David Bale

Janie, I just stumbled on this tragic news and I wanted to send my deepest condolences. I hope you have lots of family and friends around you to help you through this... and may David's memory always be a comfort and a blessing to you and your family. So sorry... and keeping you in my thoughts. Bob Charendoff

David was such a warm and bright soul that touched everyone who was lucky enough to come across him. I consider myself lucky for working with him on the Baeckids and other projects over the years. He just gave me some wonderful advice about our upcoming trip to Israel which was so helpful and insightful. His bright smile will be missed in the halls of Leo Baeck. Condolences to all of you with love from the Powell Family, Ellen, Ari, Leah and Ethan.

David was a most gentle and caring soul. He will be missed by a great many. I am happy to have had the opportunity to know him. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to his wife and children on their sad loss. G-d bless. Susan Aroosi

I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. David was loved and admired at Leo Baeck and will be greatly missed. May his memory be a blessing and may you find comfort in the friends and family that surround and support you at this difficult time.

Sweet Janie, Ari and Yafa, we are overwhelmed with grief and shock, and our hearts go out to all of you. David was warm and devoted. He was kind and gentle. He was an especially gracious man with unique and altogether rare qualities. His love for his family and friends were transfixed on his face. His eyes displayed it every minute, his adorable smile, and his inviting gaze. He was creative and clever and very, very good at everything he did. He was absolutely uncomplicated and so much fun to be with. This is a loss that can never be measured in words or in time. We wish you some comfort in the knowledge that we are with you every minute, and that our hearts go out to you all.

Dear Bale family, my sincerest condolences on the death of your husband / dad / brother / uncle. Dave took wonderful care of me when I was homesick new camper at Tamakwa almost 30 years ago and I loved him for that. I was so glad to reconnect with him at Leo Baeck over the past few years. I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you during this awful time. Jeremy Burke

Dearest Jani, Ari and Yafa, We are so shocked and emptied with the sad and tragic passing of David. From my days with you at DJDS and now at Leo Baeck, David's presence has been a light in our family's life and every family who knew him. His gentle way of making you feel like your conversation and time with him made the rest of the world disappear is something I will try to emulate and do in his honour. His memory will be a blessing. His generous spirit will remain and continue to guide us all. Warmly, Micki and Sam

It was my pleasure to be Yafa's English teacher this year, and I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Yafa and her family at this difficult time.

I am so shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. David was a gentleman in every respect. He was one the kindest, most caring and sweetest man. I have had the pleasure of working alongside David, and no matter how busy he was, he always made time for his colleagues and was the master at cracking jokes. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. He will be deeply missed.

We are so saddened to hear this tragic news about David. He was a very special man, with a wonderful smile that left everyone feeling welcomed at Leo Baeck. I had such a wonderful conversation with him just last week after the Grade 8 Grad breakfast, during which he spoke about his incredible experiences living and working in Israel, and spoke so lovingly about his family. He will be great missed. Hoping your treasured memories of him will always be a source of support. The Levinson family - Lorraine & Michael & Jamie & Cara

In life, we probably are guilty of overusing phrases like "he was the nicest guy". But David truthfully was THE nicest guy you could ever meet. Its hard to believe I won't see him coming in to the gym to shoot baskets with the kids or walking in with a smile for me and a warm hello (in his Tigers hat, of course). He will be sorely missed by myself and many others. Deepest sympathy to his family.

Our deepest condolences. Darren and Marissa Morgenstern

As a parent of Leo Baeck my family and I want to send our sincerest condolences. He was such a nice man and so well liked by all who came into contact with him. We are so sorry.

We are deeply saddened to hear of David's passing. We look back on our years spent on the sunny shores of South Tea and remember David fondly. May his memory be a blessing to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Dear Janie, Ari and Yafa, I'm so sorry about this shocking and devastating loss. Zoë just texted me and I couldn't believe it. David was such a sweet guy. Im thinking about you and hope that the high esteem in which he was held by all offers some tiny comfort. Cynthia

Janie, I am so very sorry to hear of Dave's untimely passing. My heart aches for you. Please know you are in my prayers. May God give you strength in this most challenging time and always. Fondly, Lana

Dear Bale Family, I was devastated to learn the news of David's sudden passing. I had the great fortune of getting to know David at Leo Baeck over the past few years in my capacity as a parent and board member. David epitomized the word 'mensch' and was truly a kind, gentle man. He was always happy to help, was engaged in each discussion and always had a warm smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by our community. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his memory be a blessing. Shelley Weiner

1984 marked the day that forever changed me - the day I met Dave to be introduced to Tamakwa. What sold me was Dave, his smile and his enthusiasm. He was an instrumental part of my childhood and helped me through some pretty tough times. I will always remember the fun I had with him and lucky to call him a friend. Thinking about you Janie, Ari and Yafa. XO

Dear Janie, Ari and Yaffa: We extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family. David was gentle and wise and embraced Dean, Jonathan and all the students at DJDS with love, kindness and respect. We remember fun family dinners and outings, and all our special times together while our kids were young. Our hearts are with you at this most difficult time. Love, Karey, Dean, Jonathan and Michael

My deepest condolences to the Bale family. He was a true mensch and had a huge, positive, influence on so many Tamakwans.

