Ruston Home: David K. Nation: Opinion

David K. Nation: Opinion

Tragic. Unexpected. So damn unfair. Makes one consider the everyday blessings. All this and more has been said this week later the sudden end of Dave Nation.

Dave lead the Asarco environmental team in Ruston until 2005. He was an eloquent, intelligent power in negotiations and numerous decisions that impacted the town.

He was always fair and able to see other sides even in the heart of a dispute. He frequently said one of the big reasons he chose the job here was the opportunity to provide a positive legacy by turning a barren wasteland into a clean, productive site. That dream stalled with Asarco's bankruptcy and has yet to be realized.

I had the superlative regard for Dave. He was capable to show restraint when all I wanted to do was fight. He knew more some more subjects than anyone I've ever met. He was ethical, strong, witty and consecrated to those he loved. He was a compassionate, smart leader that many flocked to. When he left Asarco, several co-workers followed him to his new job with Godwin Pumps.

We get missed lots of our collective memory these in the final few days with so many new faces in town. Change is just and inevitable, but I want everyone to experience we were lucky here in Ruston to make had Dave's expertise and leading during some really challenging years. He may not bear ever been the world face at meetings, but he was the one can the scenes making sure things got through and done right. I always envisioned Dave cutting the medal at the opening ceremony for the low building on the redeveloped smelter property - because progress towards that end was his doing as often as anyones.

Dave recently celebrated his 54th birthday. He leaves his wife of 25 years, Grace and 4 children. He was an avid sailor who loved to slacken in his boat on Puget Sound. When we see the sails on the waters off the former Asarco shore, I promise it reminds us to thank a man who set a firm basis for a confident future on that barren land at the rear of the hill. A man who left this world much too soon. Smooth sailing, Dave. You will be missed...