Train accident claims life of former Times editor

A former reporter and editor at The Taber Times died suddenly last week in Canmore.

Dave Husdal, who started with The Times in 1993 and worked three years as a reporter, before he returned in 1999 for another three-year stint, this time as editor, died as a result of a train accident.

A man with newspaper ink running through his veins, Husdal was always eager to open his office door to meet with politicians or members of the public.

“I can remember numerous occasions when Dave would have people streaming in and out of his office all day,” said Garrett Simmons, current assistant managing editor of The Lethbridge Herald, who worked under Husdal in Taber for three years, before replacing Husdal as editor. “He loved debating people on the issues of the day, listening to their thoughts and opinions, and, of course, letting them know what he thought as well.”

Those constant conversations led to some long days at the office but for Husdal, it was all part of the job.

“He was a guy who really wanted to get to the bottom of each story he covered, and he certainly wasn’t afraid to put in the time, or ruffle some feathers if need be, to make sure the public had all the information possible,” said Simmons.

Husdal is survived by his wife, Renée, and his children, Geoffrey and Kirsten. He is also survived by his parents, Milford and Annette, brothers Lindsay, (sons Braden and Stefan) and Alan (Fred).

He was born in Outlook, Sask. and later moved with his family to Lethbridge for high school and university. He worked in newspapers in Stettler and Taber before moving to Canmore, with his wife and young family in 2002, to become editor of the Canmore Leader newspaper. He also worked at the Stoney Nakoda Casino and the Husky at Deadmans Flats. However, his recent work at the Bow Valley Crag & Canyon newspaper as a freelance reporter was proof journalism was always Husdal’s first love.

“Dave always loved a good story,” said Simmons. “I’ve never worked with someone who was as passionate about newspapers as he was.”

A memorial service celebrating Husdal’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on June 30 at St. Michael’s Anglican Church Hall in Canmore.

Husdal was 48 years old.