A TRIBUTE TO DAVID LATIMER FROM FRIENDS OF COVEHEAD AND BRACKLEY BAYS WATERSHED MANAGEMENT GROUP

Sadly for us, David Latimer passed away on Saturday 23 July, 2011 . Those who worked with

him since 1998 know there is not a single person, or living creature in Stanhope, West Covehead, Covehead Road, Union Road, North Winslow and Brackley who does not owe him a debt of gratitude for his efforts to improve our environment.

David worked unceasingly for the Friends of Covehead and Brackley Bays, becoming the first Founding Chair, and then Co-Chair but he never stayed in the boardroom. David walked the streams, the edges of the bays, the roadside clean-up sites that no one else would volunteer to do. In the early years, he raised funds, developed plans, trained and led crews himself. More recently, he showed up most mornings at the FCBB offices to see how the summer crew

was doing. Never resting on laurels David was always about what remained to be done, rather than what had been accomplished.  Always concerned with the big picture, David devoted huge efforts to province-wide environmental issues, the formation of the PEI Watershed Alliance and the policies of Provincial Governments. He received provincial recognition in 2004. (Citation below)

David’s irascibility about the watershed problems, his constant prodding of officials who would see him coming down the halls of government at 8:00 in the morning with a sheaf of papers, his quick wit, his boundless energy, and his constant caring even when he and Lynn were in Florida during the winter, made him not only a leader but a man who left a true legacy for all of us to cherish.

As he passes from us, we see the effects of his labours: the trees that were planted, the streams that run clear and clean, the students mentored, the fish and small animals who jump for joy in their habitat, the support he garnered from the community and the enhanced financial resources he lobbied  so hard to provide.

David was also dedicated to environmental education.  He wanted residents young and old to be sensitized to the threats and aware of the remedies to the many problems that beset our waters and land. A perfect example of his love of nature,  is the sheer joy he exuded when he would lead a group of volunteers to dig out a blocked spring and marvel at the cold, fresh water released to flow once more into a nearby stream. His care for people surfaced as he would end a volunteer day serving up mussels to the tired but happy people who showed up to help. He had passion for what he did as a magnificent never-say-die-never-give-up man who will be missed forever.

In our most recent newsletter was a picture of David’s wife Lynn holding a young eagle who had just been banded; she was beaming ear to ear. He was so delighted he could provide that opportunity for her, and in the bigger picture, after the grief has been tempered with

time, that smile should be on all our faces here in our community as we put on those hip waders and prepare to carry on travelling those streams and bays. We at the Friends of the Bays will strive to carry on what he so strenuously started.

Verner Smitheram, Co-Chair

FCBB Board and Associates

Citation for Individual Citizens Provincial Environmental Award 2004: David Latimer

Mr. Latimer has spearheaded a watershed enhancement project on the Brackley and Covehead Bays. Efforts have included in-stream enhancement work, development of a community nursery, and planting trees along the river to improve the riparian zone. He visits the project site virtually every day; has conducted numerous on-site interviews to raise public awareness; coordinated landowner contact; and solicited support from the farming community. Mr. Latimer was also instrumental in revitalizing the Community Watershed Coalition to bring together coordinators of watershed groups throughout the province; and he was a catalyst for the new watershed management course offered recently at UPEI.

Dedication ceremony in honour of David Latimer:

On Wednesday 1 August 2012 at 4pm a plaque with the following inscription will be unveiled by Minister Robert Vessey at Cass’ Pond and affixed to the newly constructed wheelchair accessible fishing dock built by the Friends of Covehead and Brackley Bays Watershed.

IN  MEMORY OF DAVID LATIMER 1929-2011


FOUNDING MEMBER AND CHAIR OF FCBB
RECIPIENT 2004 PEI ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD


IN RECOGNITION OF HIS LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION TO THE HEALTH

OF OUR STREAMS, FISH AND WILDLIFE.

By The FRIENDS OF COVEHEAD-BRACKLEY BAY WATERSHED