In the course of one’s life there are very few individuals who will actually change that course. David, as well as the person reading this for me, were two that did. For one who was basically oblivious to the wonders of the natural and spiritual world, their friendship constituted a revelation for me. This great friendship caused me to take greater notice of and appreciation for the beauty of earth’s unspoiled wilderness and so helped me, an atheist, gain some sense of a greater spirit. This faith and wonder in natural beauty was always augmented while in their company.

As a Canadian, and as a student of American literature, I had struggled to capture the essence of what it was to be an American. Through reading Twain, Melville, Thoreau and especially Walt Whitman, I began to get a sense of it. Imagine my feeling when I first began my acquaintance with the very embodiment of the American spirit. That was David—love of wilderness, family, friendship, baseball and Coca-Cola framed his life. He was as free a man as I have ever known. His priorities were always straight, clear and as uncompromising as life would allow. He was a champion of free thought and deed, consistently rebelling against ignorance and constraints not of his choosing or liking. However, he was also consistently, ultimately responsible and loyal to those persons, duties and constraints of his own choosing. He was frank, forthright and just the sort of man you would have at your back when things get tough. When David and Andy were by my side, I always felt whole.

I regret that I am not with you all today. A gathering of David’s friends and family is not something to be missed. I feel an overwhelming sadness for Kathleen, Rosie and Willie as their loss is far greater than mine is. I am comforted though, when I realize that David’s spirit lives on within their souls and minds as it does within my heart.