Dave LaVallie
1965 – 2023
The recording of Dave’s celebration of life is here
David Murray LaVallie was born in Calgary on July 11th, 1965. In his youth, Dave was a superb athlete and excelled in soccer and football. In adulthood, his sporting passion was golf, from taking beloved golf trips with best friends, to daily putting on his practice green set up in the middle of the living room, to swinging for hours at the range, to practicing his form in any reflection he could find. He attended Kingsland Elementary and Milton Williams Junior High schools before graduating from Henry Wisewood High School in 1983. Dave then obtained a degree in criminal justice from Simon Fraser University, and a Law Degree from the University of Calgary. He practiced law in Edmonton and Calgary before becoming a businessman in the energy sector. As a proud Métis man, Dave spent his entire career working for the economic advancement of aboriginal people in Canada. He had a vision for the export of Canadian clean energy off the West Coast of Canada to protect the environment by displacing polluting technologies and creating meaningful participation in ownership and governance by our First Nations people. In his lifetime, Dave worked to realize that vision and his legacy will be the continuing evolution of the Canadian energy sector. From humble and challenging beginnings, Dave created wealth for his family and for the Nations with whom he worked.
But Dave didn’t count his career as his greatest achievement.
Despite working hard, Dave never lost sight of what really mattered to him, the people he loved. First with Kim and then with Kelly, Dave created a family for whom loving and protecting became his stated and lived mission in life. In addition, from grade school, to law school, to his career, Dave built and maintained deep friendships.
Dave made people feel special because they were special to him and he proved that through his fierce – and it could be fierce – loyalty, unwavering commitment, and reliability. If you were in need, you called Dave. He protected us. For those blessed to count themselves loved by Dave, inside that big, strong, sometimes stern exterior, was a funny, warm, loving man.
Photo Gallery
I am profoundly saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I first met Dave 50 years ago at Kingsland Elementary. Even back then, we could see that Dave was going to have a wonderful impact on all who met him.
His sports prowess was obvious, but he was a scholar and just an amazing all around great guy.
I always admired his determination and how he set his course for his career and his life at an early age.
Admittedly, I lost contact with Dave since high school graduation. I was so pleased and, if I may say, so proud of the impact he made during his life.
I am reminded of something a wise old sage passed on to me, “it’s the quality of your life, not the quantity of your life”. Dave, you definitely had a life of the highest quality.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dave’s family and friends. May they all be comforted with the wonderful and plentiful memories and the lasting legacy Dave leaves with us all.
God Bless,
Chris & Jane Lizotte
I worked with David 20 years ago and again reconnected recently on another project. Our initial deal was a success and David was a professional and great teammate in business. He followed the Golden Rule of treating others as you wish to be treated, he was a gentleman and will be missed. Condolences to his family and children on this loss.
My heartfelt condolences to Dave’s wife, his children, and his family and friends during the shocking loss of their kind and devoted leader.
I met Dave in Grade 7 and I knew instantly that he was a loving and safe protector to have in my circle. He was different than most, he was mature beyond his adolescent years, and he cared for us with his special gifts of trust, strength and compassion.
The last words we shared with one another in May, were that he would always be standing by to protect me, even after more than four decades had passed.
What a gift to the world you were, Dave. You were loved and you fiercely loved others. Thank you for being an example of truth, kindness and strength to us all. 💛
My earliest memory of Dave was playing road hockey beside Milton Williams Jr. High. Those games were full of all the passion, fun and testosterone that comes with being 12. Dave was the guy with the terrifyingly good slapshot and an intimidating presence – it was tough to dipsy-doodle around the big red-headed kid. But Dave was more than just the big redhead; he had a mischievous wit, and a spark that told you here was someone worth listening to. I have good memories of Dave, and was so sad to hear the news of his passing.
Sending all of his family and friends my condolences, and I hope that his memory will always be a blessing for you.
I have multiple stages of my memories with Dave. My first was doing a school tour of Milton Williams as about a 3 ft nothing little blond kid who saw a giant redhead biggest kid I ever saw and who looked so mean. Little did I know that I would become so close to him and his brother Darald. I saw first hand what they both pulled themselves out of. Next stage would be Darald I on their couch, Dave walking in arms out stretched covered in peanut butter sandwichices about 7 an arm. Then Darald and I ” borrowing” his 5.0 litre Mustang….of course crashing it his look of dissapointment that taught me a life lesson. Dave then was one of my first roommates, he didn’t drink back then so only two Stat sheets on our fridge his points in hockey per game and what I had spent on alcohol. Last stage running into him and Kelly in Vegas and seeing a super successful family man and business man. We tried to have lunch each time I was back in town. I have so so many great memories of Dave and Daralds family growing up together. I am so disappointed I was unable to attend his celebration of life, as life sometimes gets in way. What an immense shock, I send love,healing and my deepest condolences to his Whole family.
