Obit: David C. has died

Subject: Obit: David C. has died
From: Allan C.
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 09:46 PM

My friend and surrogate brother is gone. He spent yesterday at an annual gathering where he played harmonica until the wee hours. I am sure he had a great time despite feeling a bit weak. He later went home to bed and died in his sleep. It seems to me to be a scenario he might have chosen if it had been left up to him.

David and I spent a couple of weeks meandering the westward highways last month. We had a fabulous time together. He got to see more America than he knew existed. After having traveled some 5,000 miles, he was already making plans for another trip in a few months.

For the past year he has been looking forward to going to the Getaway. We were so close to being there... I know he was excited about seeing some of the people he met last year and was hoping his meds would not limit his participation as much as they did last year. As it was, I have a fine recording of his snoring in time to a song Tinker sang in the dorm.

David never got around to getting a computer and so was never able to post on the Mudcat where you might have gotten to know him better. He had a wealth of knowledge that I hoped he would share with the Mudcat family when he finally got a computer this year. Nonetheless, he happily supported the Mudcat because he recognized its worth by all I have told him over the years. You may recall that it was David with whom I had originally planned to make the travels that later became known as The Mudcat Adventure. Sadly, his health prevented his being able to make the trip that eventually included Bill Sables.

There have been few people on this earth with whom I have stayed in contact as long as I had with David. He was in and out of my life for more than thirty years.

Clearly, I will miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 09:48 PM

Oh, Allan, I am so sorry, I had just met him and he was a real prince of a fella.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 09:57 PM

My friend, I am sad for you and your loss. You know that you will hear him in others and in experiences that you will have. His memory, and his essence go on.

You have started a wonderful memorial to him here.

See you soon,

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Ferrara
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 09:59 PM

Oh, Allan, I'm so sorry. I quite agree with you that it's probably the scenario he would have chosen. It seems to have been very easy on him, although hard on those who loved him. I'm sorry for your loss.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: MMario
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:02 PM

Allan - I am so sorry to hear this - though glad that he apparantly moved on peacefully. Hopefully he is currently swapping tales with LJC and the two of the will be eavedropping on the getaway

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: The Pooka
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:03 PM

Sincere condolences, to Allan & all who knew and loved David C. Plainly he was a grand person. May he rest in peace. And may you meet again someday.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Genie
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:06 PM

So sad to hear of the loss of someone who meant so much to you and, obviously, many others, Allan.

Genie

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:07 PM

Allan, I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find some comfort in your memories of him and in knowing that he, no doubt, cherished your friendship as much as you did. KT

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Escamillo
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:16 PM

I'm sorry Allan. A big hug from this far South.

Andrés

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Amos
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:25 PM

I am sorry for your loss, allan.

I must add that if I could choose a time to exit this plane, a night's sleep after playing at a gathering all day long would just about be my first choice. Well, my second, but what I mean is, thanks be he was allowed so graceful a turn off the stage.

I am sure he understands how you feel.


A

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 10:48 PM

Bloody Hell. I'm so sorry Allan...it's been a bad week around here for losin' folks.

Rick

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 11:12 PM

Oh, Allan, I am so sorry, but very grateful that you had the chance to take him on that trip. I know from what you told me how much it meant to him and how much you both enjoyed it. I am also grateful that he seems to have had a peaceful transition.

Talk to you, soon, darlin',

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Janie
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 11:32 PM

Allan I am so very sorry to hear this. I was looking forward to seeing him again at the Getaway this year. We had some really fine conversation. My sense of him was that he was a pretty remarkable person who did his best to live his life fully in spite of all that had befallen him. This is a year of losses and changes for you. Mercy and peace upon you, and also upon David.

Janie

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Mudlark
Date: 13 Oct 02 - 11:53 PM

Allan...my heartfelt sympathy for your loss...

