David Lavine

When David represented Durham and served as Deputy Speaker of the Ct House of Representatives, I represented the neighboring town of Middlefield. He was unfailingly kind to me, and was one of those who felt strongly yet enjoyed discussing policy with those of differing opinions. He loved the frailties and ironies of the political process, and had a smile and twinkle in his eye when others, myself included, were inflated by certitude. He was above all a humanist, and his optimism was...

I'm Adam, David Lavine's son. Losing him was tough on all of us. This is the eulogy I presented at Dad's service.

Nine years ago, my father underwent bypass surgery. The doctor told us there was a chance he wouldn’t survive the operation. Before he went under, Dad told me if that if he didn’t wake up it would be OK. He said to me “I’ve lived a good life.” He said “If I go, I go.”

Well he didn’t go. Dad survived the surgery, and went on to live another nine...

David was a formidable opponent to the utilities on behalf of consumers and a sustainable earth. It was a joy to serve with him and his co-chair, then-State Sen. John Larson, on the Energy Committee. He pushed the utilities to invest in energy conservation and efficiency, and his legacy is that conservation is now part of their business plan.
Instead of potholders or pens, David passed out tree seedlings while campaigning in Durham and Middletown. He protected CT's inland wetlands...

I worked as a staffer for the House Democrats in the 80s and got to know David well. He was a larger than life guy, with a great sense of humor and true compassion for the underdog. He took public service very seriously, without taking himself too seriously. He was the scourge of the utility companies and a friend to the consumer. He made his life count.

Gladys and Family,
Was so sorry to hear of David's passing! I mourn him too. I remember fondly working with you both on Durham's different committees, our friendship, and raising children. My thoughts are with you at this time.

Those of us involved with energy policy and administration today feel as if we are planting our feet in footsteps already put down by David and pretending to fashion a wheel that he had already invented. The idea of consolidating energy policy and implementation under one umbrella, the notion that in conservation lies our only unfailingly beneficial "resource" and the belief that intelligent, courageous governmental leadership really can make a difference all were core notions that our...

I worked with David in the late 80s while he was in the CT House and always remember him fondly. He was such a wonderful, quick-witted, kind-hearted, brilliant man. His love for his family was obvious to anyone who spoke with him. My sympathies go out to you. I hope you will be comforted by your memories of this special guy.

Dear Gladys and Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you. He may be gone but the wonderful memories I will always cherish. Ann Page Durham CT.

MRS. LAVINE AND FAMILY.
THE THING I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT DAVID WAS WHEN RUNNING FOR OFFICE HE GAVE OUT PINE TREE SEEDLINGS. I HAD TO CUT IT DOWN TWO YEAS AGE AS IT GREWW TOO BIG.