Identity area
Type of entity
Person
Authorized form of name
Geddes, David R.
Parallel form(s) of name
- Geddes, Dave
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
David R. Geddes was born and raised in Scotland and left school at the age of 14 to find work. In his early years he worked as a fireman for British Rail in Scotland. He was drafted into the British Army at the age of 18 and sent to London. During his 18 months of mandatory service Geddes was posted to Egypt where he helped guard the Suez Canal. Following his military service Geddes moved to Canada accepting a job as clerk in the fur trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company. He worked throughout the Northwest Territories before switching jobs again to work in a gold mine north of Yellowknife. Another opportunity found him working as an aircraft dispatcher on the DEW Line airlift north of the Arctic Circle. At the age of 25, Geddes decided to go back to school for upgrading. He was admitted to the University of Alberta graduating in 1966. He accepted a job at the new Paul Kane High School in St. Albert, Alberta as teacher and librarian, a job he held for 30 years. Geddes is past president of the St. Albert Historical Society and has a passion for writing about history. In 2005, Geddes was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal, honouring outstanding Albertans. In 2011, he was recognized by the City of St. Albert for his contribution to the Arts. David Geddes has lived in St. Albert since 1966.