by Lloyd Schmidt
The running community recently lost an important and well-respected person with the passing of Dave Northey on September 11, 2017.
Dave was a founding organizer of the first Waterloo 10KM Classic Road Race in 1978, a race which is the cornerstone of Run Waterloo. Dave continued his involvement with The Classic into the 1990s, sharing his experience and knowledge, which I so greatly appreciated.
See also:
Obituary in The Record
Tribute in Canadian Running
Dave had a kind, gentle and humble personality, but was a fierce and competitive elite runner. Unable to run the inaugural race due to volunteering duties, Dave would win the 1979 Waterloo 10KM Classic, edging out inaugural champion Rich Hughson by 17 seconds. His personal bests include 29:45 in the 10k and 2:16:01 in the Marathon.
One little known story that speaks to Dave’s legacy is that he actually fitted Run Waterloo with the bicycle that we have used for over fifteen years to measure courses and lead runners. This road bicycle with a custom Julian Edwins frame, fitted with a Jones Counter, is still seen in action at almost every road race!
A gathering for Dave will be held on Saturday, November 4th, 1 – 4 pm at Luther Village, Great Hall, 139 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo. There will be a cash bar and light refreshments. Donations will be accepted at the door in support of the London University Hospital Cardiac Care Unit. RSVPs are not required.
Over 70 of Dave’s friends from the past will be in attendance to reminisce about the good old days, and about one of the good guys.
Run Waterloo thanks and honours the contributions and legacy of the late, great Dave Northey.
