I saw many Van Ronk concerts, but my most delicious memory of Dave comes from one purely personal encounter. About 8 years ago my wife and I interviewed him--an exercise ostensibly based on academic research but motivated largely by my own role as fan. Dave was, I felt, remarkably agreeable and respectful, given that he had no idea who we were, and we could do nothing for him. How many interviews must the man have endured? We met at a cafe of his choosing in NYC and Dave listened silently as I explained what I was doing and where he fit in, blah, blah, blah. He then looked at me with great seriousness and said in that gravelly voice, "Do you want it to be true?" I said yes, but still he talked to us for hours.

Rest in Peace, Dave. You made your mark. I'll remember your music, and how kind you were to my wife and I.