Hollie and family,

I have known Dave for his full 26 years at FreightCar America. I knew him for all 25 years of marriage and shortly before.... the time while living by the Feed Mill in Somerset....through the birth of his lovely children.... the Farm House home.....our travels to Pittsburgh for school.... and his time in Roanoke. 

When I first met Dave, we were both young Bucks just starting our careers (actually probably just a job) at that time and happy to be working. We both came from similar backgrounds and I had no idea how many stories, laughs and lunches we would share at that time.  Dave was a likeable guy and we all got along with him in the office.  Their were so many daily conversations and stories to share.  Dave would share stories of Hollie and himself, and we would all joke and laugh to no end. Hollie their were a few good ones but 25 yeras of marriage proves that you guys had what it takes to make it all work.  I still do not get how he was able to get away with just that Wire dish rack present, but man we harrassed him about that..... or maybe just could never figure out how he could get away with it.  He would just smile big and laugh and we would all join in and laugh along with him.  It was all in such good fun yet still so memorable even today.

The fun did not stop there though, we had the fxer upper automobiles and motorcycle stories as well.  Dave enjoyed riding his bike and I often wondered how he stayed warm.  I do recall him bringing a change of clothes to solve that problem though.  If I recall correctly Hollie, Dave not only enjoyed riding, but he also (well did not enjoy) "fished one out of a creek ". 

While story telling was a real treat at work, I must admit that Dave enjoyed snacking and eating as well. I have many memorable stories , but one of my favorite is the "snack drawer".  We all liked to snack and often visited the vending machine.  Dave eventually wisened up though and began to buy in bulk and stock his "drawer".  He even got a little entreprenueral spirit and began selling some items.... I suppose to cover operating costs. We all knew about the drawer and when we inquired he would have that large laugh or grin as we jabbed him about it.  Looking back, I realize that the laughs were better than the snacks.  Wow, we had so much fun with that.

Another favorite of mine is the Outdoor Furnace.  While we shared a common interest in the practical purpose of it, there were some great side stories.  From the large, well very large, blocks of wood to a groundhog which could all fit into it..... I was surprised at what you can burn in those things!!!  I greatly enjoyed talking about the farming & wood chopping & all that country stuff.

Among all these stories, we eventually heard words like "it is time to go to the hospital" and not only once did this occur.  Before I knew it the words became football, basketball, volleyball & College.  The kids grew up so fast and next thing I know they are young adults just like we were when I first met Dave.

Dave's family values and sense of caring was most memorable to me when my beloved Mother-in Law had passed away.  When Dave arrived at the viewing, we exchanged some words, and I was so touched by the fact that he would take time out of his busy life to come offer condolences for my in-law.  He explained his reasoning and I was thankful.

I do not have to say what so many others have already stated.  Dave was hard working, honest, caring and just a great guy.  I would gladly work beside him again any day of my life.  Oh yea, I forgot to mention that part.... we did actually work at work.... but we had fun as well.  Hmmmm, I kind of liked that!

I have many more fond memories of Dave but I cannot cover 26 years in this letter or even in a short story.  But I know for sure that I will remember him for his smile and laughter we shared.  When I kick back at work to enyoy a snack... listening to a hair band song... telling a story from the past...and wondering what dessert I should have at the next sample car dinner; I will see him smiling back as he decides whether or not Hollie will find out. 

Good bye my friend but I keep the memories.

Joe J.