#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench
Society & Culture
Episode #12 - This isn't David's first time in front of a mic, he's been providing entertainment for audiences for most of his life. His spirit of living life to its fullest, even as he battles a difficult health challenge, is all about connection. David shares his Story from the Green Bench from the Schlegel Village, Pinehaven Nursing Home in Waterloo.
Born in Elmira in a little apartment over top of a blacksmith shop. Has lived in Waterloo for most of his life, with some time in Toronto to work at Steve's Music Store, where he had the privilege of meeting Eddie Van Halen, The Hollies, The Moody Blues, The Police, and others.
A musician from a young age. "My brother was stuck with the accordion and I got to play the Hawaiian guitar." It gave him an insight into the guitar and later led to a Spanish guitar. He joined a high school rock band and they most wanted to be like The Beatles.
His musical career as part of the band called 'The Town Choir' toured across Ontario and New York State.
*Back in 1969 David wrote and recorded a song called 'Smile' with his band. Lost the tape and recently found it, fixed it up, and got it on a CD. Jim and Ralph recorded Smile - have a listen.
"The world needs a big smile today." - Lloyd Hetherington
In grade 13, David had a fight with his dad and left home, sleeping wherever he could find comfort. A friend's father got him a job and gave him a room.
"I had good friends. Without them, I wouldn't have survived." -David Boehm
Prior to getting married David and his wife-to-be had a son. Her parents wouldn't allow them to raise him so they had to put him up for adoption. He has recently connected with his son and enjoys hearing about his life and the lives of his grandchildren. He hopes to one day be able to visit with them.
"Clearly some of those strands of DNA are guitar strings." -Erin Davis to David Boehm regarding his son and his grandchildren
David started up a small company called Aquatic Designs, where he set-up and maintained aquariums. He has an interest in fish - spent time with the Willowdale Aquarium Society and volunteered at Royal Ontario Museum identifying fishes and going on field trips.
"Learned a lot from being a volunteer at The Royal Ontario Museum." -David Boehm
More in this episode:
"As long as you have love, you are going to be alright." - David Boehm
David Allan Boehm, 73, of Waterloo, Ontario, passed peacefully in his sleep on December 20, 2021, after a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma.
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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.
It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.
"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel
This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.
#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Benefits of #ElderWisdom and the Role of a DLO with Branka Matijevic
Raising a musical family and quirky gardening with Angela Willis
BONUS | Resident Voices in Long-Term Care with OARC’s Melissa McVie & Devora Greenspon
Critical thinking, long-distance relationships and reading with Evelyn Brindle
Public Speaking and Being a Grandma with Shirley Arthur
Bucket Lists, Family Trees and Moving to Glendale Crossing with Ivan Siriani
Dr. Bob Bell - Expert on healthcare for an aging population and prolific author of fiction
Virginia Barry on swimming, canoeing, and being a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi
Hildegarde Bolter on resilience in life, leaving her husband, and being a German child in the war
June Campbell on Newfoundland joining Canada, 2 marriages and lots of traveling
Joyce Stankiewicz on caring for a loved one with dementia and the buddy system at University Gates
Recipes, memories, pasta and the past with Anna Piccoli & daughter Franca
100 Years of Wisdom with Aunt Reta
Meaningful relationships and growth in spirituality with Jack Paleczny
”Who are you, anyway?” with The Right Honourable David Johnston
A part of our Family - Pam Wiebe’s story of changing careers and family culture at Schlegel Village
Corrine Richard on meeting the Dionne Quintuplets, working the carnival and family relations
Trailer - #ElderWisdom
Reflections, gratitude, and tribute to the wisdom of Season 1
Rita Munro - How does your garden grow? Gardening, Nursing, and Journalism
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