David departed for his eternal hike on April 18th, 2020, leaving a void in all the lives he touched. 

My dad loved to write stories. He loved writing for celebrations, memorials or even constructing the perfect facebook post. He was funny, passionate and willing to try new things, always. If I ever had a half-baked idea I wanted to tell someone about, it would be my dad. All of his kids spent thousands of hours talking on the phone with him throughout our lives. As someone who cannot handle one more phone call, I would take one, one last time from my dad. 

My dad loved meeting new people, he loved parties and get togethers, just celebrating life. He loved meeting people from other countries and different backgrounds. He was always clear about his values towards all people and how we should welcome those we don't know with open arms. I remember my dad talking to people in grocery stores, car dealerships, or even new neighbors and he always remembered their names and he would invite them to our Thanksgivings or Christmas celebrations. He always wanted to find a hole in the wall diner with food he had never tried.

I don't think there is another person in this world who picked up as many hobbies as my dad. He was truly a lumberjack at one time, a nanny in the mountains and took up long boarding in his 50s. When he ran into a moving truck, my mom had had enough. He had to live in the guest bedroom because he couldn't walk for almost 4 months. So when he was finally recovered, he picked an "easy" hobby and took up dirt biking. His foot was in a cast by the end of the year. He also took up backpacking. I remember my dad always wanting to be outside, whether skiing, walking, swimming, baking in the sun, he knew the importance of getting outside and immersing yourself in nature. 

I was fortunate enough to complete two through hikes with my dad in the Wyoming Big Horn Mountains. I was not in shape to complete those hikes but I made it all the way through 7 days hiking with my dad by my side. He planned the trip so carefully, everything was taken care of and thought of. We caught trout, saw moose and so many marmots. My dad was diagnosed with cancer just before we went on our second trip. He was waiting for some more conclusive diagnostics when we were in the mountains and I remember him telling me he would fight. He held onto that strength for almost 5 years. 

My dad mattered to so many and we were fortunate to be there when he passed. He was with his wife and three children, his son in law and his grandson. 

He is deeply missed by his kids, his wife, mother and sister. I constantly think of him, if only he was a phone call away. 

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