Submitted by Kip Penniman on June 24, 2010 - 9:35pm.
Dave, you and Lexi were the first couple Melissa and I met when we moved into our Montpelier neighborhood three and a half years ago. Aside from your unusual hugeness, I was taken by your vigor for life and learning. You and Lexi had recently restored your 1800s home into a solar powered, wood-pellet powerhouse. And that multi-colored paint job cheered up the entire neighborhood.
Dave and Lexi fabricated a bouldering wall in their attic, installed beer taps on their kitchen counters (Dave and Lexi brew their own beer and cider), and cultivated a yard full of vegetables and flowers, and even grapes for wine. Dave dove into everything he did with immense enthusiasm and drive - it was contagious.
Tonight, after hearing of Dave's passing, the sun broke through the Vermont cloud cover and illuminated Dave and Lexi's home in evening light. A rainbow arched over their house. My family sat out on the porch to silently watch and Machlan, my 10 year old son, looked at the rainbow and said, "Look Mom, it's Dave." We all lost it again. When life's twists and turns feel so utterly unjustified, I at least feel some condolence that Dave was pursuing one of his dreams. I imagine a second's delay in that morning's routine could have made all the difference. It's haunting to think about. Dave was 37 and such a positive force in this world. I can't make any sense of it.
Lexi, we will help you through this, all of us. We love and support you.
We will sorely miss you, Dave
Dave, you and Lexi were the first couple Melissa and I met when we moved into our Montpelier neighborhood three and a half years ago. Aside from your unusual hugeness, I was taken by your vigor for life and learning. You and Lexi had recently restored your 1800s home into a solar powered, wood-pellet powerhouse. And that multi-colored paint job cheered up the entire neighborhood.
Dave and Lexi fabricated a bouldering wall in their attic, installed beer taps on their kitchen counters (Dave and Lexi brew their own beer and cider), and cultivated a yard full of vegetables and flowers, and even grapes for wine. Dave dove into everything he did with immense enthusiasm and drive - it was contagious.
Tonight, after hearing of Dave's passing, the sun broke through the Vermont cloud cover and illuminated Dave and Lexi's home in evening light. A rainbow arched over their house. My family sat out on the porch to silently watch and Machlan, my 10 year old son, looked at the rainbow and said, "Look Mom, it's Dave." We all lost it again. When life's twists and turns feel so utterly unjustified, I at least feel some condolence that Dave was pursuing one of his dreams. I imagine a second's delay in that morning's routine could have made all the difference. It's haunting to think about. Dave was 37 and such a positive force in this world. I can't make any sense of it.
Lexi, we will help you through this, all of us. We love and support you.