I LOVE CHINESE FOOD Page 2.
This was the part of the meal he enjoyed most. Dessert was cherry Jello and ice cream, and no cheating by smuggling in a fork or spoon. Staff watched closely for any breaches of protocol. Dave would lean across his kitchen counter watching the boys struggle to eat their dessert, the tears of laughter streaming down his cheeks. A few of the boys got smart and learned to pick up their bowls and scoop in the concoctions and observers soon followed suit. But that too was discouraged by counselors who worked at their desserts as diligently as their campers to keep the fun in the correct frame.
The love and respect for Davey was such that in the late 1930’s a collection was taken amongst ‘his boys’ (former campers and staff) and a tour of YMCA camps across Canada and the USA was arranged in the pre camp season. (He wouldn’t have gone if it was during camp months). Letters of introduction were sent and every Y welcomed Davey with many local honours: crests, T shirts, certificates and even a key to one city. Dave diligently wrote of each stop to the Winnipeg Y so that his benefactors could follow his adventures.
Davey worked as a cleaner at the Central YMCA in the off season. His unique appeal to campers and staff was his good humour, dedicated service and quiet humility. His last summer at Stephens was 1961. He died quietly in his sleep in the fall of the same year. Hundreds gathered to honour him at his funeral. He is buried in Brookside cemetery in Winnipeg. The marker on his grave notes his both his War and YMCA service.
It may sound strange, but every time I have Chinese food I think of Dave and his Chinese dinner. It’s a fond remembrance.
