Like so many others in the Northland, I was shocked to hear that Representative David Dill had died on Saturday, August 8.
I had heard that his health was failing. David’s good friend Hal Greenwood of Grand Marais told me a month ago that he was undergoing treatment for cancer. But I couldn’t imagine that Dave wouldn’t come through this latest health battle as he had with his other challenges—diabetes and a kidney transplant. I remember telling Hal that I was sure he’d get through this.
I was so impressed with how David handled his failing kidneys, scheduling dialysis around the legislative session and the operations of his fly-in fishing camp. I’m sure he would have liked to keep that situation quiet too, but it’s difficult to keep something like that private. So, he matter-of-factly explained the kidney transplant and recovery process to the media and got back to work at the Capitol.
David did an amazing job, finding time to listen to all the citizens in his huge district, from the Arrowhead to International Falls. He didn’t seem to mind the traveling; it was just another way to stay in touch with his constituents. He truly enjoyed the events at which he was invited to speak—the Birch Grove Community School grand opening; Gitchi Gami Bicycle Trail ribbon cuttings; Arrowhead Electric Cooperative’s building renovation groundbreaking; the exciting groundbreaking for Superior National at Lutsen golf course; Higher Education luncheons; and Cook County Chamber of Commerce/Visit Cook County celebrations.
He worked tirelessly to get bills passed to benefit the people in his district. I can’t count the number of times he called the Cook County News-Herald to talk to someone on staff to get an idea of community opinion on an issue.
David worked well across the aisle and was able to get a lot of important legislation passed, but he wasn’t afraid to speak up if an idea or project wasn’t feasible. I remember one fundraiser for David and his friend and colleague Senator Tom Bakk. Group after group talked to them over hors d’oeuvres about the need for additional funding for this cause or that. When it was David’s turn to speak he didn’t pull any punches, he told the people who had voted him into office that it wasn’t likely he would get funding for all the pet projects. In fact, David told his supporters, it would be a year of trying to fight off cuts to current funding.
He was respected for that. Time and again this week as I’ve talked to people for an article on the passing of our District 3A representative, I’ve heard people say they didn’t always agree with David, but despite differences on some issues, they appreciated his willingness to work on other projects.
Like everyone I’ve talked to about his passing, I’m heartbroken. David was more than our legislator, he was a friend. I will miss his calls to the Cook County News-Herald to talk about issues. And even more, I’ll miss the many times he showed up at the newspaper unannounced, inviting someone for coffee at Blue Water Café just to touch bases.
Conversations with Dave were always lively. He felt strongly about issues and was happy to share his opinion—and sometimes, half of his caramel roll. But eventually, the discussion always strayed from legislative issues. He loved sharing news about his fishing camp or his dear wife Tucky and his hardworking son Drake.
He remembered names and faces. He wanted to know how kids were doing in school and how work was going. He wanted to know what everyone was up to and whether people were catching fish. David didn’t just care about politics or campaigning; he cared about the people of his district. We weren’t just his constituents; we were his friends. We will all miss him.
To measure the man,
measure his heart.
Malcolm Stevenson Forbes
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