this wednesday the world became a less interesting place when my uncle dave succumbed to cancer. he was a charming man with a heart as big as his beloved state of alaska. he gave all that he had to the people he loved, and fortunately i was one of those to be loved by him.
he had a magical intellect with the ability to enrapture those around him in story. countless hours i spent listening to him tell tales of his outlaw days and his sourdough experiences in fairbanks.
he was a hippy, a hip hippy though, with his hemp jeans and pulled back hair. he loved love and he loved peace. he loved nature and he loved life. he spent his life speaking on behalf of the voiceless and he did it with quiet humility. even with a cause so noble, he never sought recognition.
he loved music and could rattle off obscure facts about bands from his beloved 50′s and 60′s like no other person around. he was known as doctor dave to his loyal npr radio listeners and from time to time i tuned in on the internet. i wish i had tuned in more.
he taught me the value of eating healthy. dave, i have soy milk in the fridge and almond butter on top of it, thanks for introducing both of them to me.
he was an unapologetic liberal that would engage me for hours in political jousting, always leaving me a bit unsure of my beliefs but he never would condescend. the older i get the more his words makes sense.
he always called me from the airport and said, “hey brannon, i’m down here at baggage claim could you come and get me?” most times i would have no idea he was coming and that was okay by me because i knew courtesy calls and planning weren’t his thing. up in fairbanks people just drop in, that’s how he lived, and i never minded.
he had the best laugh. luckily, i was able to hear a few more times the day before he passed.
he was an avid reader of my blog. the day before he passed he told me to write another post because it had been awhile since i had posted. this post is for you uncle dave.
he was special. dr. dave, my main peace and love man, oh how i’m going to miss you.
Dr. Dave’s last show, 2 days before he passed.