Love always
J.D.
Every memory of my middle and high school years include Dave. He was a constant, gentle , steadfast friend. Whether it be hanging at the house, learning to drive standard, “breaking “ into Heritage park, comforting after disappointments or cheering on successes. Years and distance lessened our contact but Dave always made sure he touched base; in Houston when visiting his daughter or Calgary at some Stampede event. I feel a hollow place in my heart at his passing. He will be greatly missed by all who crossed his path and I pray that his beautiful family is comforted by friends and family and by the wonderful, albeit , too short life Dave lived .
Pam. Dave loved you and spoke of you often when he reminisced about the high school days.
Kelly
I went to Wise Wood with Dave and had the privilege of being part of his broader friend group. The thing about Dave is he always made sure that the “girls” in the group felt safe. This was a priceless gift for me as a teenager as I knew that Dave was always looking out for us. It appears that this protective instinct, which I witnessed decades ago, carried through his life and is just one small part of what made him so special.
I moved around a lot after high school and would only run into Dave once a year at a Stampede party. We’d hug, chat, and promise we’d catch up next year. It makes me very sad to think that I won’t ever again be on the receiving end of his Stampede bear hug.
It is my sincere hope that his family feels some comfort knowing that he had a huge impact on the lives of so many people. Rest in peace Dave.
Dave had a heart of gold and a love of life.
He was a great friend, and always had time for a game of pick-up football, shinny hockey, or a round of golf (late enough that we could sneak-in for free). I was always amazed at just how good he was at every sport we played. I remember those easy summer nights cruising around Chinook Park and Kelvin Grove in one of his beloved muscle cars, usually ending up at the DQ. Hanging out with Dave in high school was like having your own personal security guard, but only his friends knew the secret that he was just a big teddy bear.
My thoughts and prayers go to Dave’s family and friends. May you find peace in the special time you had together and the memories that will live forever.
As I write this, I am in disbelief. We enjoyed each others company during the Calgary Stampede in July reminiscing over some of the adventures and experiences we shared after first meeting as members of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and soon after as members of their Board of Directors.
We took pride in the initiatives we instrumented in support of Aboriginal directives.
The photo of Dave on the red Indian Chief was in front of our Micah Gallery store on Stephan Avenue Mall where we displayed 5 different Indian Motorcycles in support of dealer development in California. He and I lead the Celebrity Ride to Santa Monica and later for the Boney Poney Ranch in Malibu owned by Dr. Frank Ryan after he acquired the ranch from Dwight Yoakam.
Plans were in the works to hook up at our home in Puerto Vallarta this fall with Dave and Kelly.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Dave, my dear friend, I will never forget. Rest in peace “Aennaamii”.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dave. He held a special place in many of our lives and brought joy, laughter, and countless cherished memories to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dave and I first met at Milton Williams and quickly became close friends. Towards the end of High School, we drifted a part due to life taking us our separate ways. I had hoped to catch up with you at the Wise Wood reunion in June. But fate was not on our side.
My memories of Dave include the times I slept over at his place off 68th ave. Dave introduced me to putting peanut butter on French Toast before adding syrup. I have not had it in a long time but think it’s time to try it again. Darald, I also have memories of you learning to play the guitar and teaching me the guitar riff to April Wine, (You Could Have Been a Lady).
Dave was the first one in our group who learned to drive. He probably was driving for well over a year or two, before having his driver’s licence! Dave always said his mom, Sheila, was aware he had the car out and was driving without a licence. He was a great driver and with his size never seemed to attract any attention of the Calgary Police. Many of us had lots of fun times driving around with Dave. I will never forget him teaching me how to do donuts in the icy parking lots and recovering from a fishtail!
Love seeing all the photos that have been posted. Seeing you together with your family enjoying life was heartwarming.
During this difficult time, please know that you are not alone in your grief. All our hearts ache alongside yours. While his physical presence may be gone, the beautiful memories he brought into our lives will continue to live on in our hearts.
