David James Lane, DSc ’24

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, canoeing or hanging out with his older brother Doug were also part of the mix, as were the many days Dave spent helping to build the cottage known as Black Rattle Lodge.

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 and led the company’s hardware group. 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 while at Saint Mary’s, and built a prominent career in professional astronomy until his retirement in 2021.

When it came to astronomy and Dave’s passion for it, there really was no separation between his personal and professional endeavours, or the impact he had. Captivated by the stars at a very early age, Dave never stopped learning, exploring, innovating and contributing to the field of astronomy – for the benefit of amateur and professional astronomers worldwide.

Ever the scientist, Dave’s life and career were filled with curiosity, research, exploration, problem solving and innovation. Observatory automation, contributing to amateur astronomical science projects (especially variable star observing), public outreach and deep sky observing were among his areas of keen interest. He also made substantial contributions to professional research with more than 100 professional publications in the field of variable stars and telescope operations. Although he had many ‘firsts’ in his life, he 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 has an asteroid named after him!

Dave’s astronomical contributions and accomplishments made their mark for more than 40 years. That included sharing his knowledge and insights with others, whether in the astronomy outreach work he did, or the innovations he brought to the field of astronomy.

Dave helped to build and enhance the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), serving for many years in leadership roles at the national and local levels. While at Saint Mary’s University, he enriched and expanded the operations of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory when he single-handedly automated the observatory and made it available to the world through social media. In addition, amateur astronomers and astronomy institutions continue to rely upon ‘The Earth Centered Universe’ planetarium and telescope control program Dave developed and distributed through his part-time business Nova Astronomics for some 30 years.

Dave was the recipient of many awards and recognized frequently for his exceptional service. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) honoured Dave with the Chant Medal in 1996, its highest award for amateur contributions to astronomy in Canada; the Ken Chilton Prize in 1995 and 2010 for significant astronomical work recently completed or published; its Service Award in 1998 and the President’s Award in 2013, as well as its Fellowship Award in 2015 for extraordinary service to the Society at the national level.

The Discovery Centre named Dave its Science Champion in 2007 for his significant contribution to the promotion of science and technology to the public.

Saint Mary’s University recognized Dave with the President’s Award for Exemplary Service in 2008. In 2024 Saint Mary’s recognized Dave’s substantial contributions to astronomy by conferring him with an honorary Doctor of Science.

While astronomy was Dave’s first and enduring passion, he developed a keen interest in sailing in his forties, after he and his wife Michelle decided to take up sailing. In classic Dave fashion, he immersed himself immediately in all aspects of the sport, becoming a savvy sailor, racer and boat owner. Dave took great pride over the years in ensuring that all three of the boats he and Michelle owned (First Light, Vela and Nieve) were in great shape and well used, whether on many wonderful cruising trips with dear friends or competing fiercely in club races at the Saint Margaret Sailing Club (SMSC) where Dave and Michelle were long-time members and volunteers.

At SMSC as in all other facets of his life, Dave was committed to doing the volunteer work that was needed to support the Club’s facilities, operations and success. He provided significant service as the Club’s Treasurer for many years as well as hands-on leadership and management of the Club’s essential Waterfront infrastructure. He also played a pivotal role in running the Club’s major youth regatta each year, serving as Registrar and Lead Scorer as well as handling IT and Web support for each event. Beyond those roles, Dave could always be counted on to help do just about anything that needed doing at the Club.

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.

Despite the diagnosis, Dave was determined to make the most of a bad situation. Together, Dave and Michelle decided to focus on a few special legacy projects that would build upon Dave’s personal and professional endeavours, to inspire and empower students for generations to come. Dave found great meaning and joy working on those legacy initiatives as his health permitted over the past nine months 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-in-law 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