ACC loses a paddler (Drifter)

[Renee H]

Drifter's friend, Nick, from TX cannot log on, so I am posting this link for him:
http://www.paddletexas.com/index.php?na ... pic&t=5316" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very sad news Hope he finds peace in the afterworld.

[Tmuse]

Sorry to hear that, my thoughts go out to family and friends. Tim

[okieboater]

Never met Drifter, but shared a lot of emails with him. Felt like I knew him as a friend and I am sure there are a lot of people who feel the same. This comes as a shock to me and my heart goes out to his family.

Drifter helped Randy J and I a lot on efforts to gain access to Pine and Clear Creeks.

Drifter's Photo of the Esses is classic and is on my computer's desktop.

He will be missed!

[Half Ton]

Meeting Dave in person was on the list of things that I looked foward to doing in this life, but I guess it will have to be in the next lifeime now.

I really dug on his sense of comedy, spirited passion for what he believed in, and great wit.

Drifter will be missed - peace rest his soul.

[Eric Esche]

I conversed with Drifter online and by PM's, but I do not think I ever got to meet him, unless it was at the last two Rendevous. I too wish I had gotten to paddle with him. Does anyone have an newpaper Obit for Him?

I went back through 20 or so pages of his posts this morning and it brought back many memories.

Eric

[Dr. Steve Yaney]

Drifter Dave you were loved and will be missed. You could have surfed on the tears we shed for you. Your talents will be missed on earth and hopefully appreciated in the afterlife.......

[L.A.paddler]

David, was a good friend to me and my wife both. I had only known him for about five years, but in that time we had many good times together. Never made it up to his place near Buck Cr., like we had planned several times. But did get to make a few runs down Buck with him and could definately see his passion for the place. We will miss him . my heart goes out to his family and expecially Susan. We'll see you later Drifter.

Terry D

[davidbob]

For several years now we have been trying to get together for Glover and/or Eagle Fork runs. Timing, distance, good water elsewhere - there was always some excuse. Nae man can tether time or tide.

[KAYAKN]

Could someone please post a picture of him!!

[Topo]

Could someone please post a picture of him!!

I have a much better one on my computer at home I can post later, but this is one Rusty Branch took of Laura, Dave and I a couple years ago. Dave is on the right. He was a damn fine guy that left us entirely to soon.

[CapnTom]

John and I had the honor of meeting Dave at LMF last year;

In the thirty-minutes-or-so we spent talking,I could tell he was a Stand-Up-Guy.
We were fairly new to the Lower Mtn Fork and Drifter warned us of all the hazzards
both on and off river. He was driving through camp when he spotted some "real"
whitewater boats(lots of rentals out that day)and came over and struck up some
conversation.

Will truly miss the next conversation we should of had,
his thoughtful posts,and the trip we never got to take...

God Bless

[Trismegistus]

It's taken me awhile to compose myself --

David and I became close steadfast friends over the pass year -- through e-mails, message boards, postcards and telephone calls we were in near daily contact. Sharing many of the same belief systems we strove to uncover and understand the conditions and situations we find ourselves -- seeking to unmask truth where ever it could be revealed. He was a "deep thinker", passionate in his pursuits, and always looking to contribute his knowledge, his muscle and insight to others.

My favorite Drifter quote -- and one he used often: "Always good to hear an opposing viewpoint. Thanks."

Even now the emptiness of his passing tears at me inside. It'll take me far, far longer -- if ever -- to quiet the discordance of my memories and thoughts of Dave. I loved him and will miss him.

[Trismegistus]

One of David's favorite quotes:

The only way to have a friend is to be one.
Ralph Waldo Emerson