In Memory

Dave Chapin

Dave Chapin



 
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05/31/08 05:35 PM #1    

Chris Bundy

Dave and I met as kids playing on rival soccer teams. His Dad Ray, was always coaching his teams and one year, as luck would have it, I ended up on his team. It was the beginning of a long and close friendship. Dave was, to me, the epitome of and excitement. We drank, chased girls, and partied like rockstars together throughout high school. We cruised in his parents oh so cool Camaro Berlinetta. We would go back to his house at 2 am and his Dad would be waiting up for us. It was one of the nights as sophomores that his Dad lectured us for an hour (in his utterly calm and laid back way) and taught us the true definition of being sophomoric! But his Dad never told my parents (thankfully!) and so I got away with a lot hanging out with Dave. Whenever I think of those coming of age moments, I always think of Dave. Dave lived his life with vigor and ferocity. But this was only part of who he was. He had a deep sense of loyalty, was incredibly disciplined in his art and his athletics, and was the truest friend anyone could have. He was the hub in a social network that led to my friendships with Colin Williams, Greg Enell, Brian Waite, Wally Reid, Brad Winemiller, and many many others. His tragic and horrific death in the rapids, while terribly traumatic and saddening to me and all those who knew and loved him, was ironically emblematic of the way he lived; passionately, exuberantly, and with enthusiasm and excitement. However trite it may sound, Dave died doing something he loved. I used to think of the terror he must have felt as he struggled that day, but as time has passed I have come to realize that the Dave I knew was fearless as a lion. It comforts me to believe that even in his final moments he fought bravely for his life and died thinking he would get out of his predicament somehow. I imagine Dave arriving in heaven saying "Shit! I thought I made it out! Well, whatever, this place is pretty rad!" Only the good die young David. I love you and miss you and look forward to the day we meet again. I have not nor will I ever forget you and I think of you often. My sincere sympathies go out to your parents, sister, and all those who have suffered life without you since you went away. You live on in the hearts of us all. Love, Chris.

06/09/08 10:45 PM #2    

Dave Carter

I met Dave in the second grade at Sunnyland Elementary,We were in the same classes all through elementary and most of middle school,though we werent real friends in school, I always liked him, and admired his athletic ability. It wasnt untill after school when he saw my band play that we became friends, Unfortunatly I moved to Seattle and lost touch with him, and couldnt believe it when I heard he passed. I find it impossible to think of my childhood and not think of Dave,( or all of you from Sunnyland)So in that way he is still here with us and will be there at the reunion. your friend Dave Carter

06/18/08 09:49 AM #3    

Teresa Payne

Dave and I met in 1st grade at Sunnyland ... he would threaten to flip my skirt up and I would kick him in the leg. Somehow, in spite of that, we stayed friends throughout school and after. He would call me up in the middle of the night or show up at my place out of the blue ... just to see how I was doing.

When I first logged into the site, I pulled up the classmates profile and saw Dave's name ... my first thought was Wow! I haven't seen Dave in so long, I can't wait for the ... oh ... wait ... he's not going to be there.

It tore me up at our 10 year every time Dave's picture came up in the slides ... and I don't expect this time will be any different.

I miss Dave. He was an amazing guy and terrific friend.

In loving memory,
Teresa

07/27/08 03:56 PM #4    

Raynelle Russell (Herrin)

Along with all my fellow Sunnyland Alumn, I share similar memories of Dave. Of course his name was not alone. You could not walk the halls or playground of Sunnyland with out noticing Dave and Dave. Ceranova and Chapin were the dynamic duo of Sunnyland and I think I can speak for many when I say that it was devastating when we heard of our loss. When I was called with the news I immediately choked up and remembered all the great childhood memories. He left us doing what he fiercly loved, being adventurous and outdoors. I know that the good, kind person that Dave was is now busy watching over his family and friends.

08/14/08 10:22 PM #5    

Donald McDonald

Dave and Phil Collins so much alike.

09/27/08 12:14 PM #6    

Mike Danielson

All I remember about Dave is everything.The biggest badest most down to earth person I was lucky to call my friend.

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