I hope you and your family are well!

Awesome

A large part of Dave’s brilliance was in his genuine, authentic, seemingly simple and unpretentious approach to life and friendships. But Dave was not simply a simple man.

So many memories:

Dave cooking pizza at Fort Robinson in his bib overalls and a head band. It was an all day project he took seriously. I’ll never forget how happy he was when people would say “is Dave making his pizza? When can we have some?”

His dedication to his huge garden each year. My guess is it was at least 1/2 acre of pure garden. I bet he ever missed a season as long as he could physically do it. And he canned massive amounts each fall!

Dave at the red picnic table at Lake Maloney, having a beer with my father, discussing the ins and outs of the Nebraska State budget and related politics. I like to think he, my father and mother are in heaven even now, at that red picnic table, having a beer and smiling as we all morn our loss.

Pheasant hunting with Dave in western Nebraska with my father, friends and family. Dave was often the guy who “blocked” at the end of the field as the rest of us walked the big fields, hoping to flush a ringneck. He was a good shot too!

Dave and his family coming to North Platte for rest and relaxation at my parents cabin on Lake Maloney. The cabin was “rustic” but that didn’t stop Dave. He seemed to love it. With only a little luck, the fish were biting off the dock.

Dave always drove OLD cars that he maintained himself, he drove a big old Plymouth that had a push button transmission for years. I think he had taken it apart several times, refusing to give it up for a “new” used car. I suspect that drove Linda crazy.

I remember my pride when I was a student at Nebraska Wesleyan when Dave taught advanced economics at night – and in overalls 😊. Students didn’t know about my relationship to Dave. But I know his His students really looked forward to his classes. Some thought him a bit odd in overalls and black horn rim glasses, but all knew he was an excellent professor. It made me feel so good whenever students complimented my friend “the professor”. Little did they really know Dave as I did. He encouraged me to take his classes, but I felt weird that I’d be in his class, and having a drink with him at a honky tonk bar next weekend.

Dave had a deep and commanding working knowledge of what was first called “Hillbilly” music that evolved into “Rockabilly” and ultimately into “Country Western”music. I regret that I won’t be able to learn more from him about the very best of true Hillbilly, Rockabilly, Country Western music. His command of that history seemed encyclopedic to me in my college years. His album collection was a treasure trove, but always played on a very simple stereo in his living room. What memories!

I could go on, but most of all, I’ll miss Dave’s friendship, intelligence and dry humor.

My sincere sympathy to Linda and Dave’s family. Also to all who knew him and called him “friend”.

Be kind to yourself and hold all loved ones close.