Dave is a native Torontonian who retired from 32 years with Imperial Oil in 2003.  After retiring, Dave volunteered full time with Habitat for Humanity in Toronto until relocating to Barrie in 2009.

He’s had trains for as long as he can remember, starting with Hornby wind-up, Lionel, Maerklin, progressing to more North American models. 

Dave first got involved with TRHA assisting with Union Station tours, and constructing display panel frames for the photo displays that were set up during the tours.

Since then, Dave has been an active volunteer, helping (along with wife Sandy) at Doors Open events at the roundhouse (frequently heard calling out “Allll Aboard for a ride on the TUURRNN  Table).  He worked on documenting the roundhouse stalls and pits, and recovering artifacts (such as lighting) before the roundhouse was restored.

Dave does not get down to the roundhouse in the off season often,  but during the mini-rail operating season, is usually on site one weekend day describing the  operations of the signal and switch levers.  He’s frequently referred to as “Cabin D’s docent Dave”.

While still in Toronto he worked with the restoration crew regularly and was often seen in the engineer’s seat of #1, and did several performances driving the shuttle wagon for “The Railway Children”.  Before TRHA obtained “Nova Scotia”  and the CNR Caboose,  Dave assisted in assessing them for suitability in the roundhouse collection.