A Tribute to Dave Jackson
I felt like an outsider for most of my life. Like I was different somehow, like I didn’t fit in or didn’t belong. I don’t think this is something anyone would have guessed based on a first impression or interaction. I’m pretty good at making conversation with people and wouldn’t consider myself shy, though I do spend a great deal of time in my own head and consider myself to be pretty introspective. I spent the better part of my 20′s being focused on differences and fighting authority, mediocrity and conformity. I was a very angry person and often found myself feeling quite isolated.
As a result of the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve built over the last few years through my efforts with KnowResolve, all of that has slowly started to change. The concept of “community” has gradually become something that I’m not just becoming aware of and open to, but something that I’ve started to crave. There are many caring and supportive people that I owe a debt of gratitude to for this of course, but in this moment, I’d like to focus on person … Dave Jackson.
The first time I met Dave was about 4 years ago, before a suicide prevention presentation that I was delivering to the students at L’Anse Creuse High School North where Dave was the principal at the time. Dave wanted to introduce me to his students and present me with a small gift on behalf of the school. His address to the students was not about demanding their respect and attention, but rather one of empathy and community. He talked about how important it was to be kind to each other because we never know what’s going on in someone’s life, what’s going behind someone’s smile. I remember thinking that that was the first time I’d ever heard a principal talk like that to a group of students.
I remember feeling welcomed in that community that day, and it was an amazing experience. It was another crack in the armor that I’d contained myself in for so long. Over the next few years, I would get to know Dave a little better on a professional level as he continued hosting the presentation each year, continued introducing me (and presenting me with gifts from the school!), and supported our request to host a walk for suicide prevention at the school. Dave told me many times over during our conversations how important he felt youth suicide prevention was and how important it was to care for the students’ total needs – not just their academic ones. He was a compassionate man, and a strong leader. I deeply respected and admired Dave and I could tell that the students did as well through passing interactions with them in the hallways.
At our first walk, Dave not only came out to support and participate, but he also made pancakes along with his friend Vince for everyone who attended. He addressed the students before the walk, and he participated in the walk as well. When it came time to present the school with half of the funds that we raised through the walk, I was invited to come to the homecoming pep assembly and present the check before the entire student body.
Since that first presentation, I’ve been able to build relationships with staff members and students alike, and I feel good every time I walk into the building. Like this is a community that welcomes me, like this is a place where I belong.
Sadly, suddenly, and unexpectedly, Dave passed away this weekend from a heart attack. It hasn’t even been a year since he retired as principal. I’m incredibly saddened by his passing, but I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for having known him, and learned from him. As I sit and reflect on each memory that I have in my heart with him, what comes to mind is how grateful I am for how he welcomed me into his community.
Today, I am also reflecting on how many people’s lives he has been able to inspire as a coach, mentor, friend, principal, and leader. It’s something we should all aspire to. He certainly inspired my life, and I am forever grateful for that.
My last correspondence with Dave was over this past Thanksgiving, I had sent an email out thanking everyone who had supported KnowResolve’s efforts over the years, and I got the following reply from Dave, even though he had already retired from his job as principal:
Dennis,
I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving as well. We want to thank you for supporting the community of LCN.
Dave
Thank you Dave, for welcoming me, and for making me feel like I am a part of your community. Along with thousands of others, I will miss you. The presentations and walk this spring will not be the same without you here.
My heart goes out to Dave’s family, friends, colleagues, and all of the students who were inspired by this great man’s influence and compassion.