Accept our deepest smypathies. Dave was truly a Tamakwan and left many good memories with us! We will not forget him.

The halls of the Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School filled will sadness today as we learned of David's tragic passing. Though Ari and Yafa graduated years ago, David continued to happily share his expertise with many staff members. His kind face recently graced the school's walls as he was part of an exhibit tracing the school's history. I met with David recently at Leo Baeck and he provided me a wealth of knowledge for our evolving alumni outreach program. I will always be grateful for his counsel and am so sad for your loss.

Dear Janie, you and David were one of the first people to welcome me into the DJDS community so many years ago. I will always remember his warmth and quiet confidence. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Dear Bale family, I was blessed to have known David for over 30 years: From that first step off the pointer at Tamakwa to our time together at Leo Baeck. His smile alone was a great gift to receive daily. What a beautiful, loving soul who taught so many by his example how to live a meaningful life. My prayers are with you all.

Dear Bale family, I was so sorry to hear this terrible news. David was truly a special person from my childhood at camp. Whenever I would run into him in the city he always had a smile and a hug. The amount of lives he touched was unbeleivable.

To the Bale family members: I am shocked and saddened by Dave's sudden passing. I've known David for most of my life. We were friends at camp and later in Jerusalem. Though we had drifted apart over the past few years he has been in my thoughts whenever I think of .Tamakwa. My heart grieves for his survivors. May his memory be a blessing.

May his memory forever be a blessing......Tamakwa camper 1972/1973

May your fond memories of David be a comfort to you during this difficult time. How How

Today is a day that we all morn the loss of one of the kindest and most gentle guy. David had a special soul, the kindest smile and the biggest heart. I loved working with David. There was nothing he wouldn't do in order to help others. David, you will be greatly missed and you will forever remain in our hearts. I prey that your beautiful family will br able to find strength in each other and together will be able to cope with this terrible tragedy. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this horrible time.

Dear Janie: I was so shocked to read about the death of your beloved David. When I would see you both at Temple Sinai, I was always struck by the clear love and affection that surrounded the two of you as a couple. This kind of love I'm sure surrounded your children and your family. I hope that moments and memories will strengthen all of you through the coming weeks and months. There are, of course, no words. I wish you all long life.

Dear Janie, Ari, Yafa and Family, My sincerest condolences to the entire family! I am completely heartbroken to hear this news. Dave Bale was my "Unca Lou." I loved him and being around him every single minute while at Tamakwa. I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you. In my heart, Krisie Shane

David will always have a special place in my heart and in my most cherished memories of camp. We spent our days off together, did laundry together and grew up together. Sending love and condolences to The Bale family. Debbie Felsot Krasnoff

Dear Janie, What a great shock to see David's name here. I am so terribly sorry for this dreadful, dreadful loss of your husband and the father of your children. My deepest condolences to you, your children and David's brothers and sister. What a terrible loss. He will be missed.

To all the Bale Family, Tommy and I and all the TCreed family are deeply saddened to hear the news of Daves untimely passing. It's a shock to everyone. We send heartfelt condolences to all. With love, Shari and Tommy Creed and family

David was always quick to offer a warm smile and a friendly hello. He will be terribly missed by the Leo Baeck community and all who knew him. Sending our deepest condolences. Eve Halpern & Jerome Breslin

Janie, Ari and Yafa Sending you our deepest condolences at this terrible time. The world has lost a truly wonderful human being. Our thoughts are with you. With love, Marcia, Mischa and Dov

Dearest Janie, Ari, Jafa - there are no words to describe how devastated and shocked I was to hear of the loss of David. He was the sunshine in our school, always smiling, gentle, helpful and kind. He always made time to thank me of the littlest things I did. He will be missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. With love Phil and Shelley Klugman

To the Bale family; My deepest and sincerest condolences. Dave, along with Steve Dean, were my counselors at Tamakwa in 1972, my first year there. Dave was such a wonderful person and inspiring counselor that as my parents departed the pointer on visitor's day, I didn't bother with hugs and hellos, but made it clear that I wanted to attend the second four week session. Dave still holds the distinction as having been the only head counselor of Woodsman I, which split off from Forester 3 in 1972. I still have the two canoe paddles he painted my name on that year. A wonderful man who will be sorely missed, but deeply cherished, and I'm grateful for the three years I knew him at Tamakwa. Regards, Miles Lakin.

