David

 David died on Sunday.

I can't remember when we met.  I know where, but am not sure of the year.  It was at one of the annual Beatles conventions that we used to attend.  A place where you met people and became fast friends, not just because you were a fan, but because you shared a sense of humor and understanding.

David had a wicked sense of humor.  He was one of those people who you wouldn't think was funny, but he was.  The fact that you might misjudge him as staid and perhaps "corporate like" made his antics even funnier.  He wasn't the guy that you expected who would do goofy things.  That is until you got to know him. And then...

He had two partners in crime.  Or at least two that I know of.  They were Kelley (his amazing wife) and Duncan (his crazy friend...another guy who could look at you with a straight face and then do something so funny you would fall on the floor with laughter.)  When the three of them were together (I sometimes tried to be the 4th of their crazy crew), you would laugh until you cried.  They pulled off some pranks that still make me laugh when I think about them.

But just because he could be a prankster, didn't mean that he wasn't kind.  He was.  He was incredibly kind and thoughtful.  Since I didn't know him without Kelley, I don't know if that was her influence (because she is incredibly thoughtful and kind) or if they were just both wonderful people who became a stronger force of goodness together.

Though we usually only meet once a year, David (and Kelley...because in my mind you couldn't have one without the other) would always bring something for us AND for our son.  Knowing that my husband (and to some extent I) would be stuck at a table for the weekend while the "show" ran, there would be thoughtful snacks.  On their travels they would never forget to bring back something for our son.  And I will always treasure the Chis Isaak poster that they "obtained" somehow.

It was David and Kelley who inspired the famous (infamous?) "Fest Brunch."  One year (before the Empire Meadowland Hilton closed), they invited us to their room with some other friends for breakfast.  It was wonderful, but cramped.  This inspired me to "coopt" the video room (which my husband ran), on Sunday morning, before the show opened.  We could have more people, more food and more fun.  And we did!  People would actually try to crash it!  (Very few succeeded.)  I believe it was at one of our brunches that Klaus Voorman (Google him if you must) wandered by and was given his very first mimosa.

Everyone brought something to the brunch to share and I could always depend on David and Kelley to supply bagels and spreads.  No matter where the event was held (NY or NJ), they came up with the best.  

 David was the best.  Kelley IS the best.  They are the friends you always want to have.   I am so grateful that to have called David friend.  

My heart breaks for Kelley, who nursed David through it all.  (I'll say it again, she's an amazing person.)  My heart breaks for their family.  My heart breaks for their friends...and that includes me.

The world needs more people like David.  I'm so glad he was part of my world.