Dear Friends,

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the love, support, and care you’ve shown during this unimaginably difficult time. Losing Dave has shattered my world and I’m sure yours as well—but it has been softened by the extraordinary community of friends and family he loved so dearly. The outpouring of kindness has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way and for that I am sorry for your loss as well.

I see your calls, your texts, your messages, and your love. Please know how grateful I am for every single one. There are only so many tears a person can cry in a day, and I haven’t yet found the strength to respond to everyone. I promise I will because Dave loved you, and you deserve my full presence when I do.

I fell in love with Dave the very first time we were truly alone together (of course he didn’t know until years later). Sitting there eating Cold Stone ice cream—despite the fact that he was lactose intolerant—he told me a story about his beloved grandmother that made me laugh so hard I nearly peed myself. I live for a deep, belly laugh, the kind that makes you cry and gives you a cramp. I grew up in a house full of laughter, thanks to my hilarious dad, and I knew in that moment that choosing Dave meant choosing a lifetime of silliness, joy, and happy tears.

Dave was the only man who could take me from angry tears to tears of laughter in seconds. I will miss that more than I can ever put into words.

Dave proposed to me on a glacier in Alaska, during my very first cruise—an Alaskan cruise. While on that trip, we met a couple in their 70s who had just retired. It was their first cruise, and they told us they were finally ready to enjoy life and see the world. I remember feeling both shocked and heartbroken by that reality. Later, I told Dave that I didn’t want fancy things. I just wanted to save every penny we could and spend it on traveling and truly living life together while we were young.

And that’s exactly what we did.

Many of you told us we were reckless, irresponsible, taking too many risks too soon. It stressed Dave out immensely, but it never stopped us. I persisted, and because of that persistence, I now have thousands of photos and videos of Dave and me traveling across the U.S. in an RV and exploring over 30 countries around the world together. In our short 20 years of friendship and marriage, we created more memories than most people do in a lifetime.

I am forever grateful that we didn’t allow society to dictate how we lived our lives. We did things on our own terms. We had no regrets.

On a visit to Jack Daniel’s in Tennessee, we purchased a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select Whiskey and had it engraved with the words: “Adventure Before Dementia.” I invite you to live the rest of your life the same way—and to raise a glass to Dave on your next adventure.

Additional Information
Give Tab

2025 has not been kind. It took me longer than anticipated to search for the right company to work for, Dave’s ER visit in August set the stage for his limited time with me, my dad’s passing in September a day after my birthday was a shock, Captain becoming ill in November was scary, and now losing Dave, my life will never be the same. Because of all these events finances have become incredibly challenging. In lieu of flowers, I humbly ask you to please consider contributing toward Dave’s medical and funeral expenses. Any amount, no matter how small, would make a meaningful difference and is deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Events Tab

All events will take place in Fredericksburg, TX. Once dates and times are confirmed, I will notify the following individuals to help share details:

Dave’s coworkers: Connie Arizola
Dave’s gym community: Stuart Bell
Dave’s college friends: Sean Kelly
Dave’s high school friends: Alex Ismail
Ruby’s Fredericksburg Art Community: Kaylee Adams

Memories Tab

Dave was endlessly generous with his time, his heart, and his humor. He would drop everything to help a friend, a family member, a coworker, a stranger, even an animal in need. I invite you to share your favorite photos and stories of moments when Dave helped you, made you laugh, or made you feel truly seen. Let this be a place that reflects what a profound privilege it was to know and love him.

Timeline Tab

This timeline is a living work in progress, capturing milestones from the year we met in 2005 through 2025. For those who knew Dave from childhood, I would be honored to build out the earlier years (1987–2005) with your help. Please feel free to text me one key highlight per year, along with a photo or video if you have one.

Finally, Dave loved Christmas more than anything. Please enjoy an incredible meal in his honor, and if you feel called to, send me a photo, I would love to see it.

I love you all very much and so did Dave.


With endless gratitude and love,

Ruby, Captain, and Lady