Remembering Dave


                   


Yesterday at 3:15 in the afternoon our beloved Step father David Suter took his last breath. Although my siblings and I didn’t grow up with Dave as a father figure, when he married our mom over 30 years ago, he quickly became family. He was “Dave” to us and “Grampy Dave” to our children and their children, a title he wore with pride.

Dave had a way about him. He was outgoing, always ready with a joke for anyone who would listen. The kids especially loved his “magical arm trick” where he’d “stretch” it just enough to reach something on a high shelf. It was simple, but to them it was magic and to us it was just Dave being Dave.


He was a good and loving husband to our mother. Since she passed away 2 1/2 years ago, every time I saw him, he would tell me exactly how long she had been gone, years, months and days. He missed her deeply and while our hearts are heavy, there is comfort in knowing they are together again.


About a year after our mom passed, their beloved, elderly cat, Tinker or as he called her “little cat” also passed away. When we asked if he wanted another cat, he said “No, and I don’t want another wife either.” That was Dave, making us laugh even when he didn’t mean to.


Every other Saturday, I had the privilege of driving him with me to pick up my husband from dialysis. Those rides became something I will always treasure. The conversations, the quiet moments, and the little things he’d point out along the way.


Dave loved his tribe. He never failed to offer a compliment or a thank you. He was especially Grateful to Paul and Cecilia for opening their home to him and for caring for him. He had many caregivers over time, and he appreciated them all, especially Gayle, who went above and beyond, even checking mon him and taking his phone calls on her time off.


He also cherished his weekly phone calls with his family he spoke of them often and with admiration.

Dave will be missed by all of us who love him, including the numerous birds, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and ducks he faithfully fed each day.


As I write this, my heart is heavy, but I can hear Dave’s voice clearly saying the words he often reminded us of “God is on our side” and now, knowing that he is truly by God’s side and reunited with our mom brings me peace and a even a small smile.


Rest peacefully Dave. 


“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4


“Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15

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