97
Carving, Music Fill Valley Man's Life
Although he was born almost 81 years ago in a small community east of Ottawa, Dave Trimble settled in Beachburg in 1949 and the Ottawa Valley became the recipient of an extraordinary person and continues to benefit from Dave's community-minded spirit.
Dave and his wife of 56 years, Vida, live in a one-storey fashionable brick structure situated on the village's main street.;.. The building had originally contained three stories, but a fire destroyed most of the structure and the Trimbles bought it, removed the shell from the two upper floors and rebuilt the main floor which now serves as their comfortable home. Dave served in the Second World War and is a Korean War Veteran. For a period of time he also was employed as a civilian at Base Petawawa. His love of music is quite evident. since he along with the late Doug Lowe were responsible, in part. for the formation of the Pembroke Legion Band in the 1950s. Dave was seen, on many occasion, playing his trombone or chimes with this talented group of Musicians in Pembroke and many parts of the Ottawa Valley. At one time he belonged to both the Pembroke and Petawawa Legion bands and would drive into Pembroke and Petawawa for band practice from his residence in Beachburg, on roads, especially in winter, which were quite treacherous. His unusual sense of humor and his gifted musical contributions were always welcomed by band members. For a short period of time he also taught music in Cobden and Eganville schools.
The many trophies and awards in his home attest to his skills as an avid horseshoe participant. Dave threw horseshoes for more than 30 years and was an active member of the Pembroke Horseshoe League. League member Mel Gardener recalls that Dave loved to participate in the warmest weather, the hotter, the better, and if he took his shirt off, "Watch out". Dave's favorite partner was Al Dawson of Pembroke. Each year at the conclusion of the horseshoe tournament, two of the participants, a lady and a gent, would receive an authentic "Ollie" trophy, personally hand carved out of wood, by Dave. These were for the two losers and given in memory of Oliver Latour.
Although he had no formal training, his wood carvings adorn the homes of admirers in England, Ireland, and most parts of Canada. At one time Vida and Dave would attend trade shows in various parts of Ontario to display and sell these unique, one of a kind, carvings. I truly believe he gave away more than he ever sold. His generosity is beyond belief.
His musical contributions for many years to the Lung Association of Renfrew County wore unequalled. Along with pianist Jimmy Mayhew, and ably assisted by a group of well trained singers, he kicked off the opening ceremonies of the annual Christmas Seal Campaigns at the Pembroke Mall.
In the late 1980s, on a charter trip to Ireland, hosted by Emile and Sylvia Giroux of Emerald Travel, Dave won the hearts of those he came in contact with from Dublin in the south, to Belfast in the north. He also entertained the residents of the Emerald Isle and in the Northwestern town of Ballyshannon, his "dancing man", which he had carved for the trip, brought cheers of delight at the Thatch, one of Ireland's oldest pubs. Dave was the favorite in a group of 40 or so on this very memorable tour.
On Oct. 16, 1993, there was a special evening set aside for Dave and Vida at the Pembroke Legion Hall. Master of ceremonies Glen Andrews called on a number of individuals, representing various groups, that the guest of honor had lent his services to from time to time. Tributes flowed from the Korea Veteran's Association, the Pembroke Horseshoe League, the Pembroke and Petawawa Legion bands; and the Lung Association and the Columbus dramatic Club.
Dave was and still is a born actor, and in the 10 or more years he acted in the Irish Plays for the Columbus Dramatic Club, he may have been known as Phineas Plunkett, Mr. Brownlee, Elmer Doubleday, Rufus Dwight, Farrell Fanswallow, Captain O'Malley or inspector Ryan. Dave was always admired by other cast members and his ability to act on any given situation earned him the respect of Ottawa Valley audiences. Whether his part was large or small, he played it to perfection. He was always first to learn his lines and always willing to lend a hand to others. Shamrocks. Shellelaighs, and a host of other items needed for each production kept this caring individual busy as his carving skills were put on overtime.
Dave and Vida have two children, five grandchildren, and eight great grand children. Although his health suffered a slight setback over the past year, I'm happy to say he's feeling "fit as a fiddle" now. Dave Trimble is one of a kind and has the ability to draw both young and old to him. People enjoy being in his company and his community spirit is unmatched. If one ever was to have one friend in life wouldn't it be great to have one like Dave?
Former Valley journalist and broadcaster Pat Leonard's column appears here every Thursday.
98
Pembroke Observer article on Dave Trimble1996
Beachburg, Ontario
Credits:Pembroke Observer
Pat Leonard
 |
 |
 |
 |