The man loved his peanut butter. Taking scoops out of the jar which drove me bonkers. What I wouldn’t give to see him take another spoonful.
Kelly
Haisla people lose a friend
I was very sad Tuesday night to hear of the sudden death in Vancouver of Dave LaVallie. Some of us have shed a few tears this week on hearing this terribly sad news.
Those of us who knew him remember a smart and thoughtful advisor who worked alongside Councils starting in 2009 to bring a vision of economic independence and community prosperity to that Nation. DaVe was kind and respectful to our people, and most meetings with Dave usually included a good laugh or two.
He cared deeply about the Haisla people and wanted so badly to see us prosper and grow. He knew and understood that we deserved a share and say in economic development in our territory, and he worked over many years to make sure it happened.
Early on Dave saw that the LNG export industry was a perfect fit for our territory and our people.
He led our negotiations with industry and helped ensure that the provincial and federal governments would support us. More importantly, he made sure that those projects fit our demands for environmental protection and long-term sustainability and that we, the Haisla people, received our fair share of the spinoffs and benefits.
Dave was very instrumental to our team in our Nations success with LNG Canada and the start of Cedar LNG.
Without him the jobs, business opportunities, and economic and community benefits we have seen in the last ten years may never have come about.
On behalf of the Nation, Council has sent flowers and condolences to Dave’s family.
If you met Dave along the way, think of his kindness and all he did for us.
Most of you won’t have known Dave, but remember his name as someone who made a big difference, a positive difference, to your future and your family’s future.
Sincerely,
Crystal Smith Chief Councillor
I was one of those lucky ones. To have been a friend of Dave’s is to have felt intentionally chosen – and it was clear that his loyalty and commitment to his friends was unwavering.
My memories of Dave mostly include his huge smile and guttural laugh – especially when it was directed at me! It was a very effective “take down” (which he did often) delivered, simultaneously, with a sincere and honest expression of his friendship and belief in who I was and in who (he seemed to believe) I was on the road to becoming. Those were the early high school and university days when we were all a little fragile and just finding our way. But Dave always seemed to have the highest hopes and aspirations for himself and all of his friends, and he was generous with his enthusiasm and support.
While most of those shared moments were many years ago, with the occasional visit and communication since, I have always felt the impact of our friendship. I am so grateful.
I extend my deepest condolences to Dave’s family and loved ones.
I am so sorry to hear about this sad news today and really shocked.
Dave was a very good friend for many decades and we enjoyed many good times together and always filled with a good laughs and humour.
Our last time together was at a conference in Edmonton earlier this year where Dave did what he always did best and that was bring people together with good advice.
I remember well as we both sat and enjoyed the moment together at a back conference table with Dave and I only seated at it and we left with each other that day with a warm hug and mutual loving slaps on the back for next time …. Glad we did that as it will stay with me forever.
My sincere condolences to Kelly and all family members.
Your spirit is with us always Dave see you next time my friend…..
So long ago and what feels like just yesterday, I met this really cute guy at Dewey Stevens. We danced to Boys of Summer and at the end of the night, he asked for my number and I gave it to him and went home with butterflies in my stomach.
Four years we were together after that wonderful fateful evening, I was eighteen, Dave was nineteen. Dave was smart, sarcastic, witty and loved sports (maybe a little too much), so many soccer games, and football and hockey! He looked tough but that soft interior and his little boy innocence was very charming. He loved me well and I will always be grateful for the love we shared and for the connection and growing up together we did in those years.
If it weren’t for Dave, I’m not sure I would have had the confidence to go to University. He looked at me one day, I still remember the intenseness in his eyes and said, “Tracy you’re too smart not to go to University. You have to go.” His confidence in me at that tender and fragile age, was contagious. I started believing in myself because he believed in me. I went to U of C for two years then transferred out to SFU to be with Dave where we finished our degrees.
Alas it was not meant to be for Dave and I and we parted ways and created beautiful families with different partners. But there’s something about that first love that never leaves you, or maybe there’s just something about Dave. Definitely both.
Darald, I remember you well and always adored you as his younger brother. We had some fun times together back then, in what sometimes was a difficult situation.
My heart goes out to you and your family and also to all of Dave’s children and wife, Kelly, this is a difficult time for you all. Hold on to one another and love each other well, knowing that Dave made an impact and a difference in so many people’s lives. He was and still is infectious.
