From: Gloria and Jim <havimaki@bell.net>
Date: Sun, Feb 21, 2010 at 8:45 PM
Subject: dave reed
To: george.gluppe@gmail.com
George - we knew that there is a run in Vancouver called the Dave
Reed 5k Spring Classic, but what both Gloria and I didn't know was
that Dave had died about two years ago. Rick told us last night.
That is a huge surprise to both of us. Dave was different than most
of us. He lived for the day with no thought about RRSP's or any
pensions. He lived for his next run.
We did see him about 4 years ago and he looked great. He came to our
house in Warkworth and we even hit a few golf balls on the golf course
across the road from us. He was a pretty fair golfer, but he was also
a great recreational skier. People ask me, who is the best
recreational skier I have ever seen, I just say Dave Reed. He taught
both Ron and Rick how to ski. He would just say, follow me and he
would often ski out of bounds, a no no.
But as you know, Dave had a great passion for running and if talking
to him, you better be interested in running. He had a great memory as
I believe you said with times run in different races. Nancy did
mention about Dave not really growing up and you have to agree. Dave
was like our cat, just living for the moment and as long as there was
another run soon, that was all that mattered.
We first met Dave when he was 8 years old playing on the same hockey
team as Ron in the Wexford house league. I still remember his father
Ron tying his size 5 skates, while Ron our son was a size 1, or maybe
lower. I thought, what big feet. He was like our third son while
going to Wexford Collegiate staying and eating at our home.
Dave was also Ron's best man at his wedding. I still remember at our
cottage both Gloria and I had to go home to work and Dave stayed. He
asked if there was anything that we would like him to do. Gloria told
him to cut down one of the trees that had to be removed. Coming back
the following weekend Dave had sure cut down a tree, but not the right
one. Gloria was not very impressed.
Also at the cottage we had a back road that was very hilly and hard
running about 5k or maybe 6k in distance. We started running this
road and some of the runs were timed with Bill Heikkila doing the best
time at 26.40. Over time the times would come down with son Ron doing
about 23 mins. But Dave finally brought it down to a little over 21
mins. I remember, he was so excited with doing this time. It was at
that moment the Olympics and he had won a Gold Medal.
Dave came with us, Ron, Rick, Gloria and I to ski at a resort called
Killington, located in the south of Vermont. We rented a condo that
was very close to the hills. Coming back home to Toronto Dave was all
for driving thru the night. I said no way and we found an Economy Inn
in Burlington, Vermont costing $39.00 for a family. Now I would think
that this was for the parents and small kids. But the boys were
already in their 20's. So we said just keep your head down in the
car. The woman at the counter asked Gloria how she was able to handle
three kids. Gloria said that it was easy. Just behave yourself and
be on time for lunch.
I often wonder how Dave would end up with no income and with his
racing finished probably with bad knees. But now that problem is
solved.
It is too bad that one has to die to get their name on a race. I also
wonder George when your days are numbered if they will name a race
with your name on it. "The George Gluppe Mountain Trail Classic ".
But George, no rush yet.
Jimmy......
ps Let me know that you did receive it.
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