‘Dave Herman is not gone’

David Herrman, a stalwart member of the AM Kiwanis, died last week following emergency surgery. Along with many in the community, our club members will mourn his loss.

Some background: Dave was a member of the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada when, 18 years ago, some members wanted to branch off to a more low-key service-oriented club. Dave was instrumental in forming the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, AM, and was its second president. As Lt. Gov. of Div. 3, he was instrumental in getting our AM club to sponsor the Benjamin Franklin High School Key Club when their sponsor folded. Dave was a regular attendant at their Wednesday meetings and a mentor to the officers.

When the Key Club members received the news of Dave’s death last Wednesday, President James Talavera gave a moving tribute: “I joined Key Club as a freshman because I thought it would look good on my resume, I stayed around as a sophomore because my friends did. Then, Mr. Herrman talked to me about the meaning of Kiwanis, serving your community, leadership, making a difference in the lives of others. He changed my life. I would not be here today in front of this club if it were not for him.

He came to our meetings even when he was not well. He was a strong man and a caring man.”

Another student said, “Dave is not gone; he will always be right here with us.” They gave a sincere tribute to a person many in the Franklin High School community revere.

Frances Hill

La Cañada