Members of the Westland community are mourning the death of Dave Monak, a constant presence at city events for more than 30 years.
In social media posts last week, members of the city administration said the news of Mr. Monak's death left them with a heavy heart and noted that Mr. Monak had been employed with the City of Westland Community Media Department for more than three decades.
“There is no doubt you have seen him at many city events over the years. Through all of the major city milestones, Dave was there camera in hand. He captured great images and footage all over town including the Summer Festival, Blues, Brews & Barbecue, concerts in the park, and thousands of other studio and remote productions,” the Facebook post announcing Mr. Monak's death continued.
“It is without a shadow of a doubt in my mind that you have communicated with him at some point or another while attending one of the numerous community activities that have taken place over the course of the years. David took photographs at each and every significant public gathering that took place in the city, and he chronicled each and every one of them with his camera,” commented Westland Mayor Mike Londeau.
These community programs went on to win a number of awards, according to a spokesman. As a direct result of Mr. Monak's work, WLND was honored with a great deal of professional recognition. Mr. Monak was an avid follower of science fiction and enjoyed having conversations about movies of all genres. Mr. Monak even meticulously created his very own miniature version of the robot from Lost in Space, friends recalled.
“In spite of the fact that we are very saddened by our friend's passing and will miss him dearly, we find some solace in the fact that he is no longer suffering from the unpleasant side effects of the cancer treatment he underwent,” Londeau's statement concluded.
Funeral and interment information were unavailable at press time.