Tracy, Dave’s love for you never ended. He spoke of you with great affection and admiration. I share the grief of his loss with you regardless of the lifetime that has passed for both of you since you were together.
Kelly
Thank you for your big hearted kindness, Kelly, it makes me cry, and your beautiful tribute to Dave yesterday. It was incredible to witness and be in the presence of the love you obviously shared together. As I said, Dave was and is infectious, as also witnessed by the many conversations I had yesterday. He lives on inside each one of us. I will hold the love and the memories always. Much love to you and all the children. ❤️
Dave was a regular player at Hollyburn Men’s Hockey. He was a strong player who enjoyed the game playing for fun. He played with his friends and will be sorely missed by many.
On behalf of Men’s Hockey, we extend or deepest condolences to Dave’s family and friends.
To My Friend Dave Lavallie
It’s never easy to say farewell to one that you love and respect. Kelly, please accept our message to you and your family on how sad we are for you. Both Colleen and I send our deepest love to you. My heart has been heavy over the past few days for this loss.
Dave was a solid friend to me. It was an honour and privilege to have worked with him closely, and to also have developed a solid personal relationship with. He was always honest and kind, and understood the value of fostering relationships based on these principles.
My grandmother “Magwees” once said that “…relationships are fragile and life is short…” While we all struggle with maintaining positive meaningful relationships, none of us know how much time we have in this phase of our existence. All we can do is live as happily and contentedly as we can. The last time I spoke with Dave, I asked him if he was happy, and he just smiled and replied that he was very happy.
The other day, I was speaking to a Métis person who was related to Dave, and came from one the main 5 Métis family branches, and who had heard about Dave’s passing. He reminded me that Dave came from an important Métis branch, of which many are directly connected to. Dave never bragged nor pointed this out to me, but I already knew this and when I told him that I knew of this, he just smiled at me and just nodded his head.
Dave played the critical role in spearheading the development of wealth creation for our Nation. He was part of a small team of like minded individuals that elevated our People to where things are at today, and without this small team of visionaries, it would not have happened as it did. When he and I discussed a business item, we’d just smile at each other and move forward from that point.
Kelly, once again, please accept our sincerest condolences. With love and respect, Clarence and Colleen Nyce (Khumiam and Me-Me-Me-Yoos).
Clarence, Dave loved you and Colleen. One of the great things about Dave was that when he loved someone, he expressed it. So it’s probably not news to you to hear it.
Thank you for your kind words,
Kelly
When I heard from Chris Berry last week that Dave had died, I was really upset. Dave and I were good friends at Milton and then at Wise Wood. We mostly lost touch with each other until the last 7 or 8 years or so when we started seeing each other every year or so for lunch and exchanging birthday greetings by text. Dave was really funny and smart and playful. You could have a good conversation with him. And obviously he had a really strong personality (crossing him was not really the thing you wanted to do, at least not in the short run). I’ve told my two kids how much I admire Dave. I only really found out in recent years, from Dave, what tough circumstances he came from. That he made such a huge success of himself speaks to his intelligence and resiliency and determination. He had a strong will to better himself. What a terrible loss.
I didn’t realize how much I loved the guy until he died.
Dave
In the beginning. (In our early to mid 30’s) Dave was my best friend’s partner, then husband. He was always nice, pleasant and had an air of formality. He was a bit of a hard nut to crack and get to know. But crack he did.
In the middle. You know you are among the closest of friends When you can be your goofy self and the people around you are their goofy selves and there comes an intimacy with that. No judgement. Safe. Fun. Laughter. The 3 of us started weekly movie nights after Jess was in bed where we would each pick a movie the others hadnt seen. Dave picked The Godfather. Finally watched a classic and could appreciate the fuss of this movie! Kelly picked Twilight. It was god awful and we all knew it! Dave and I wanted to stop the insanity 30 mins in but Kelly insisted we watch the whole thing with Dave and I moaning and groaning and heckling. Maybe Kelly relented and stopped it. I can’t remember. But we were all relieved when it was over! I think that was the end of movie week!
Then somehow Dave joined Kelly and I for Monday night Bschelor nation on and off for a season here and there. We all loved to hate it! I’m pretty sure Dave loved those evenings! His famous tequila margheritas helped! They were the best!! They left us doubled over laughing at who knows what. But I just remember the laughter!