As part of the Tamakwans family our family extends our love. I have wonderful memories of David. I was also in the same cabin as Deni.

Deepest sympathies to Janie, Ari and Yafa and to Dave's Tamakea and LB families. May the great camper of all good campers…be with us ’til we meet again.

Dearest Janie, Ari & Yaffa; We were shocked to our core to hear about the tragic passing of our great old friend David. His passing leaves a hole in our lives that will never be filled. May his memory be blessed, and his soul find a place of peace in Gan Eden. And may you all be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Dear Janie, Ari, and Yafa, I was shocked and so saddened to learn of the loss of Dave. He was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most caring men that I've over known. I have countless memories of him from growing up at Tamakwa. I particularly remember his love for camp and family. As Ari's forester counsellor, I feel like I had the privilege of an inside look into these two loves in his life. I remember running into him just a few summers ago returning form a canoe trip at the P-Store. I remember our huge hug, our conversation we had about our shared love for the park, and how genuinely caring he was. I'm at a complete loss. I am heartbroken and hoping you may you find some comfort in the legacy that Dave created and the so many that he inspired. Thinking of you all at this terrible time.

Dear Janie, Ari and Yafa, I'm deeply saddened by the untimely loss of your husband and father. I feel lucky to have worked closely with David at Leo Baeck. He was a role model for me and will continue to be for many years to come. I'm heartbroken for you all in this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing.

Dear Yafa, I so sorry to hear of your father's passing. You're in my thoughts and I send my condolences to you and your family. Marcia

Like so many people posting here, I send my most sincere condolences to Janie, Ari and Yafa through this difficult time. David changed my life, also like others. He reignited my love of camp and allowed me to pass that passion on to my daughter. I had the pleasure of working with David from 2001-2003 both in the city and at camp. I learned so much from this wonderful and giving man. We shot hoops together nightly and talked for hours. He was humble, inspirational, forever smiling and a true gentleman. I'll always have the nickname he gave me, "Office Goddess" as a reminder of how special he made me and hundreds of others feel. Sheri

What a wonderful man . What a great loss to David's family and to the community.My sincere condolences to Janie, Ari and Yafa.

I am heartbroken to hear of Dave's passing. He was a pivotal figure throughout my summers at Tamakwa and will be remembered for his unconditional kindness, warmth and spirit. He truly meant so much to so many. My sincerest condolences to Janie, Ari and Yafa. May his memory be a blessing.

All of us here at Zoomerradio are shocked and saddened by this news. David was a delight to work with and a true gentleman. We are thinking of the family and hope you will find comfort.

Janie, Ari and Yafa...I was deeply saddened to hear of David's sudden passing. I hope that your memories of him provide some comfort at this immensely difficult time.

Janie, we are in shock over David's sudden passing. We loved him for his kindness, sense of humor and gentle soul. He had that rare ability to lift people up just by spending time with him. It was Dave who helped Robin as a new mom while Fred was in the IDF so many years ago and it was Dave who we entrusted Nitza to in her first year as a camper from NJ all the way to Canada. Ari and Yafa, your dad's voice and emails to us said it all. He loved you guys and loved being your dad. Our hearts ache for you. A smile, a twinkle in his eye, love of family, friends and Israel- there is no greater combination. Sending love and strength at this most difficult time. Robin, Fred, Nitza, Yariv and Ayal

Dear Janie, Ari and Yafa, my heartfelt sympathy for your overwhelming loss. I wish you strength at this most difficult time. May you be sustained by your good memories and may David's memory be for a blessing.

Dear Janie, I am so shocked and sorry to hear about David’s passing. Joel and I so enjoyed spending time with you and David at Chana’s wedding. It is clear from the many tributes here that he was an exceptional person, husband and father. I know this is a sad and painful time for you and your children. Please know that everyone is thinking of you and wishing you strength as you move forward. Love Peggy and Joel Frankel

Dear Janie and family, We cannot imagine the shock and loss that you must all be feeling right now. It's hard to believe that David Bale is no longer with us. He was such an important person in both of our lives. David was the kindest, gentlest soul anyone could wish to know. He always looked for the best in everyone. He will be deeply missed by so many. We are away and unfortunately will not be with everyone for the funeral. Our hearts are heavy. We hope that all the love around you will carry you through this difficult time. With love, Tessa and Bob

I have such fond memories of David from Camp Tamakwa. We played a lot of basketball together and shared a lot of laughs. He had a real knack for making people feel special. I was a counselor for 8-year-olds and we had a young boy who refused to shower. Dave came in there like a champ and somehow got the kid to get cleaned up. It was everything that defined "Baleschlecht" in my eyes: kind, fun, smart, and genuine. The outpouring of love for him is a testament to the kind of man he was. I hadn't seen him in many years, but still have a fondness for him that's hard to articulate. My family and I send our deepest condolences to the Bale family and the Tamakwa family.

