David James Lane: Dreamer. Doer. Skipper. Astronomer. Born Aug. 23, 1963, in Iserlohn, Germany; died March 24, 2024, in Halifax, of brain cancer; aged 60.
Dave LaneCourtesy of family
Two small softcover books about space exploration and the stars captured Dave’s imagination as a child, setting in motion a lifelong passion for astronomy. Dave loved and read those books so often, the covers eventually fell off.
When his father, Vernon Lane, retired from the military and returned from Germany to Nova Scotia, Dave studied astronomy at Hebbville High School outside Bridgewater, N.S. With the encouragement and support of his Grade 11 science teacher and the Hebbville High Astronomy Club, Dave gained the foundational astronomy knowledge and skills he would build upon throughout his career, becoming a renowned astronomer in the process.
In 1992, when the astronomy and physics department at Saint Mary’s University was looking for a science technician and system administrator, Dave – with his two diplomas from the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology – applied, got the job and turned his passion for astronomy into his life’s work. Dave never stopped learning, exploring and contributing to the field of astronomy. He became the director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory while at Saint Mary’s, leading countless stargazing tours, and single-handedly automating its robotic telescope so it was available to the world through social media (reportedly, a world-first innovation). Users access the telescope using an app, Facebook Messenger, Mastodon (now used instead of the original Twitter) or e-mail. During COVID-19 lockdowns, he developed a mini-robotic telescope too.
Dave used the astronomical observatory he built in his backyard at Stillwater Lake, N.S., to pilot many of the innovations he later implemented at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. He also left a lasting imprint on the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, serving in key leadership roles nationally and locally. He won many awards for outstanding service, astronomical achievements and contributions to the field of astronomy, science and public outreach. Dave always took special delight in the three supernovas he discovered with amateur astronomer Paul Gray, as they were the first and second Canadians to discover supernovae from within Canada. Earlier this year, Saint Mary’s recognized him with an honorary Doctor of Science. He even has an asteroid named after him.
You could say Dave also saw stars when he met Michelle Gallant by chance in 2001 in Halifax. Each already had well-established careers, accomplishments and interests but had not yet met the person with whom they wanted to share their lives. They quickly saw in each other similar values and fell in love. They married in September, 2002.
While astronomy was Dave’s first love, he discovered sailing in his 40s. He immersed himself immediately in the sport, becoming a savvy sailor, racer and boat owner. He volunteered often at St. Margaret Sailing Club outside Halifax. In addition to being treasurer for many years, he provided tech support, leadership and essential hands-on management of the waterfront.
Dave had a great sense of humour and a keen intellect, always quick with a droll comment or the clear, compelling reason to pause and reconsider the wisdom of a decision. In 2023, less than two years after he retired from St. Mary’s, Dave was diagnosed with glioblastoma – an inoperable brain cancer. At the time, he told a friend, “I never expected to be that guy, who dies right after retirement.”
Once the initial shock wore off, Dave learned as much as he could about the disease and the potential treatment options. He and Michelle also wanted to find a way to make the best of a horrible situation. So the couple established an astronomy outreach program at Saint Mary’s University to continue his work and legacy. Doing so brought a measure of meaning and joy to Dave before his death.
Dave died nine months after his diagnosis, before this year’s solar eclipse. On that day, his wife likes to imagine he discovered a way to watch the eclipse from an astral realm. Maybe even trying to enrich the experience for those around him.
Michelle Lane is Dave’s wife.
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