Dave is middle row, far right. This is the earliest picture I can find of us together.

We spent the day with dozens of people sprucing up the house for Evelyn's return.

Dave and I may not have always seemed like we were that close when we were growing up, but I can honestly say that he had an impact on me that few likely realize.

Many people at work think of me as a confident, opinionated leader, that's a Frank trait I'm told, but those that know me well know that I have a lot of anxiety in the background.  Those that know me really well know that I've had those tendencies since I was a kid.  

When I think of Dave, I think about innumerable family gatherings, and the fact that that anxiety was something I never felt.  He was the arbiter of many a cousin dispute during games, he was a cool older cousin that cared, but most of all, he was someone I knew would always make sure that I was ok.  Everyone could see that I would pal around with Alex and Jesse, but what they couldn't see was that most of that only happened because I knew, I mean knew, that Dave wouldn't let anything happen to me.  It was that knowledge that let me enjoy those gatherings so much.  For someone that carries anxiety with them constantly to have someone whose presence could erase that is something I cannot describe.  I actually let go and enjoyed myself.  So many of my best childhood memories would not have happened if Dave were not that incredible older cousin that played with us, led by example, and watched out for us.  At those gatherings, I knew what it was like to have an older brother, which, being the oldest of my siblings, was something I never experienced elsewhere.  The experiences were formative for me in the best way possible, even though it often meant putting me in my place because I was, and still often am, a giant pain in the ass.  There aren't enough words for how thankful I will always be to him for having given me that.

When I look back, I can say with certainty that I grew up in the best family in the world.  No where else could I have had so many role models for what it meant to be genuine, caring, and dedicated to others.  I am a teacher in no small part because of those lessons.  If my aunts, uncles and cousins are reading this, I cannot thank any of you enough for teaching me what it means to be a good human.  Dave leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary people that will make this world a better place. I love you all.

In 1989 we wanted to see what we thought was going to a WWII Bomber movie. There were to be explosions, Fire fights and quite possibly severed limbs.

What we got was a sappy POS movie about a water tanker pilot who sucked at his job and crashed so he haunts his girlfriend and has to be some kind of guardian angel to a half wit.

We were so crushed we swore ourselves to secrecy. In spite of that trauma we met some girls and got married anyhow.

I'm going to buy that movie aren't I?

I met Dave back in our Middle and High School days. Me and my brother Tom lived on Thunder Hill Rd, just down the street from the Frank's house. Although my brother spent more time hanging out there than I did, I still was lucky enough to get to experience hanging with Dave and his brothers Brian and Daniel. The Franks basement was one of the coolest places I knew of because of the people who congregated there, just pure friends being friends, listening to music, and playing Role Playing Games. We also spent a lot of time playing together in the woods near all of our homes, developing bonds and just enjoying the outdoors. We also created a very special movie, Big Trouble in Little Columbia, which Dave, his brothers and many other friends starred in. I just know Dave to have always been a sincere friend, always smiling and joking and just being there and above all being kind to all of us. We will miss you very much Dave, and we can all learn from who you were as a person and friend. Thank you for being a truly unique, kind, and special friend to all of us. 

Dean’s First Christmas

Dave and Andrea at a birthday party

An afternoon at the pumpkin patch

There is nothing than can sum up the totality of the person that I have known since he was born. The traits that most stand out to me in this moment are: gentle, kind, forthright and freely giving of himself.  He was truly an extraordinary human being. 

Our first time in a restaurant after vaccinations was a fun night with Andrea & Dave

Dave was one of the most supportive, encouraging people I knew in the climbing community when we first met in 2000/2001. I have fond memories of many climbing trips to the New River Gorge with Dave and Andrea. I never heard anything but kindness from him, nor did I ever hear anything unkind spoken about him. He was a truly good human, and my heart breaks for Andrea and his family. 

Our “Stand By Me” moment. Dave, Eric, Tom, Drew, Shawn and Mike

One memory that stands out is how Dave grew up in a very musical house and as a kid we would all hang out and listen to Blues and Rock and Roll by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and others.  As kids being exposed to such great music it really made an impact and helped shape who we became as adults.  I will always cherish those times we spent in the Frank's basement with Dave and his family listening to music and just spending time together.  That was a truly safe space and looking back, it was a real gift to get as a young adult.  Thank you Dave.   - Your Friend, Tom Stover.