In 1985 i became a single mom with a 2 month old baby girl ,a 12 year old boy and a 8 year old girl.The two older were at Tamakwa for the summer and had to be told by their parents on visiting day. I will never forget the unbelievable care taken on David's part to guide me thru that weekend and make sure my children would have the BEST summer ever .....and they Did! Dave continued to mentor my kids for many many years to come. The kids went on to all be counsellors ,Trippers and Section Heads. Thank You Dave for the Wonderful Ride and Memories. Cherished Forever.

Dear Janie, We are so saddened for your loss. How well we remember your wedding day at the camp. Such a beautiful, loving couple in a beautiful setting, with the sun shining on the two of you. Because of distance we seldom got to be together but we remember how unusually sweet David was from the first time we met him. We are so warmed to see from all the comments of your friends and acquaintances what a wonderful sharing relationship you had in your life together, the contributions you made to your community and how the two of you raised your children with the same beautiful values that you and David exemplified. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ari and Yaffa at this time. We feel for you and love you, Carol and HIllel

We are so terribly sorry for your loss. David was a wonderful, kind man full of passion for his work and his family. You could always tell that he was putting the utmost dedication into every endeavour he undertook. We will deeply miss seeing his welcoming face in the halls of Leo Baeck. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

So saddened, like everyone, by the terrible news and wishing the Bale Family our condolences & only strength at this difficult time. Dave was such a key part of the magic that were our summers at Tamakwa. While we are spread out all over North American and beyond, I'm sure the Senior Boys of '83 only have amazing memories of Dave's playfulness, his sense of humor, his fairness (especially when we were being mischievous) and his caring for all of us and all things Tamakwa.

Janie, Ari, and Yafa -- I have no words for how sorry I am at your (and our) loss. I just can't believe I will never see David again. You all spoke beautifully at the funeral today, and he would have been so proud of your composure. The best part was, you clearly understood how madly in love he was with ALL of you, how important his family was to him, and what an angel he really was. He was my angel too -- always there for me when I needed him -- a sweet presence from my childhood on. When I was a teenager, I would sneak into his cabin at night and tell him my boy troubles, and he would lie under the covers trying very hard not to fall asleep as I regaled him with the drama of my struggles. When my own marriage broke down, David was the one I asked to record my phone message because his voice was so beautiful, and it made me feel safer in my house. When my mom turned 70, David arranged a recording session at my house and produced the most beautiful CD of all of her favourite songs with messages from all of her grandchildren, including Sammy who was about 3 at the time. He even forgave me for not picking up his laundry when he asked, back when I worked in the Camp Office. David was pretty much the best person I know, and I will miss him terribly. I can't even imagine the pain you are feeling. Please know that Sammy and I are thinking of you, that we love you, and that we would do anything to help. xxoo Nancy

Dear Bale family, Stan and I are heartbroken and shocked over the loss of dear David. Although we only had a short time with him in our lives, he was so special that we always thought of him with respect, love and affection. We have been sharing David stories for the last few days, and each of the stories help us-we laugh, we cry, but mostly just joyfully remember. We always felt linked to him, and therefore to you, his beloved family. We know you will always be surrounded by a world of people who loved him, and who can continue to tell those wonderful stories.

My grandparents, Minnie and Harry Bale, although born in the Russian Empire married and set up a household in Detroit before the First World War. Nine grandchildren resulted from that union. I am the oldest (born 1937) and Andy Bale is the youngest (born 1954). Six are still living. I am sure all of them agree that David was the best of the lot. Rest in peace dear cousin.

Dear Janie, I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. May David's memory be a comfort and blessing. I wish you and your family long life.

It was such a pleasure knowing David, he was a warm, kind and gentle man always available when you needed help, always a pleasure to work with, so much knowledge, a caring person, always smiling, I will miss having a quick hello and a conversation on so many different topics. He was truly very special and will be sorely missed by everyone who had the opportunity to meet him and know him.

Dear Janie, I am so sad for your loss and extend my sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Please let me know if I can be of any help to you and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mary-Jane

Dear Janie, Ari and Yafa - Simply heartbroken for you, and continually thinking of you and sending you light and love for your healing. Dave was a one in a million remarkable man. His generosity of spirit, kindness, integrity, love of YOU and love of life, nature, and ability to listen and create joy wherever he went, will all be treasured and miss. He touched ALL of our lives at camp tamakwa and the spirit he brought to our golden and silver days - live with us in our hearts forever. Thinking of you and a piece of Dave in each of our hearts, always. Sincerely, Jodi Kovitz