I don’t think I met Dave until around 1988 and I hadn’t seen him since approx 2003. I regret not reaching out to him for almost 20 years. We didn’t have a lot of common interests, except conversation, laughter, & some mutual friends. We both went to Loy Norrix but I didn’t know him there. We weren’t especially close but we could talk about important stuff going on in our lives. From 1988-2002 he was someone I saw consistently 4-5x a year. Mostly, I saw him at his little chunk of paradise on Pine Lake. He was a water-man & I wasn’t (am not)! But he would drag me on the boogie board, I would wipe out, he would circle & tease me & I would go for another 30-40 seconds. A few times he had me tow him. I said, “Dave, I’ve never driven a boat in my life.” He said he would yell when he was ready & that I should “gun it.” I can’t remember if I did it right the first time but eventually I was towing him & I was Captain for a Day! At one point he was ready to go & yelled to me: “Let it happen Captain!” It’s a moment that’s stuck in my head forever & it still makes me laugh. It doesn’t matter if he made up the phrase on the spot, or if it was something he had repeated 100x to a number of people. It was perfect timing, delivered in the perfect moment, to the person least likely to be a boat captain. He cracked himself up & I loved that too. I’ve thought about Dave quite a bit since he died. I talk to him on occasion. Again, we weren’t especially close, but he had a big sense of humor & I share some of those moments with him today. I was aware of his love for everything U of M & I knew he was a proud alum. I’ve never been a college football or basketball fan. I think this freed us up a little bit. He & I both had ambitions but our conversations skipped the braggadocio & peacocking I sometimes experienced when talking with other “Big School” graduates. We were able to skip over Sweet 16’s, Bowl games etc. Here’s a few other things I remember about Dave: he had 5-6 different laughs & we laughed a lot; I helped him paint something at his house, we finished, and he gave me a ride on his wave-runner - my first time on a jet ski & it was a blast; occasionally he would begin singing in an operatic manner, most frequently when we were moving something, painting etc. As far as I know it was nonsensical, so I would join in & we would “sing” a baritone dirge while completing a chore of some sort. We both were big chested fellows so we at least looked operatic ! I don’t recall Dave drinking anything but beer & he could drink a lot. I saw a meanness one night I hadn’t seen before. I was used to him being quick with a dark sense of humor. On this night he made some cruel comments & I’m glad I didn’t experience it more than one or two times. Dave had a mane! I saw him without a shirt countless times. The first time I noticed his thick rug of red-blonde back-hair was around 1989. Occasionally I would give him a two-handed back scratch on my way to the kitchen or coming into the house. I bet I gave him two dozen back scratches over 13-14 years! He would growl or giggle like a five yr old or pretend he was a bear or a big cat or all of the above. I’ve never had a hair on my chest so his shag-rug back-hair was alien to me. More laughter. One evening we talked about Christianity. He had been in the hospital the day before due to a stomach problem (I believe he said he had Crones Disease). Both of us would have been about 30 yrs old by then. He spoke in the abstract about religion but he said he felt Christianity got it right when it came to helping the less fortunate. I agreed. He said he also liked the community aspect of his Church. Not many 20-30 yr olds in our group of friends & acquaintances openly discussed their belief system & certainly not God or Faith. It simply wasn’t “in the air” at the time. I respected Dave for talking earnestly with me about his religion. I have no idea how close he was to his Church during that period of time. But I believe it informed his life. Around that time I began thinking about religion in a personal sense vs abstractly. I appreciate Dave sharing that part of himself with me. I miss Dave a great deal, but I have many memories. I’m fortunate to have known him.

Posted by Matt Fletcher on October 11, 2023

This hurts my heart! What a sweet, funny, wonderful man David P was! We all adored him. He gave us all the gift of laughter and we will carry those memories forever. Rest in Peace.

Posted by Meg Sassaman on October 29, 2021

You will always be the honorary little brother for the Hope College girls. Many fond memories of your visits to Hope College and times spent at the Inkster house and on Pine Lake. it always added to the fun to have you with us. Wonderful memories of times spent with the Klok family. Praying for comfort during this sad time. Libby Roets Stacey

Posted by Libby Roets Stacey on October 19, 2021

My deepest condolence to all of Dave's family and loved ones. I remember Dave as friendly, thoughtful, smart and lots of fun! We had many great times back in Kalamazoo. Rest his soul.

Posted by Rich Cain on October 10, 2021

Heaven gained another good one, albeit way too soon. My dear cousins, you are all in my prayers. Christine, I will hold you in a special place in my prayers as well, I am truly saddened to hear this news.

Posted by Patricia (devries) Moerman on October 9, 2021

So very sorry for your loss; gone way too soon. Praying for you all at this most difficult time.

Posted by Kathie Wolf on October 9, 2021

I grew up with David on Robin Lane, and am so sad to hear of his death. Deepest heartfelt condolences to all the family, to Christine, and all who loved him. Blessings, Marian

Posted by Marian Heller on October 9, 2021

You will be missed, my old friend. I'll always remember you. I hope you're with your mom now and celebrating eternally. Peace be with you.

Posted by Therron Kokales on October 8, 2021

Very sad to hear the news of Dave’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family and special friend Christine.

Posted by Caroline Trimp on October 8, 2021

I first met David when we were in 7th Grade. We reconnected on Facebook. What a great guy! I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.

Posted by Terri Stephney on October 8, 2021

David was always a sweet and kind person. I'm so sorry about his passing and will always hold him in high esteem! Mark Sahlgren

Posted by mark sahlgren on October 7, 2021