Dave’s journey in astronomy began at Parkview High School in Hebbville, near Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, with a supportive Grade 11 science teacher. He joined the school’s Astronomy Club and later attended the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology, where he earned two diplomas in Electronic Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology.

In 1992, when the astronomy and physics department at Saint Mary’s was looking for a science technician and system administrator, Dave saw it as a perfect fit. He quickly took on primary responsibilities at the observatory and also pushed for upgrades to the observatory and telescope. He created the stargazer tours, began doing community outreach, and a decade later, officially became the Director of the Burke-Gaffney Observatory. Even with the lofty title, Dave continued running absolutely every aspect of the observatory, including all snow removal—25 floors up on top of the Loyola building!

One of Dave’s most unique and valuable contributions was making the Dr. Ralph Medjuck robotic telescope at the observatory accessible to anyone who lived anywhere in the world. How? He single-handedly created a fully automated social media interface that can be controlled from Mastodon, Facebook Messenger, text messaging and a dedicated app. It is one of only two accessible observatories in the world.

Another one, called Abbey Ridge Observatory, was built by Dave in his and Michelle’s backyard in Stillwater Lake, Nova Scotia. It was Dave’s wish that the observatory be sold upon his death so it could be used by others. The new owner—John Read, a SMU alumni who worked with Dave—has moved it to an area with very little light pollution near Peggy’s Cove. He has called the 26-acre piece of land Stargaze Nova Scotia and intends for it to be used by everyday Nova Scotians and also by the teachers of the Star Finder program. John also preserved the name Abbey Ridge Observatory, allowing Dave’s legacy to live on.

Over the years, Dave made many other impressive contributions to professional astronomy. As a long-time member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, he gave tirelelessly in key leadership roles. Alongside amateur astronomer Paul Gray, he discovered three supernovae (the first Canadians to do so!) and even has an asteroid named after him—Asteroid (117032) Davidlane.

He is credited with over 100 professional publications in the field of variable stars and telescope operations and received numerous national and international awards for his outstanding service and astronomical achievements. Additionally, earlier this year, Saint Mary’s recognized him with an honorary Doctor of Science.

"Dave was a true science champion, generously sharing his time to help countless others appreciate and understand the uniqueness of their existence within the cosmos,” said Dr. Rob Thacker, professor in the Department of Astronomy and Physics and Director of the Science Outreach Centre at Saint Mary’s.