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 12:00 AM

Lucky men, both of you, to have had that kind of friendship. Bless you, Allan.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 12:08 AM

Perhaps the wonders of modern technology are at best a mixed blessing. I sit here crying for two men I have never met......through one I had come to appreciate the other.....and I care for them both. Without Allan and this place, none of us would ever have come to know David at all or to share in their friendship which Allan gave us the opportunity to do. Coming so quickly on the heels of the loss of Little John, it has indeed, as Rick said, been a very tough week on the 'Cat. And yet.......Were it not for this medium, think how much we all would have missed.

Once again though I am struck by the way a loss of friends can fill one's heart with wonderful memories and I am sure that Allan's heart is overflowing with the life and times and love of David. Thank you Allan for bringing him to us and tonight I can only send you my condolences. I am sure we were all bettered by the friendship you shared.

Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 01:03 AM

awww....so VERY sorry. I would like for him to have had one more Getaway in his memories, as well as US having one more memory of him....but in this community, his memory will live on, partially as a result of your friendship, Allan, and sharing your wonderful trip with us all.

....at a loss for words

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: alison
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 02:43 AM

sorry to hear about David.
big hugs and much love from all the way over here Allan,

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Cappuccino
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 02:55 AM

Very sorry indeed to hear it.

- Ian B

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 06:05 AM

Oh, Allan, I am truly sorry. I know what David meant to you, and although he didn't post here he really seemed like part of the Cat as you prepared for the Great Mudcat Adventure, which brought so many of us to 3D reality for each other, thanks to you and Bill, and to David, for his part in the planning.
Your eloquent testimony of a life is moving and says a lot about him. Feel free to tell us more stories here, as we gather in hugs and sympathy!

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Morticia
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 06:35 AM

I am so sorry Allan, I felt I knew him and I know how much you will grieve his passing {{{{hugs}}}}

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 07:18 AM

The saying about a stranger being a friend you never met often seems worn out, but this is the kind of occasion when its truth is apparent.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: GMT
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 07:57 AM

Allan please accept my sympathy as well.

Gary

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: GUEST,Rex at work
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 08:00 AM

I'm sorry to that David is no longer with us Allen. I was hoping to meet him sometime. Hopefully it will be in the hearafter now. In the heavenly band.

Rex

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 08:14 AM

Let the memory of your love cradle your sadness. You were a very good friend to him, Allan.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: kendall
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 08:16 AM

I can't say it any better than Spaw did. My deepest sympathy to you, and thanks for letting us share this.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Noreen
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 09:11 AM

Allan, I am so sorry for your loss, on top of everything else you've had to cope with over the last months.

Thinking about you.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 09:31 AM

I just logged on and the first thing I saw in "New Messages" was this thread. All I could think was "Oh no..."

I only met David at the last Getaway and I was looking forward to seeing him and enjoying his humor, warmth and that twinkle in his eye again this year. He seemed too full of life to die this soon, but I guess people who are in life that fully may be more prepared than those who have a half-hearted involvement.

The more I'm in this place, the more I believe Mudcat's really not THE community. It's a web linking communities and people. It's a catalyst. All those lovely people I would never have met except for Mudcat... David never posted here, but we knew him because of you, Allan. Some of us just heard about him and some of us were lucky enough to meet him. Shared memories are strong, but I'm sorry all the memories have been made.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Alice
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 10:26 AM

Just found this thread, Allan, and I'm very sorry to hear the news. David clearly had alot of music in him, even though his body was becoming too weak to play. I'm glad you had the chance to spend that time together on one last trip. Rest in peace, David.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Allan C.
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 10:35 AM

Thanks to all for your eloquent sympathies. Your posts have had a wonderfully cathartic effect upon me. I was needing to cry but was unable to do so until I read your many kind remarks.

David's premier appearance in the Mudcat world was at Annamill's first (landmark) gathering. Although he was not feeling well and was a bit shy about playing along with so many talented people, he gave it a go. Those who listened carefully got a hint of his tremendous talent on the banjo and dobro. David told me later how excited he had been to see and hear so many highly skilled musicians and songsters in such concentrated form. It was at that gathering that David and I first met Bill Sables - a meeting that would later bear wonderful fruit.

