November 30, 2015
David Bacon.
Story by Kirsten Goruk
It is with heavy hearts that we learned about the passing of David Bacon, the most recent Wood Buffalo Health Advisory Council (HAC) Chair.
David was a tireless, enthusiastic advocate for health care in Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, and was committed to helping people across this community. Known as a proud ambassador for Fort McMurray, David fondly referred to it as the greatest place on Earth.
Dr. David Matear, Alberta Health Services (AHS) Senior Operations Director, Area 10, said he was a “vibrant and passionate advocate for health care.”
“Dave demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment in his relentless pursuit of improved health services for the Wood Buffalo region. Dave asked tough questions and demanded clear answers in his representation of the needs of the community.
“This was always respected and appreciated. We will miss his positive and focused leadership. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Matear says.
David served on the HAC since 2011, serving as Vice-Chair for three terms before taking on the position of Chair in September. Those who worked with him on the HAC had the opportunity to witness his passion firsthand. Mary Mueller, Manager, Advisory Council Relations for AHS remembers how involved he was, right from the start.
“He brought forth valuable feedback to the council. He always signed up for various engagement activities, as he was one of the most engaging individuals. He had no problem conversing and listening to all walks of life,” Mueller says.
“A bright energetic and very enthusiastic man has been taken from us far too soon. As he would often tell us: "Everything is better with Bacon."
In his spare time, David often visited with residents of the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre’s continuing care unit and always showed concern for the most vulnerable populations in the community, including seniors and the homeless.
Jim Moore, acting Chair of the Wood Buffalo HAC, described David as a “pleasant person, who was always willing to listen”.
“One of the things I always appreciated about David was that he was concerned for the people in our society who needed a bit of help.”
Iris Kirschner, former Chair of the Wood Buffalo HAC, said David had “an incredible zest for life”.
“All of us consider David Bacon as part of our family, and we are extremely saddened by the loss of this man, his enthusiasm, his passion and his love for his community. Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Carmen and family from his AHS family.”
David’s family asks that donations in his memory go to the Northern Lights Health Foundation.