In the mix of our friendship, somehow Dave agreed that I (a perpetually single gal) join the family on a few LaVallie family vacations. The Montana cabin, San Diego and Hawaii. I never felt like a wheel, I was welcomed as part of the family, his family. I’ll always be grateful that I was welcomed. Thank you Dave.
In the end. I didn’t want a wedding at age 52, my first wedding. But at the insistence of my mother and husband, we had a wedding in Vancouver, my hometown in Oct 2022. And it wasn’t until the day of my wedding that I realized I was proud to be able to marry in front of family and friends. And introduce my love to everyone.
After the ceremony and some mingling,I sought out Kelly and Dave. I hadn’t seen them in a few years as I now live in the US. I remember getting my last bear hug from Dave and feeling a bit extra proud in front of him.
Dave, I finally did it, I think I told him. I’ll always remember his hug and warm smile that evening, the last time I saw him and spoke with him.
Rest In Peace, friend
To Kelly and kids – I loved how Dave loved you all. He was a very, very proud husband and dad. This was always evident when I was around.
On behalf of David Crosby of Skidegate and I, we are sending our deepest sympathies to Dave’s family and friends and we are saddened and shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. Dave, “Stinker” wanted me to make sure you knew he could always beat you at arm wrestling and that above all, you were a really good guy.
I had a great time in Law School, in part because Dave was a fun person to be around. And working summers at Student Legal Assistance was also a better experience because Dave also worked there.
This is such sad news – how devastating for his loved ones.
We had a loosey-goosey Law School reunion five summers ago and for whatever reason, Dave was not in attendance. I remember thinking, “well, I’ll catch him at the next one.” So, that super-sucks.
I even brought photos from Law School years and Dave was in some of them. Always smiling.
He will be missed. Gone to soon.
Farewell to my good buddy Dave
I first met Dave in the summer of 2005 when then Chief Councilor Steve Wilson brought him onboard the Haisla Nation Council Economic Development team. Over the next 8 years I worked closely with him and others on the team and developed a close friendship with him up until the day of his passing.
As a team we had a lot of success that has resulted in financial prosperity for the Haisla Nation with much more to come in coming years. All of it has Dave’s mark and fingerprints over it, he was the lead negotiator and driving force during the extended negotiations with Shell Canada and the LNG Canada project.
More importantly to me, we enjoyed a lot of good times over the years with a lot of laughs and good natured teasing.
Dave was a good friend, a good man, a stand up kind of man whose friendship meant a lot to me. He always had my back and I always had his.
We met often over the years and stayed in constant contact and always knew what each was up to.
I’m going to miss him deeply.
Once again I’d like to extend my deepest sympathy’s and condolences to his wife Kelly, their children and extended family.
Keith, you were a brother to Dave.
So that makes us family.
Much love,
Kelly
I have distinct memories of Dave and I hanging out in his Mustang after a night out in the early 80’s. We would talk for hours, trying out our early philosophies of life on one another. He had a bright and inquisitive mind. The fierce loyalty that others have mentioned was apparent to all of us who were lucky enough to share his friendship.
I was lucky enough to meet his extended family a number of times in those days and I was very saddened to hear of Sheila’s passing. I am very sorry Darald that you lost two family members in such a short period of time.
It was great to see everyone at the ceremony and although I lost touch with Dave, it was apparent that he had a great impact on many people. Kelly’s brave eulogy was especially touching.
I met Dave in Grade 7 at Milton Williams. I always remember the lumber jackets he wore but more memorable were the poker games we played in Mayfair at my parents place with the Berry boys and Neil Beaman. Dave would always take his winnings and stash them in his outer pocket. His big smile and laugh and contagious. We lost touch for many years and then I was grateful to have seen Dave again for dinner with Dave Ravvin two years ago. So many laughs. I miss him dearly. An amazing guy.
It is with profound shock and sorrow that I learned the news of Dave’s passing this evening.
My memories of the times spent with him are etched with scenes of wrestling alongside Darald, the camaraderie of trading right hooks with red boxing gloves in their Mayfair Village shared bedroom, the fierce joy of soccer practice and games with Sheila’s cheers in the background, and the warmth of shared drinks, be it at Stampede or here in Vancouver. These cherished memories of our misspent youth, are a testament to the fleeting nature of life and the priceless value of friendships.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Darald, Kelly, and the entire family. ❤️