My uncle passed away yesterday. He’s been sick for nearly a year, but it was still hard to hear. He’s actually my Aunt’s third husband, but they have been together for probably 27 years. And he’s the only Great Uncle that Hannah remembers.
They have a lake house at Smith Mountain Lake in Roanoke, Virginia. Their main home is in Richmond, so the other day my uncle said “I want to go to the lake.” Hospice wasn’t even sure he’d make the three and a half hour drive. But he made it! It was his favorite place to be.
It’s funny because when Tony first met Dave I told him “my uncle was a warden in a prison.” He expected his demeanor to be like Wilfred Brimley. Dave was nothing like that – he walked into the restaurant when they first met, went right to Tony and kissed him on the cheek! He was bigger than life - let’s just say the room lit up when he entered it.
I’ve spent many many summers at the lake house. One of our favorite things to do is to put life jackets on and just float.
Hannah had a special connection with Dave, whom she called Papa. She became his right hand man when she visited and would help Dave with the chores. It broke my heart to tell her yesterday that he had passed away. 
And I will always remember Dave as the captain of the boat!
The lake house just won’t be the same without him. I am just hoping he found my Dad and they are splitting a Dr. Pepper. 
This is one of the plaques that’s on the porch at the lake house – I know my Uncle Dave did!
He wasn’t overly religious, so there will be no typical funeral. I’ll find out today what the plans are and most likely will be in Richmond next weekend. I probably won’t post again until Monday – I hope you all have a great weekend and give your family an extra hug this weekend!
Sincere condolences to you and the family. Sounds like you have wonderful memories. RIP “Uncle Dave.”
That gave me chills – So glad he made it to the lake. I know that part of Virginia and can see why he’d want to spend his final moments there. Wishing you and your family the best. <3
So sorry to hear about your loss Biz. How wonderful that Dave made it to the lake. This is just a lovely tribute to him.
I’m so very sorry to hear this. A special hugg to u and your family. Especially Hannah. I’ve been reading your blog for a very long time and have always wanted to comment but never did. Today I had to. Take care and take all the time you need to grieve. Meanwhile I will be praying for you and your family. – patty
I’m so sorry, Biz. Your uncle sounds like a wonderful man. Your words about him are beautiful. Thinking of you and your family.
This is a wonderful tribute to your Uncle Dave, I’m glad he made it to the lake. It looks like a beautiful place and I can understand why he wanted to go there. Will keep you, Hannah and your family in my prayers.
Sorry for your loss, I love that he made it to the lake!
Oh Biz I’m sorry for your loss! I was wondering why you had your post up late. It’s amazing that he got to the lake. ::hugs::
So sorry to hear about your uncle. I remember you telling me about his place at Smith Mountain Lake–one of my favorite places.
Best,
Bonnie
What a lovely tribute to a sweet man – I’m so sorry for your loss.
Biz, I am so very sorry to hear about your uncle. It’s great he made it to his favorite place before he went, it looks beautiful there.
I’m so sorry, Biz, and you were just telling me about floating on the lake! Death is always a shock, even when you expect it. It’s heartening to know he went to his favorite place on Earth before passing from it. <3
I’m sending love and prayers to you and your family.
I’m so sorry Biz, I just lost a dear friend too and I know how hard it can be. I’m glad he could be in his favorite place. Hugs!
So sorry biz….you are in my thoughts and prayers.
What a beautiful tribute to your Uncle Dave, Vat. He was obviously a very special man, and you and your whole family are in my thoughts. How lovely that he passed away in his favorite place. Take care, sending hugs.
What a sweet, positive post. Be safe in your travels.
My heart is with you all
So sorry to hear about your Uncle. I’m glad he made it to the lake!
I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle. It is always difficult to lose a family member.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry Biz for you families loss. He sounded like an awesome uncle and friend. Take the time you need and love your family.
Blessings!!
I’m sorry to hear about your uncle. Sounds like you have wonderful memories to keep him in your hear forever.
I’m so sorry, Biz. Though I have no doubt that Uncle Dave is chatting it up with your dad over a Dr. Pepper as I type!
Sorry about your Uncle Dave, hugs to you and your family. Cherish those sweet memories Biz, and hold your family close!
Hugs to you, Biz! Thinking of you and your family.
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Uncle Dave. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
I’m so glad he made it to the lake!
“hugs”
So sorry for your lose Biz. What a lovely tribute you wrote about your uncle. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you Biz! He sounds like such a great guy:)
I’m so sorry for your loss Biz. What a blessing for your uncle that he made it to his favorite place. Sending prayers and a big hug.
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your uncle. He is certainly in a better place now, and I am sure he is enjoying that Dr Pepper with your Dad
So sorry for your loss, Biz! This is a lovely post. So glad he made it to the lake one last time…
I’m sorry to hear about your Uncle Biz, my heart is with you and your family. I hope he is wherever he is, splitting that dr. pepper with your Dad.
So sorry for your loss. I am very glad he made it to the lake one last time.
I’m glad I had a chance to meet him. Very sorry for your loss…
Sorry to hear about your uncle. You’ve written a beautiful tribute for him and I’m happy for him that he was able to spend his last days at his favorite place.
Biz, he sounded like a wonderful man. So so HAPPY that he made it to the Lake, it is so peaceful and beautiful there. Prayers for your travel and your auntie.
xo,
Robin
[...] one week prior, we lost my uncle Dave. So I was thinking about my aunt Martha, my mom, sister, cousins, and other family members [...]
[...] time readers will remember that my Uncle passed away last summer. My Aunt and Uncle were together since the 80s, but didn’t get married until about ten [...]