Remembering Dave Greenfield
May 1, 2024
We were saddened to hear that long-time Steep Hill member Dave Greenfield unexpectedly passed away on April 18. Dave shared his vision of a better world through his poetry and music, as well as by speaking out with clarity and courage at many public meetings and gatherings where people came together to advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice. He believed that within the boundaries of what we are able to do on this finite planet, we must create a just and peaceful world in which what we have is distributed fairly. At our 2023 AGM, Dave joyfully sang The Ballad of the Steep Hill Revolution – the song he wrote to celebrate Steep Hill’s history and our determination to continue after the co-op’s difficult time last spring. Dave has left a legacy of integrity, wisdom, courage, and humble leadership that is the true strength of community.
See Dave’s obituary with information about his memorial service and donations in lieu of flowers.
Dave Signing The Ballad of the Steep Hill Revolution
Lyrics of The Ballad of the Steep Hill Revolution
By Dave Greenfield
(to the tune of Barrett’s Privateers)
O the year was 1978,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon,
Some people came together from all around
To bring organic produce to our town.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
Steep Hill co-op was the name,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon,
The name they gave to the organic food store,
And the people kept coming back for more.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
Fruit and vegetables everyone,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon,
Dairy products, meat and bred,
Rice and pasta so we’re all well fed.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
The years and the decades they went by,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon.
The store and the people and the product line grew,
Bringing the best to me and you.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for anew day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
Now the year is 2023,
In this sleepy town of Saskatoon.
We’ve been through some ups and downs,
But the revolution keeps turning ‘round.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.
So here’s to everyone far and wide,
And this sleepy town of Saskatoon.
Life sometimes seems like a rather steep hill,
But come make some friends and eat your fill.
We love you all, heart and soul.
Time for a new day to unfold.
We’ll buy our food, and live our lives.
We will give it all that we have to give.
Let the Steep Hill Revolution live.