David was a movie aficionado, and he often recited Mel Gibson’s speech amongst other films. He was known to sing in the Driver’s hatch and to deliver hip hop performances for his fellow soldiers. David also left an impression on those around him with his collection of unusual stories. He was affectionately dubbed “Slader” by his fellow soldiers of 22 Bravo. Another special bond was that of David and his Airedale, Colby which he nicknamed “the horse.” Colby passed away two years after David.
A young man of many talents is a fitting way to describe Private Greenslade. He enjoyed hockey, kayaking, water-skiing, swimming, and fun games of Ping Pong. He was also an avid golfer who spent many hours golfing as well as working part time at Rockwood Park Golf Course. But none of these interests were a distraction from his ambition to join the army. An ambition he acted upon at age 16 when he joined the reserves. When David graduated in 2004 from Saint John High School, his write up in the yearbook contained allusions to Vimy Ridge and the words “Go Army.”
David soon became a full-time military man who would help conduct Operation ACHILLES: a security operation in South Afghanistan that consisted of a partnership between Afghan nation security forces and the NATO International Security assistance force.
David has been widely recognized for his contributions to the army. Saint John High School honours him annually through the awarding of the Pte. David Greenslade Memorial Bursary valued at $ 1,500 for students like David; a well-rounded student with army affiliation. The City of Saint John opened the Pte. David Greenslade Peace Park on the Kennebecasis River – the river he grew up on and very much loved. Saint John High School also contributed to David’s park in many ways – the most meaningful being the tall black wrought iron gate with the school’s latin moto “Vita Vitali”s embossed across the front meaning “a life worthwhile”.
By: Peter Brown
