunity to turn his passion for astronomy into his life’s work. He also became the Director of the Burke-gaffney Observatory and built a prominent career in professional astronomy until his retirement in 2021.

When it came to Dave’s love of astronomy, there really was no separation between his personal and professional endeavours, or his impact. Captivated by the stars at a very early age, Dave never stopped learning and contributing. That included sharing his knowledge and insights with others, through astronomy outreach, and the innovations he brought to the field of astronomy. Although he had many ‘firsts’ in his life, Dave was always thrilled to hold the distinction, along with Paul Gray, of being the first and second Canadians to discover any supernovae (1995F, 2005B and 2005ea) from within Canada. He also had an asteroid named after him!

For more information about Dave’s astronomical achievements, impact, and awards, as well as his sailing pursuits, please see his online obituary at www.rawalker.ca

Dave shared his remarkable life journey for close to 25 years with his loving wife, Michelle by his side. Their strong partnership, founded as it was in love, friendship and deep mutual respect, was evident to all. Just as importantly, Dave and Michelle supported each other’s interests and pursuits. They were always there for each other, whether sharing life’s inevitable challenges, savouring adventures and special moments with friends and each other, or celebrating their individual and collective accomplishments. Their love and partnership were never more evident than in the past nine months after Dave was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

Determined to make the most of a bad situation, Dave and Michelle decided to focus on a few special legacy projects that would build upon Dave’s work and inspire and empower students for generations to come. Dave found great meaning and joy working on those legacy initiatives and was thrilled to have them finalized with NSCC and Saint Mary’s University before his death. Dave and Michelle were also deeply grateful for the love and support they received from family and friends since Dave was diagnosed, and the care and support provided to Dave by many health providers.

Dave will be deeply missed by his family and friends; he will forever be loved and remembered by all. He leaves to grieve his wife, Michelle (Gallant); brothers, Doug Lane Beaver Bank; son, Stephen and Stephen’s mother, Sheila; Don Lane (Janette) Bridgewater and their children Janice (Robert) and Curtis; brother-in-law Brad Gallant (Faye) Florida and their children Rhys and Eva; and sister-in-law Denise Gallant (John Anderson) Sydney and their children and grandchildren Brennan (Landice) and Quinn Neville; Kyle and Maggie Neville; Jennifer Anderson; and Johnna (Matt) Johnson and their children. As well, his parents-inlaw Helen and Gerald (Bucky) Gallant, Sydney, and many extended family members. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Vernon and Emily Lane (Wright) and several uncles and aunts. At Dave’s request there will not be a funeral service; however, we will hold a celebration of his life in the coming months so that family and friends can gather in friendship and love to remember Dave and the incredible impact he had on all of us. Online condolences can be sent to: www.rawalker.ca

Those who would like to pay tribute to Dave in some special way may wish to consider a donation to Star Finder – the David Lane Astronomy Outreach Program recently established by Dave and Michelle at Saint Mary’s University. https://www.smu.ca/giving/david-lane