I just pictured in my mind (and it brought a tear) Dave WALKING through the pearly gates and getting a big, long hug from some cat wearing a Bama hat.

Classic Dave tweet:

 

David Lehkamp ‏@Davewrites4u Aug 2

I posted my first video creation on YouTube last week. It was so bad that, in just three days, it went fungal.

That is awesome, and typical Dave.

I didn't know Dave personally, and really didn't know him very well through BGP either, but it's easy to see the positive affect he had here on many people. He will be missed here, but believe me, he's being warmly greeted in the grandest of places right now.

Sadly for many of us Dave is not the only BGPer to leave us. It's strange to think that we've lost as many as we have.

I was privileged to meet Dave once, at a HHS game a couple of seasons ago. But like many if not most on here, we interacted quite a bit on this board; both in public and behind the scenes. While I was not as close to Dave as many on here, I am surely a better man for having known him.

 

RIP, Birdsfan.

Just like all of you I am stunned.

 

I had the pleasure of recently meeting Dave at the BGP holiday get together at the Hofbrauhaus in Newport. Because of Dave that night became more spiritually significant that I had ever imagined leaving a lasting spiritual impression on me.

 

After having good fun with all in attendance I settled into a deep exchange with Dave where we shared stories of God's miracles in our lives, and our similar particular interest in Padre Pio.

 

Dave gave to me two momentos that night that I will forever treasure. One was a gold guardian angel coin, and the other was a small laminated pocket Padre Pio holy card.

 

He made me feel so special by presenting these momentos to me only adding to the great significance I felt in meeting him and all in the short time of being in his presence.

 

Dave is truly a special touched guy. He is not gone. His love is eternal and he has, and still is touching all of us with that love. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him must truly know this.

 

As the last line of the Prayer of St. Francis states:

 

"It is in dying that we are born to eternal life".

 

The following is a prayer (song) by Pablo Casals named "Eucharistica" that hits the nail on the head of eternity and gives great comfort in times like these.

 

Eucharistica

 

Deep in my heart I bear my Lord

My heart is a sacred host to Jesus

Therefore in my heart, the light that gives serenity

Is ever glorious

 

Deep in my heart I bear my Lord

And my heart leaps joyfully within me

Goodness today makes sorrow light

And I have angels for my companions

 

Deep in my heart I bear my Lord

And ever see the light of Heaven

That keeps me always from the ways of darkness

And of evil doing.

 

Deep in my heart I bear my Lord

And all my life I will be with him

I want my voice to speak of love

As does the Seraph that proclaims him

 

My way shall be a path of lilies

The path on which I walk

beside Him.

 

Dave, thank you brother. You did well here in the physical with a job well done by touching significantly everyone you met, and all the while baring a cross that most of us cannot, and will never begin to understand.

 

Sure, we all enjoy the superficial pleasures of life, but you've helped us all in a non-preaching way see beyond the surface, and all the while doing so with your great wit.

 

You've helped everyone reach deeper in our lives to see God's eternal love in it.

 

I say "Rest in Peace" as you truly deserve it, and am completely confident that you already are.

 

Many blessings to you in return for the many blessings you have given.

I have always thought the best thing you could say about someone was "He lived his life well". Birdsfan did "live his life well". Sympathy sent to all those grieving his loss to us.

Like many I never met Dave and honestly I can't remember an exact conversation that we may have had on BGP. That said, I've got cousin's that I can't remember a conversation that I had with them either. But like them Dave was family and mattered to me. Seeing the outpouring of love and emotion from those that did know him tell me as much about him as I needed to know. Dave was a confidant, friend, mentor and all around great guy for all of the BGP Family. Rest my friend you've earned it.

I didn't write these words. But I came across them in January when I lost another good friend suddenly. I find myself often referring back to them when thinking of her, and now of Dave.

 

A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation, doesn't always need togetherness, as long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part

How profound it is that Dave's passing coincides with the beginning of Spring.

 

It feels significantly representative of "New and Glorious Life"

I met Birdsfan briefly at the Hofbrau House last December. I didn't speak to him much but did converse a little. What I remember most was his smile and kidding nature, plus how popular he was with those that already knew him and those of us that met him in person for the first time.

 

As with all, I am saddened and really just don't know what to say that might be approporiate. RIP fellow BGPer.

I am so upset, I don't even know what to say. I've started this thread over so many times, because no words can express how I feel. Nothing that I can say seems "good enough" to represent him in his final moments.

 

BF, I will miss watching really bad SyFy "with you," texting jokes back and forth about the ridiculous plots.

 

I'll miss discussing American Idol with you. Had I known that last year would have been your last season watching, I wouldn't have forgone the season in protest of Nicki Minaj.

 

BF, I'll remember your kindness and compassion when I lost a beloved pet, your sympathy when my mom passed away and your concern over my cancer diagnosis.

 

Dave...I'll laugh when I see a squirrel...or a banana plant...or a crab leg. I'll remember how many laughs you gave us.

 

I'm far too selfish, because I will simply miss you...and can't help but want you back, even though I know that you have broken free from your earthly body.

 

I always felt that you were an angel to me while you were here on earth. I now know that I have a new angel in heaven looking out for me.

 

I can remember looking for that perfect squirrel picture. I still laugh every time I see a squirrel just because of BF.

BF is in good hands now.

 

Prayers and condolences to his family.

 

I don't know Dave's brother, or whether he has a sister, but I do know his parents from church. They have always been very sweet and doting to my children after mass and, ESPECIALLY, on Halloweed when we walk past their house. I hope that they find the peace that will help ease their pain. Dave was a funny guy, we didn't speak together much, but when we did he could make me smile. Sad, sad news.

 

I wrote something for my cousin after her son passed. The thought of Dave meeting and speaking w/ Larry reminds me slightly of the thought of her son meeting up w/ my Grandpa in my story. First steps, first sprint, and no pain. Pray for us Dave.

First steps, first sprint, and no pain. Pray for us Dave.

 

Absolutely incredible to think about.