David and his late wife Carol were featured on the cover of "artscanada magazine" in 1972 when with the assistance of artist Russ Yuristy, David built the "Duck Boat" and "The Elephant" and the "Gopher" in Silton Saskatchewan.
The Elephant was built with cedar recycled from an ancient prairie barn. It was a landmark and tourist attraction through the late 80s while it resided in the centre of the Silton Saskatchewan Park.
His classical roots are evident in all of his original compositions. He has performed his work on Canadian Radio.
This photo was taken in the home that David and his wife, Carol, built in the wilderness of Northern Manitoba during the early 70s.
David and the employees designed and manufactured unique high quality hand-made wooden toys which were distributed in Canada and the United States. Creative Playroom Workshop continued production into the early 90s.
Their farming was done organically based on the principles developed by Dr. O.W. Grussendorf. Dr. Grussendorf developed methods which allowed him to produce 50 bushels of top quality wheat per acre on marginal land which when purchased would barely support native grasses.
Organic methods yielded 100 bushels of prime oats per acre as a result of utilizing Dr. Grussendorf''s methods of recycling and enhancing manure from their goats, horses and sheep along with crop residues from previous years.
In 1980 David and Carol sold their farm and moved to Gabriola Island which is just off of the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. They continued to live a simple life without electricity, a telephone or other "conveniences".
This love of simplicity and long term connection to nature is reflected in David's photographs of the wild animals that he understands, loves and respects.
Jazz, Blues as well as Classical music was served, along with good food and drink
The first book shared the adventure of rescuing a green iguana named Anna. Anna was profoundly emaciated and dehydrated. She required months of intensive care before she recovered and became a cherished member of Carol and David's family.
The second book is a treatise covering the effects of UV lighting on captive reptiles. This book was based on the observation and testing of wild reptiles as well as a long-term study that David carried out on captive reptiles. During this study he exposed reptiles to carefully controlled and measured amounts of UVB. Blood levels of vitamin D and bone densities were determined during the study..
Having over 100 species of exotic pets along with tropical fish, dog grooming services and supplies for virtually any pet made this a one-stop haven for pet lovers.
Every pet that was for sale was handled daily, tamed and cared for with respect and love.
Lucy a fawn-colored Great Dane, Daisy a Shi-Tzu along with Anna a green iguana were the official greeters at Happy Tails.
Kelly a 6-foot long "dog tame" Nile Monitor was another permanent resident that was a favorite among customers.
This business was sold before David returned to Canada.
Record rainfall in Alberta and Saskatchewan caused nests to be flooded from the Saskatchewan landing to Riverhurst. The nesting areas around Lake Diefenbaker were completely submerged. Beginning on June 12th eggs were collected and placed into an incubator.
The project was highly successful and 104 birds were released to join the wild Piping Plovers at Chaplin Lake. Soon after, the Piping Plovers began their migration to wintering grounds on the Gulf of Mexico.
He believes that new technologies are emerging that in the hands of passionate photographers will forever change the art of still photography.