David Lertzman remembrance page and online condolences

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Memories (29)
Condolences (149)

David Lertzman

May 4, 2021 - May 4, 2021

The administrator of this page is Karen Perl-Pollard

David Lertzman was a valued senior instructor who had worked with Haskayne since 2000, but truly he was so much more. He was our spiritual leader, our Indigenous connection and our sustainability hero. His energy made a lasting impact at the school. Since 2004, David led the wilderness retreat, a week-long leadership immersive experience in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains that has been transformational for many Haskayne School of Business students. He lovingly invested over 100 hours to convert this retreat to Zoom to provide a rich experience for students to learn how to overcome challenges, build resilience and how to embody ethical leadership. At the wilderness retreat, Lertzman focused on leadership topics in the larger context of sustainability, helping students clarify their core values, sense of purpose and call to service as leader. He was deeply committed to ii’ taa’poh’to'p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy. He brought to the forefront the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, particularly resolution 92 — the role that business has to play in healing the past. Haskayne students learned in his classroom from the survivors of the residential school system and UCalgary benefited from his close relationships with local Elders. Future Indigenous business leaders were nurtured under his watch as the UCalgary liaison for the Ch’nook Scholars program. He took his call to leadership seriously, but met the challenge with unbridled energy and positivity. His contributions to scholarship over his academic career have helped influence best practices for the ecological, social and cross-cultural performance of both industries and communities.

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2021-05-18 16:05:20 View / Comment (0)

Andrew Fahey

Andrew Fahey

Andrew Fahey

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I met David when I was an exchange student at the University of Calgary in 2008. David was pure warmth, friendship and love and drew me in immediately (as I suspect he did with so many others). Coming from Australia David was always curious about my home and my experiences as a descendant of white settler colonists on the other side of the world. David showed me that it was possible and how to go about living a sincere life connected to the land and the values of its indigenous owners. To say that this was a transformational moment in my formative years would be an enormous understatement. David’s love of life was expressed so well in his love and care for others, the land and all beings. I remember once that he was late to attend a class as a guest lecturer because he had stopped in a park on campus to smudge and pray for a squirrel that had passed away after being hit by a car. To many stopping to honour a life lost like that might seem trivial and small, but I knew that for David - big or small, common or rare - all life was a circle and we are all a part of it. With the love that he gave me, I give in return to his wife, children, family, colleagues, friends, students and all of his and our relations.

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2021-05-15 06:05:08 View / Comment (0)

Melanie Goodchild

Melanie Goodchild

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When Blackfoot Elder Dila Houle did the adoption ceremony for me and my brother Julian Norris in 2015 I remember Julian said to me, "you get two for one because David is my closest friend and brother." Sitting here by a beautiful lake in the mountains with David and Julian, a migizi (bald eagle) flew overhead. I liked their little camp chairs they brought with them. David was Oshkimmaadizig, one of the new peoples, the fulfillment of the 8th fire prophecy, bridging not only cultures and ways of knowing but also realms and dimensions. Tonight here at our place near Niagara Falls we lifted our pipes and sipped some old growth Sheng Puerh for you David in the spirit world with your ancestors. Sending our love to your beautiful family, we will be here for them until we too go to the spirit world. Miigwetch for listening.

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2021-05-14 20:22:10 View / Comment (2)

Thomas Thompson

Thomas Thompson

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David was a wonderful friend. He never failed to brighten my door when he visited my former music store in Canmore. He was a consummate outdoorsman, smart, well prepared and extremely careful. This is a terrible tragedy and a great loss. He was passionate about everything; his family, his students, his instruments, his music, hell, life and he loved living in the "Ghost." He also loved acoustic guitars and could talk all day about the varieties of shapes, brands, wood and tones. His favourite instrument was his four string dulcimer. He called it the "twanger" and we were always messing around with it trying to get it to play without buzzing in such a dry climate. Rest in peace my friend, Godspeed. My sincere heart felt condolence to his wife, his family, his professional colleagues and his students. He truly was one of a kind.

