Dave was a pivotal member of the Montreal British car community. He worked on English cars for over 25 years, they were his life. Initially, Dave rented space in Magnum Garage on Thimmins in Ville St-Laurent and in 1992 he and Frank Ntias went on their own and opened Dave Geller Automotive on Bissette Street. Dave's success was not only due to his being an excellent mechanic but was also due to his love for the cars he worked on and for the people who owned them. To Dave this was not only what he did for a living but it was his pleasure as well. Throughout his career, Dave made friends and built strong personal relationships with his clients because he took interest in what he did and unselfishly offered his help and advice.

    In 1977 Dave, Victor Nobel and 2 British chaps living in Montreal, founded Club Triumph Canada Inc. The club became the club of choice for all Montreal Triumph enthusiasts and about 10 years ago Dave became it's V.P. & Sec Treasurer. Dave ran the club along with Tom Snabl as President. It is principally through Dave's efforts that the club has thrived and today boasts 52 active members.

    Dave actively raced his red 1958 TR3 in slalom in the 1980's winning many trophies and awards for his efforts. He was a participant of the Sunday shopping center parking lot slaloms which were organized by Ron Ward. On most summer Sundays Dave would run his TR3 against the likes of  John Nichol's - MGB, Chris Hollum's - Mini, Allan Krut's - Cooper S, John Buzzard's - Super 7, Niels Hollum's - Super 7 and a Mazda RX7  and after the races would join everyone at Chris Hollum's house for a couple of pints of genuine British beer that Chris had smuggled in with his British car parts shipments. Dave gave up racing when Sunday shopping became legal and the shopping center lots were no longer empty. 

   Regardless of the British car event, whether it was sponsored by the Triumph club or not, Dave tried to always make a point of being there with his TR3. Each summer he took part in numerous events, including shows in Beaconsfield, Richmond, Lasalle, Kingston, Granby and culminating in what was his most favorite, the British Invasion in Stowe. 

Saturdays were Dave's favorite as he devoted them to having his clients and Triumph club members drop in to "chew the fat". On any given Saturday morning, starting at 8 am, about a half dozen enthusiasts would descend on Dave's garage for donuts, coffee and interesting British car talk. 

    Dave Geller was 52 years old when he died suddenly on June 21st 2001. A gentle man and a genuine gentleman, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Survived by his mother Eva and sister Nancy

 

If anyone wishes to make a donation in Dave's memory, please make it to the charity of their choice.