It’s with incredible sorrow that I’m writing to let you know about the passing of another legendary Saskatchewan Green. Dave Abbey passed away suddenly of aspiration pneumonia yesterday (May 24. 2024). He had his family by his side and listened to his favourite song, "Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream". We will carry on to make his dream come true. His wife Carol called to let us know. There will be no service and he has chosen cremation.

Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream
Song by Simon & Garfunkel

Last night I had the strangest dream
I ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war

I dreamed I saw a mighty room
The room was filled with men
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again

And when the papers all were signed
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads
And grateful prayers were prayed

And the people in the streets below
Were dancing round and round
And guns and swords and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground

Last night I had the strangest dream
I ever dreamed before
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war

The Strangest Dream - The Weavers -
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZEaPOikAYk)

- I've cried lots already since Dave entered his final illness. More tonight. Dave Abbey, David Walther and I were a team for so many years. They both would phone me most days at least three times. Greens across the country joked that the whole Saskatchewan Green Party executive was The Daves (there were only 3). Now David Greenfield and Dave Abbey have passed within weeks of each other. And David Walther has stepped down as his health is uncertain. He is still helping me a little, keeping his toe in the door….

Dave Abbey served as our Rep on (GPC) federal council for several years (I think 7?). We have had trouble keeping a federal council rep since he stepped down.

He also was the SGP Chief Official Agent for a good seven years. Victor Lau had recruited him. Dave went above and beyond, not only doing that very important job but acting as the financial agent for an epic 42 of 60 candidates in the last two provincial elections. 

He also was the financial agent for almost every federal Electoral District Association and federal candidate in Saskatchewan, at one time.

Dave was a teller of jokes (many of which he made up regarding situations happening with all of us). He phoned many members of the Green Party so you are likely to remember him from that. He also would make up songs by rewriting the lyrics of popular old songs. I’ll treasure those memories, as I’m sure many of you will.

Dave also volunteered serving on the Saskatchewan Safety Council including two years as president. He also was a volunteer canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Before getting involved with the Green Party in 2014, he was active in local NDP associations. He worked in the Saskatchewan public service for 29 years before retiring in 2001.

We have struggled terribly to fill his shoes since his health declined, and now I’m sure Greens across the country will celebrate his life and mourn his passing. Dave will be an inspiration for Saskatchewan Greens as we move forward.

-Naomi Hunter