It was largely because of that event that he was inspired to join me on The Mudcat Adventure. It quite nearly broke his heart when the time came that he had to decide not to go; that his health issues would not allow it. However, he was able to meet Bill again in conjunction with The Adventure and it was clear there was a great musical bond between the two men.

It was at that time that David ordered one of Bill Sables' wonderful carved leather straps for David's banjo. When it arrived David was like a kid at Christmas. The strap was one of his most highly prized possessions.

Last year's Getaway was David's first encounter with the FSGW together with the large contingent of 'Catters. In his travels he had attended and/or performed for hundreds of bluegrass festivals, county fairs and the like; but he had never been to a gathering quite like the Getaway. During the past year he often fondly referred to it and to the talented people he met there. He was extremely excited about the prospect of attending again this year.

I was David's driver for most of the many years we knew each other. At first, it didn't have to be that way. I simply love to drive and he enjoyed the luxury of being a passenger. But in recent years it became more of a necessity. We always enjoyed what David called our "road trips". No matter the length of the journey, we rarely bothered to turn on the radio or CD player. Instead we chatted and laughed like a couple of old ladies (or at least, that's how he often described it).

David's secret dream was to be a stand-up comic. It was his sense of humor that kept him going through the rough times. He was undoubtedly the funniest man I have ever known. More than a few times I laughed so hard I could hardly stand. He quoted copiously from Mark Twain, a love for whom we both shared. But David's most humorous stories came from out of his own past. He was never afraid to laugh at himself.

I have known very few people as intelligent as David. He used this gift in a number of excellent ways, the most obvious of which was that he became a doctor. However, it was also manifested in his speaking. He often coined new phrases that I thought to be brilliant. My favorite one was his description of blues lyrics. He called them "the American haiku".

David was a hero. I am not even sure that his family knows that while in the Army, David was involved as a medical officer in a "black ops" rescue mission during which he was captured and tortured. Fortunately, his release was within a few hours of his capture; but the torture damaged him for life.

David was "a friend of Bill W's"; a reformed alcoholic. This past summer he celebrated twenty years of sobriety. I will never know how difficult that must have been for him to accomplish; but I celebrated with him and applauded his success.

I am at a loss as to how to encapsulate a description of such a complex person as David. I can only add that as it is with everybody, he had his foibles and flaws; but I think he tried very hard to be a good man, a gentleman and a friend. It is hard for me to say goodbye to such a man.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Alice
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 10:46 AM

Allan, I recall that you and David each have a daughter named Lacy, ... one Lacey and one spelled Lacy, and that when you were here, David was tickled to have a found a souvenir brooch of a bear with his daughter's name. Please pass my condolences on to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Mrrzy
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 02:25 PM

Very sorry to read this one too! Man o Man. Another who'll be sadly missed. Special condolences to you, AllanC!

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: fat B****rd
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 02:36 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. fB

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: annamill
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 02:37 PM

Oh no, David! Oh no!

Allan! I'm sorry. Looking forward to seeing David has been a good thing in my life.

I wish I could hug you. I know he was your friend for long time.

My love to David and my love to you.

Ann

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: bill\sables
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 04:47 PM

Both Lorna and myself are deeply sorry for your loss Allan. As has been said before David and I met at AnnaP's (Annamill) gathering a few years ago and he struck me as a very fime gentleman, musician and one of those people who could see the funny side of any situation and make a humerous remark. Whilst at that gathering Allan locked his keys in his car and left the interior light switched on so it was with the wealth of witty comments from David that Allan and I, with the aid of Anna's fishing rod, tried to break into the car and eventually succeded.

Then there was the time when Lorna and I stayed with David and his parents in their home in West Virginia and had a wonderful time hearing of the old days in the region.

