ONTARIO, Canada (BNc) — David William Hallett was called to his eternal home on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. He was 76.
His final weeks were lived at Hospice Niagara where he was tenderly cared for. He lived a good and eventful life. David was born in St. Catharines, Ontario to William G. and Gladys Ralph Hallett on Oct. 11, 1935. His parents and oldest brother, Edward, are deceased. Surviving are brothers Fred (Dianne), Bruce (late wife Nancy), Dennis (Sandra) and William and his sister Joyce Andy Bernais).
David attended Memorial and Central Public Schools. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at 19 and trained as a cook. On shore leave, he spent much time with the Church of Christ in Halifax. After the Navy he trained as a nursing orderly. When an opportunity came to accompany a team of teachers and preachers into the restricted tribal areas of northeastern India, David said, “Yes.” During the next 30 years, 1963- 1993, because he was needed, he “wore many hats”: missionary, teacher, minister, counselor, protector, nurse, cook, all-around “uncle”.
Highly respected in the community, he came to be called, “The Teacher”. David became director of Alpha Bible College in remote Shillong. This hostel provided safety and opportunity for young tribal men to finish high school, university level courses and to study the Bible. David remained in India through difficult times: dangers, turmoil, food shortages, political upheaval, tribal warfare, curfews and military alerts.
After 30 years, due to severe health problems, he returned to Canada to stay. Many of his former students (government officials, police officers, bankers, and high ranking military officers) came to tell him goodbye.
2011-12-30 at 11:11 pm
David Hallet work in North east India with the Alpha Bible College had a tremendous impact on the country, India. He not only had worked in that part of the country, but also visited south India and encouraged the brethren. It is with sadness of heart we receive the news of his death.