Dave and I were close friends in high school, and reconnected on social media after college. We spoke often about our shared difficulties with mental health, among other things. Dave was a loving, thoughtful and insightful person whose illness was hard on him and, I know, on his family and friends. I know he wanted nothing more than to get better, and I'm sorry to everyone affected by this loss, but especially his children. Please know that he loved you very much, and he always wanted to be the best dad he could. I'm not a spiritual person, but I will hold out hope he's found peace.

This was the night Dave and I met, set up on a blind date by our mutual friend Emily. It was one of the best dates I’d been on - blind or otherwise. Dave and I dated - a bit on and off - for a couple months and while I loved him, the distance, and some other things took a toll, and we broke up as friends. I tried very hard to be there for him through a particularly bad Manic episode Dave was having, but - as is often the case - there is only so much someone can do, and even eventually- for my own mental health, I had to distance myself. Granted at that point he wasn’t trying to reach out anyway, as in his state, he didn’t think he needed help. I tried over the years to continue to reach out periodically, and always tried to let him know I loved him and was there for him - I wish he had been willing to let me in more. I wish I could’ve done more. I wish I had reached out more. He was so smart, so, so, smart, and so incredibly clever, and funny, and charming, and it was heartbreaking to see - even clear just through Facebook - whenever the mania took over. Oh, Dave - you were loved. By way more people than you believed or knew. I was always afraid this would happen one day, and now it has. My heart is breaking in general, but especially for your kids who you adored with every fiber of your being. And for your sisters. I didn’t know about Dave’s death until just before the service started, and was able to watch the livestream. It was a lovely service - and real about his struggles, which he would’ve wanted. Goodbye, Dave - you will be missed. You ARE missed. You were missed sometimes even when you were here. I’m so glad I got to meet you, and share some good times with you, that were so, so, good.

This was the last time we hung out at Whipple Dam. You were there for me in my darkest times and I’m gonna miss you brother.

I was so glad to see Dave after so many years even though it was an emotional time at his father (my brother’s) funeral. I never dreamed it would be my last time to see him. We texted periodically and had some interesting conversations over the last months. I just have to believe he made peace with God even if at the last moment. Rest in peace, Dave. I love you. Aunt Betty Kay