When I heard that Allan and David were about to do the Great Mudcat Adventure I couldn't resist being part of the trip and was dissapointed when David had to call it off, we had many laughs on the trip but I am sure we would have had many many more had David been with us. Lorna asked, if I were to see David would I ask him to get a jar of Apple Butter which he had introduced to us, David didn't only get a jar, he had two gallons of the stuff waiting for us when we got back to West Virginia. He was a fine banjo player and I am so glad that he got pleasure from the strap I made for him, It had the Gibson flying eagle design along with the state flower and bird of West Virginia, a state he dearly loved.

Allan please let his Mom and Dad know we are thinking of him and are very sorry for their great loss.


Bill and Lorna Sables

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Bert
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 04:54 PM

I'm so sorry Alan. I remember meeting him at Anna's and was looking forward to seeing him again sometime.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 04:58 PM

Allan, if you check in here, please see your PMs.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: CarolC
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 05:19 PM

I'm very sorry to hear this, Allan. David was a dear, sweet man. How fortunate for both of you that you had such a close and lasting friendship. I'll never forget sitting in the Waffle House in Winchester eating grilled cheese and grits with you and David.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 05:36 PM

I concur with Spaw--here I sit, teary-eyed over the many facets of this relationship I never actually experienced. And considering the various deaths that have occurred in my proximity lately, this is the one that all would choose, a "good death," to slip away quietly--perfectly described by the end of "Parting Glass."

But since it falls unto my lot

That I should rise and you should not

I'll gently rise and softly call

Good night and joy be with you all.


SRS (Thanks, Bob, for showing me this song!)

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Alice
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 07:38 PM

I have a jar of apple butter in my fridge recently given to us by David, as well as West Virginia maple syrup. David also passed a guitar tuner on to us during his visit and my son and I appreciate that. It was just a few weeks ago that he was here, taking photos, playing the harmonica, and it seems unreal that he is gone. He told me that he had called his father to describe Yellowstone and the Tetons to him and that his dad had cried. You know, he said, my dad was sad knowing he would never live to see it. David did live to see it, and I know he relished the experience. The air was starting to get nippy autumn cold at night and upon departing, David said, "I want to return to the land of magnolias and the ladies who smell like 'em."

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 07:42 PM

Oh, Alice, how poingant. I can't help but be glad that he was "let down easy". I wish him all the very best in his new life.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 14 Oct 02 - 10:25 PM

Sorry to hear about David C. We enjoyed him at the Getaway last year. I'm not good with expressions like this on the keyboard, so I'll say more when I see you. Glad you had some last moments together that were memorable.

JAB

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Oct 02 - 07:33 AM

David's sense of the outrageous is my best memory. The tale of his reprimand at West Point is too hilarious to believe. But that was David...an unpredictable bad boy.I was looking forward to a hug and a banjo next weekend. He will be there. You have had more than your share recently Allan. Come spend some time with your friends at the Getaway if you can. David will be waiting.
Stay well, my friend.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: karen k
Date: 15 Oct 02 - 08:45 AM

I remember meeting him at the Getaway and wish I could have gotten to know him better. Allan, I am so sorry about his passing.

I have to wonder just how many people are better people for having known him. You have my sincere sympathy as do his parents and family.

I'm sure he'll keep playing his banjo and dobro and making folks laugh wherever he is. Godspeed, David.

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: PeteBoom
Date: 15 Oct 02 - 09:25 AM

Much sympathy for your loss.

Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: Partridge
Date: 15 Oct 02 - 09:44 AM

I never met the man, but from all the comment made here , it is very much my loss. I am thinking of you and wishing you love, many warm thought are on there way to you
love
Pat xx

Subject: RE: Obit: David C. has died
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 15 Oct 02 - 12:08 PM

Allan, I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing & your loss. What a blessing to both of you that you had a quality friendship of such duration. Would that we all could say the same!

Thinking of you,

Barbara