From our friend Curtis and Marilee Blake

Curtis and I formally met Annette and Dave on November 16, 2019 at a funky bar in North Weslaco where the now defunct area Blues Society hosted a celebration honoring the great local Blues hero, Johnny Harper, Bass player and former BBQ restauranteur extraordinaire, with a Blues Lifetime Achievement Award. Here in South Texas, where there is a serious drought of Blues music and a heavy concentration of Country, Tejano and Conjunto music, bands and fans, I was especially thrilled to meet true Blues enthusiasts here. It was interesting to learn of Dave’s long-time involvement in the Blues Society and in the clubs of Omaha, Nebraska, as it mirrored our likewise involvement in Minnesota. Over the years we rendezvoused, along with other friends at local restaurants, friends’ birthday celebrations, regional Blues gigs (especially when Border Soul and/or Curtis played) and sometimes attended rallies for political candidates we similarly supported. The attached picture of Dave, Curtis and Gayle is from my 2023 birthday when we partied at the Texas Rose in La Feria after feasting on Japanese fare at Kohnami in Harlingen. Annette was visiting family in Arizona, I believe, so Dave joined our fun solo.

Dave was so nice and unassuming, despite his size; he was positive, friendly and always helpful, a hard worker, too. He always had a lot to say and the boy could put down some food. I admired his knowledge and enthusiasm for all sports. The last time I saw Dave and spoke to him was on a hot, humid summer day in July when I ran into him in the Walmart parking lot. I had exited the store and was getting into my car when he pulled up in front of me. “Hi Dave, how are you guys doing?” We stood outside in the sweltering heat for several minutes conversing and he told me about their upcoming Alaska Cruise. “Awesome! Say ‘hi’ to Annette and take care.” That was the last time I saw Dave. I am still in disbelief and so disappointed in the Valley’s health system. We all should be celebrating MORE birthdays and enjoying MORE Blues music and celebrating MORE team victories. Rest in peace, Dave, my friend. Love to you, Annette.