Tuesday, November 7, 2023
I don’t know where to start about my friend Dave. I’m at a loss without him as a friend, yet I cannot comprehend the loss for Junko and his family. Love and prayers for you all!!
1989. I met Chief. I have, since 1989 called him Chief. It’s weird, it’s silly, and dumb. 3 things that I also appreciated about him. It more or less encapsulated our friendship (you can ask me why, it’s not all that entertaining to most but yeah)
I met Dave as a Jr in high school and he was new to MN. Was he at all happy about it? Well not really. Dave could be grumpy :). He was in the gym and I was shooting hoops. This started a basketball conversation. I was the only 76ers fan in MN, but Dave met his 76ers match. The Conversations flowed. “Important” sports conversations. This led to more, about football, baseball, and other “important” things!
Being Dave lived in town and I was a dorm student, I had the chance to go watch games and such in his basement at his house. Many “important” games, but also probably 1000 hours over the next couple of years playing Nintendo baseball, and more games games games. Did we have many important conversations? Maybe 1 or 2. Maybe. It was just fun. I learned that Dave was the best Tetris player who has ever lived, and I learned that he knew as many meaningless sports nuggets as I did. Which I thought was impossible. Fun fun times.
The basement seemed to be Dave’s OWNED AREA. I heard rumors of younger sisters but I didn’t believe him. I knew of Nancy as she was in school too, but the others? Nope! Not until I was blessed to have dinner upstairs with M and R did I believe him. The basement was HIS!! Haha. More later…
We got a little older and mature (that’s a joke). I kept in touch with Dave as he went to the west coast, then eventually to Japan for his teaching adventure. I very much enjoyed hearing about the culture, the differences, and really liked hearing how much he enjoyed and loved it there. I especially liked hearing how much he enjoyed (and laughed historically at) being the first player picked in basketball games, and how dominant he was as the 6 foot Shawn Bradley of Japan. Very fun. More so, I was delighted beyond belief that he found the love of his life Junko. So so so glad for him.
I got to meet Junko, then also got to meet her family as I was very honored to be a groomsman with our mutual friend Marshall Langemo in their wedding. I hadn’t spent physical time with Dave in years, but the time of their wedding was very special and memorable. One, to see Dave with Junko was impressionable, beautiful and memorable. I could 100% see the love Junko had for him, and was so pleased to see the 100% love that Chief had for her. And not only for her, but a great joy and love for all of her family. And, a great joy and love for his family, which was completely evident and DIFFERENT from “basement Dave”. His complete self and love showed for kids, family, everything. I was so cool to see. And he also showed his unmentioned sisters lots of attention and love too!! :)
A few, maybe 5-6 years, Dave and Junko stayed at our house for a weekend as they were in one of their excursions. It was super fantastic to hear about their updates (horse Junko!!??!! :-) ). What didn’t change for Dave in my eyes? His complete adoration, protection, and support and love for Junko. What changed for Junko? Well, we communicated way better because she’s so super smart and her English was AWESOME. What else didn’t change? The way she looked at Dave and adored and looked at him as if he was IT. It was so beautiful to see.
Marshall and I have been grieving and sharing stories together. It’s fun to hear how we have similar yet different experiences with Dave have been fantastic. Whether it has been silly/fun or serious or contentious on topics, it’s all been great. Chief had a mind that was fascinating and super fun and interesting. Whether we agreed, disagreed, or just laughed, we lived it. Dave, and Chief is seriously and sadly so very much missed.
My last correspondence with Dave was on Oct 25 2023. My first was in 1989. Both? About the 76ers. This brings a smile and a frown. I wish my last correspondence was better. I love you Chief!
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(718) 761-5544
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