The Optimist is losing a valued member of the family with the retirement of Dave Hamilton, but thankfully for the community, Dave isn’t going anywhere.
Dave has had managerial roles at the Optimist, as well as at the Richmond News and South Delta Today, for more than 30 years and has been a big reason why the Optimist has continued to prosper during that time. As much as he’s been an important member of the Optimist team, he’s also been a key figure within the community, a civic leader who has made Delta a better place with his efforts.
Dave is a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, serving a term as president as well as taking on instrumental roles in many of the service club’s community events and philanthropic endeavours. If you’ve been to a Rotary-sponsored event in Tsawwassen, whether that’s the Terry Fox Run, the Gift of Light at Diefenbaker Park, the bathtub race in Boundary Bay or many others, you would have seen Dave out there lending a hand, a smile on his face and a joke ready to share.
The same goes for the goings on over at the Delta Chamber of Commerce, where Dave served many years on the board, including a term as president. There are a variety of other organizations and undertakings throughout Delta that have been the beneficiary of Dave’s volunteer efforts over the years.
However, my enduring memory of Dave, and one likely shared by many of his colleagues here at the Optimist as well as those in the wider community, is the positivity he brings to each and every day. It’s a choice to get out of bed in a good mood and Dave makes the right one every time, although that’s meant those around him have heard more corny jokes than any person should ever be forced to endure.
On a more serious note, health challenges have given Dave ample reason to be less than his chipper self these last few years, yet his demeanor hasn’t wavered. It’s a testament to Dave’s character that he remains upbeat, his sense of humour intact, and that he continues to give of himself while lifting up those around him.
Dave’s retirement will leave a huge hole here at the Optimist, but I take comfort that he’ll continue with all the good work he does in this community. We’re going to miss you, Dave.