2021-05-14 17:42:54 View / Comment (0)

Chris Hsiung

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Here is David sharing some wisdom while I was filming with him in a conversation about reconciliation and allyship.

2021-05-14 03:56:45 View / Comment (0)

Anne Harding

Anne Harding

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My life changed when I was introduced to David's work in 2006. He inspired me to find my vocation of working as a bridge between Indigenous and Settler communities, specifically in the areas of business and sustainable development. I was honoured when David agreed to be my graduate supervisor and he guided me through the bowels of academia, helping me to be patient with the limitations of the setting while pushing the boundaries to ask more of our institutions. We transitioned to a relationship as colleagues while collaborating on journal submissions and research concepts. I remember fondly many long Friday afternoons spent discussing the merits of different approaches to language and concepts to describe our intentions and ideas - he with his thermos of delicious coffee brewed lovingly at home, and me with my Starbucks that I picked up on the way. He taught me, among so many things, that the longest journey of the shortest distance is from one's head to one's heart. I am forever grateful for David's support, inspiration, energy, love, intelligence, patience, and spirit. He was constantly brimming with love for Sarah, Glen & Mela, and my heart aches for them and all who have lost a brother, friend, and mentor.

2021-05-14 00:53:21 View / Comment (0)

Sarah Lertzman

Sarah Lertzman

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This came from Cristobal Callera (Kistupa) from Charapakocha, an Achuar village deep in the Ecadorian Amazon: Hello, Sarah, I am very sad for what happened to my brother. I heard that my brother, my yatsuro was attacked by a bear. Sarah, David left a legacy here in the Amazonia. We met in Kapawi Lodge, we met in yage when I was 26 year old. We met in Kapawi for 3 more times and here at home 3 more. Sarah, I feel very sad for your pain. We send you a strong spiritual power, energy for you. Shaam and I lived alike. Now you have a brother of Shaam here in the Ecuadorian Amazonia. I will never forget him. This plant is the guayusa; we had guayusa together every morning. That memory will never leave my heart and my mind. I am tearful, Sarah. Losing my brother is like losing an arm or half of my body. I will always encourage you…He left you two kids, Arutam and Nunkui Nua. Take care of them, they are your responsibility. Arutam will be with you. Shaam is gone but his spirit remains with you. He came here; he touched me and said “Hello, Kistupa”. I wanted to hold him, Sarah. But I couldn’t. I hope he rests in peace. He always helped me; economically, in my sickness, for my kids. I am always grateful. He is in heaven with Arutam. My wife and I, we send you a bigh hug. I don’t want this connection with you to end. If you want to visit when covid ends, come.

Christopher Fry

Christopher Fry

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David was a great mentor, teacher, and friend to me. I took many of his classes through Haskayne and he supervised my Masters research. We spent time together in Bella Bella and he taught me so much about academia and working with communities. I took this photo of David during our time there. I enjoyed getting random phone calls and emails from David, even though he was always very busy, he would take the time to chat and catch up. I feel so very privileged that I got to know and learn from David and I will miss him very much. My sincere condolences to the family for this tragic loss.

Mackenzie Beerbaum

Mackenzie Beerbaum

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Over the last 4 years at the University of Calgary, David Lertzman was the most influential person I was lucky enough to meet. I am so lucky to have spent the time learning and talking to him that I did. Whether it was as a professor, as a Ch'nook fellow, as a mentor, or as a friend, he left mark that will help guide me moving forward. He never failed to brighten the room and truly changed my life. I was so excited to take part in his upcoming research to advance the indigenization strategy at the Haskayne School of Business because he was so willing to give and make a difference in any way he could. He loved to strive for what many would say was the impossible and I know everyone he encountered is better for it. To his children and his wife, I am beyond sorry for your loss and send all my condolences.

