Dr. David E. LaHart

Dr. David E. LaHart, Wildlife Biologist and Environmental Educator (June 4, 1943-August 13, 2024) passed on to the waters and lands of Nirvana where all redfish are in the slot and clean air, clear water, green forests sustain all living things. David was born in Saranac Lake, New York to Clede and Helen LaHart (both deceased). He is survived by his wonderful daughter--the light of his life--Marcy I. LaHart of Gainesville,FL. He has two delightful brothers, Tom of Peru, NY, and John of Lake Clear, NY. “The world doesn’t make better brothers”. He was also blessed with numerous nieces and nephews. Marriage brought a son, Chet Badina who chose to live his own life in Alaska but shared his many adventures during visits. David’s life was greatly enhanced by his best friend, partner and lover, Valerie W. LaHart. “Valerie made life worth living” During high school, Dave worked as a cemetery sexton and claimed it was the best job he ever had. After graduating Saranac Lake High School (class of 1961), he joined the U. S. Army and served as laboratory technician at Ft. Detrick, Md. After barely getting a Honorable Discharge and receiving a New York State Regents Scholarship, David attended Cornell University earning a B.S. in Wildlife Science. At Cornell he worked in the University’s Library System and for the Department of Conservation. After graduation, Dave migrated to the University of Florida where he was awarded a University of Florida Graduate Fellowship enabling him to earn a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology. In 1971, David worked for the Florida Game and Fish Commission as the coordinator of Conservation Education. He returned to graduate school at Florida State University, was awarded a National Defense Education Fellowship and won a prestigious National Wildlife Federation Fellowship to complete his dissertation “The Influence of Knowledge on Young People’s Attitude Towards Wildlife.” Dr. LaHart was awarded his Ph.D. in Science Education in 1979. While attending FSU, David worked part-time for the Florida Department of Education where he coordinated the State’s Youth Conservation Corps program. From 1979 to 1992 Dr. LaHart worked as Senior Instructor at the University of Central Florida’s Solar Energy Center where he helped hundreds of teachers integrate energy and environmental concepts into their curriculum. David returned to Florida State University in 1992 to direct FSU’s Energy & Environmental Alliance a position he proudly held until his retirement in July 2006. Dr. LaHart’s work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Florida Departments of Education and Environmental Protection. David was named Florida’s Outstanding Science Educator (1989), Florida Marine Science Educator of the Year (1999) and received the Golden LEEF Award in 2003. He worked as a consultant to the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, Lawrence Hall of Science and dozens of schools and school districts. Dr. LaHart co-authored several secondary school science textbooks, published over 150 technical and popular articles and directed numerous state and national curriculum development and implementation projects focusing on environmental and energy education. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree. Skip & Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are caring for the family. 850-926-5919 Familyfhc.com

Dr. David E. LaHart

June 4, 1943 - August 13, 2024