After a long and dedicated career, Dave Paplawski is announcing his pending retirement. Effective June 7th, 2019 Dave will be leaving AHEIA to pursue some much earned rest and relaxation. It’s hard to believe but Dave began his career in Conservation Education 43 years ago. Through the years, he has served with distinction and has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues, students and industry professionals. His name has been associated with excellence since his arrival here in 1996 and he has had a hand in many AHEIA achievements. Not the least of which is the development of the AHEIA National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and the development of the Calgary Firearms Centre and the Alford Lake Conservation Education Centre for Excellence.
I have often said that if one is to look up the definition of “Gentleman” in the dictionary… Dave’s picture would be there – no further definition required. His legacy and career has spanned the growth and development of most of the programs we now deliver. His mentoring and thoughtful dedication to the cause of Conservation Education has created thousands of committed and responsible hunters and anglers. He has had a hand in the building of the world class reputation that AHEIA enjoys. I can think of no single current contributor to our cause that we owe a greater debt of gratitude to.
Personally I have been blessed with his friendship for over 40 years and I will miss him very much. Who knows… perhaps I can persuade him to stay involved in some ways on a go forward basis. Please pass on your thoughts to our friend Dave and wish him and Lucille the very best in their much deserved retirement years. Enjoy some of the pictures that show Dave doing what he loved and what we have come to appreciate as his legacy.
Thank you Dave!
Bob Gruszecki