Pretty Shields

Pretty Shields

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iihtahpahtoop

Iain Armstrong

Iain Armstrong

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I write as David's Kung Fu / Qigong teacher. This photo shows David performing his daily Quigong routine in the mountains which he loved so deeply and with which he had such a strong connection. He regularly contacted me with pictures and videos. David's persistence and diligence were extraordinary. Few people keep up daily practice for so long without a group to train with. Not so David. He had a daily routine - a ritual perhaps - of trail running and qigong practise and would, I believe, stop to practise at the same spot every day. Even in temperatures as low as 35C below zero. Temperatures completely beyond my personal experience. My understanding is that David met his end whilst on this run, close to the spot where he practised at the hands of a bear - the beast with which he had a deep, spiritual connection. Strange karma indeed. I can only think that he was, at least, surrounded by that which he loved and that he died in a way consistent with how he had lived, a man undiminished by old age or the negative elements of society. Clearly, David was an example to us all. One of a disappearing breed I suspect. He will live on in many memories and his influence will continue to be felt.

Carlos Vargas

Carlos Vargas

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David es sinónimo de amor, paciencia, respeto, curiosidad, gentileza. Esta foto se tomo en Ecuador durante un viaje al Amazonas investigando la vida de los Achuars y sus contribuciones a la sociedad. Un gran hombre nos ha dejado fisicamente, pero nos ha regalado un gran ejemplo de superación y amor incondicional por los demás. ____ David is synonymous with love, patience, respect, curiosity, kindness. This photo was taken in Ecuador during a trip to the Amazon conducting research about the life of the Achuars and their contributions to society. A great man has left us physically, but he has given us a great example of self-improvement and unconditional love for others.

Moujan Gilanmorad

Moujan Gilanmorad

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I am thankful to have had a professor, a mentor and a friend in David Lertzman. He shared his kindness, compassion, love and authenticity throughout Haskayne. He gave his students the space to be authentic to themselves, to lead from a place of compassion and to always have empathy. Thank you for pushing me outside of my comfort zone and for shaping me in who I am today. I am thinking of his friends and family and sending my condolences - my heart is with you. Rest In Peace, David ❤️

Jeffrey Shevchuk

Jeffrey Shevchuk

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We were the Camp MBA 2005 - I learned to be at peace & that listening matters. Rest well my brother

Ryan Jolly

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I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and brother. Words can’t describe how I am feeling in this moment, as with many people in this community. He touched many of us with his kindness and love. I feel blessed to have known David, and continued to drop into his classes long after the wilderness retreat where he helped me establish a mindfulness and meditation practice. I am sharing with this group his basic meditation and a slide from his inner leadership materials. I hope it gives you some comfort in this time of grieving and making meaning of his passing. All my relations.

Brendon Grande

Brendon Grande

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This was David at the 2016 CSR-SD Forum along with the other panelists, me and the other co-chair of CSR-SD (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development) at Haskayne School of Business. In 2016, the CSR SD Forum topic "The Business of Water" and we focused on how water has become a valuable commodity, water rights, and how it affects us on a city-wide as well as national level. We also organized Sustainability Circles throughout the year for people to attend and discuss a variety of great subjects. He was full of life, always had insightful advice, and taught me how to look at the world in a new light. It was a pleasure to learn from him.

Benjamin Cooper-Janvier

Benjamin Cooper-Janvier

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David, myself, Richard Sparvier, and Mackenzie Beerbaum (the 2019 Ch’nook Scholars) at an ii' taa'poh'to'p event. https://ucalgary.ca/news/meet-2018-19-chnook-scholars-connecting-indigenous-business-students. See my last post for my message.

