Nancy,

Our hearts sank when we heard the news, and we’re so sorry for your loss. We will always cherish the time we spent with you and Dave at your new house. We had many great chats at the dining table, hearing about your lives and all your wonderful adventures! May his joyous memories get you through this difficult time.

With sympathy, 

The Baileys

Angie, Jordan, and Tay

Our BVSD OT/PT Group is a very special group of therapists. Not only are we colleagues, but we are really good friends. Nancy has been a HUGE part of this "family feel" in our group even into retirement. So many people have continued to spend time with them in retirement skiing, hiking, biking, etc. I loved staying with them in Frisco for a snow shoeing weekend ~ and I cherish those memories now more than ever! Dave became a part of our OT/PT group as our significant others mean so much, as well. In Dave and Nancy fashion, they willingly opened their home & hosted our whole group for the holidays, and once someone met Dave, they loved him! Dave ended up writing many wills for members of our group as a result of those relationships. For me, Dave & Nancy were a love story to model after! I loved watching their kindness to each other and to others, their willingness to always be the ones to help, their ease in partnering, and their zest for love and life! Dave was so kind to me, always had a smile and I just will always remember him with that funny little chuckle under his breath that he seemed to always have - such happiness in his heart! This is such a tragic story; the early loss of a great man! What helps me is to know that he was doing what he loved up to the end. My mind's eye can remember him smiling! Nancy, May & Stephanie - despite that, my heart is broken for all of you! May you be hugged, loved & supported by all those who love you, knowing that we are praying for all of you to find strength in memories, pictures, and your love for each other! This beautiful Ever Loved site has been quite therapeutic - thank you for creating it and allowing all of us to share in the fond memories of Dave!

I had a late afternoon backcountry ski last night and thought a lot about Dave. As I was driving off the crest a live version of "Stairway to Heaven" played on the radio. I smiled as I imagined Dave grinning and climbing the underside of the "stairway to heaven," as the universe's longest and unending Bachar ladder. Dave's guns were pumped and he was SO happy - pulling hard - climbing forever.

I miss him. We met in 1982 - managed some great climbs - in the Black Canyon - on the steep ice in Canada and CO - the beautiful granite of Yosemite and Squamish and Bugaboos - and lots of places in between. And I saw him ski off the roof of the Fairy Meadows Hut! Always charged, always grinning and chuckling.

I miss him. Smart. Always curious. Authentically kind. A little goofy :). In my mind, he will forever be happily climbing the underside of the stairway to heaven. My heart is heavy in our loss of Dave, and particularly the loss for you - Nancy, May, and Stephanie - he loved you deeply. I am glad I tied in with him.

Love to all of you in Dave's circle - Matt Culberson

Hokkaido

In 1984 I arrived in Bellingham fresh off of a climbing expedition to Pakistan.  Dave and I worked a Basic Alpine Climbing Course soon after I arrived in town.  When the dysentery I brought home with me debilitated me high on My Baker, Dave showed kindness and genuine concern for his new friend and helped me down the mountain and took me to the emergency room.  From that point on, from big alpine routes in Canada to Yosemite, and later many sojourns to the snows of BC, he was my trusted friend and confidant.  He was much more than a mountain pal; for 39 years we shared the joys and challenges of parenting and work.  Our children played together.  We placed speakers on the porch and danced in the street.  Pounding the pedals around Boulder on summer visits.  Spent hours on the road talking and talking.  So many memories of a zest for life and  leading a kind and significant existence.  It is hard to imagine him gone.  My entire adulthood was graced with his wonderful presence.  He was like a brother to me and I will miss him so much.  When I last spoke with a few weeks before he died, I said, as I always said at the end of our talks, "I love you Dave".  I am so grateful that I had such a good man as a friend for so long.  I love you Dave.

— with Stephanie Turner

My condolences to Dave's wonderful family and slew of friends. I got to meet Dave on a hut trip to Canada a few years ago. He had said at the beginning of the trip that he likes to ski with everyone on hut trips. With two days left in the trip, Dave came up to me and said, "Mandie, I haven't skiied with you yet. Let's ski together tomorrow". The next day I got to rip around with Dave playing follow the leader. My favorite kind of skiing. I have often thought of that kind gesture during other situations. As a bit of a wallflower, he could have easily passed me by and I wouldn't have thought less of him since he was such a great skier. It seems to be on par with the kind of guy he was...including people with little fanfare but with huge impact. I won't forget that kindness.

Sending hugs and comfort for your tragic loss. May your memories, friends & family help you navigate the pain and loneliness you feel. We are always here for you.
Katherine & Jim

Hidden Valley again. 

Dave styling  a powder stash at Hidden Valley. 

Nancy, May and Stephanie-

I only just found out about Dave’s passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. Dave was such a wonderful person. We are sending comforting thoughts and prayers to all of you. 

Bryan and Alison Neely and Tracy Winfree