Benjamin Cooper-Janvier

Benjamin Cooper-Janvier

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David was my professor, mentor, brother, and friend. He empowered me to believe in myself and make a difference in this world. He saw me for who I am. He was genuine and intentional. He could see the big picture and articulate different worlds in a meaningful way (indigenous and non for example). He built bridges in ways I have never seen before. Carved new ways of thinking out of decades of asking questions and shared his insights to empower and engage everyone he could... I genuinely don’t believe I can write anything more that actually describes just how outstanding of a man he was... but I think it’s clear by all of the messages the impact that he had on all of us. I want to ask you -if you’re reading this- to just hold him in your thoughts. Try to remember what he stood for, and what he sought to teach. He had projects underway and creator has clearly planned for many of us to continue his mission without his physical presence. He was truly trying to solve the biggest problems we are all facing... From sustainability to reconciliation, to the lack of meaningful human connection and our relationship with the planet... He saw the big picture. Logically, spiritually, and authentically. It is up to us now to continue his mission. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to his family. If there’s anyway I can help, or anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. To David, my friend and brother, you are always welcome in my space. I will always have some for you with me. Till we meet again. With love, Ben. [Photo: Captured during the August 2019 Adventure Leadership Course in Kananaskis]

Karen MacDonald

Karen MacDonald

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David was a great ally to the staff and students at the Writing Symbols Lodge. He proudly sang the UofC Honour song at the Convocation in 2019. His voice and presence will be missed when we can celebrate once again with an Indigenous graduation. I had many good conversations with David and he was always asking about Cree pronunciations and he knew what wahkohtowin ᐊᐧᐦᑯᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ meant - which can be best described as family bonds. His respect for nature and reconciliation will never be forgotten. I will miss you nistes ᓂᐢᑌᐢ (my brother). Regards, Karen MacDonald, ᐅᑲᓀ Manager, Writing Symbols Lodge .

Greg John

Greg John

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My favorite text message from David where he would share his crazy love of nature, health, and frost in his beard… I laughed so hard when I saw this photo but this was who he was… I’m going to miss him so so much.

Rachel Hughes

Rachel Hughes

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There are few professors who come into your life and teach lessons that you know will stay with you for the rest of your life, but David was one of those transformational individuals. He had a heart of gold and was so passionate about helping his students become one with nature. He was also a talented musician and storyteller and those with whom he shared his gifts are sure to never forget them. I am forever grateful for all that David taught me about leadership, nature, and self-discovery during the Leadership Challenge Weekend and the Haskayne Leadership Expedition. It is a heartbreaking loss and I extend my deepest condolences to his children and wife.

Katie Cabaret

Katie Cabaret

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On top of the mountain with David. Haskayne Wilderness Retreat 2014 - (photo credit Lisa Range) What an amazing experience, enjoyed by so many students. We were all so lucky to have known him.

Benjamin Cooper-Janvier 2021-05-07 06:35:37 wrote: David was my professor, mentor, brother, and friend. He empowered me to believe in myself and make a difference in this world. He saw me for who I am. He was genuine and intentional. He could see the big picture and articulate different worlds in a meaningful way (indigenous and non for example). He built bridges in ways I have never seen before. Carved new ways of thinking out of decades of asking questions and shared his insights to empower and engage everyone he could... I genuinely don’t believe I can write anything more that actually describes just how outstanding of a man he was... but I think it’s clear by all of the messages the impact that he had on all of us. I want to ask you -if you’re reading this- to just hold him in your thoughts. Try to remember what he stood for, and what he sought to teach. He had projects underway and creator has clearly planned for many of us to continue his mission without his physical presence. He was truly trying to solve the biggest problems we are all facing... From sustainability to reconciliation, to the lack of meaningful human connection and our relationship with the planet... He saw the big picture. Logically, spiritually, and authentically. It is up to us now to continue his mission. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to his family. If there’s anyway I can help, or anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. To David, my friend and brother, you are always welcome in my space. I will always have some for you with me. Till we meet again. With love, Ben. [Photo: Captured during the August 2019 Adventure Leadership Course in Kananaskis]

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