A great man

I've been meaning to post this for a while. A great man and friend passed away after battling cancer. David W. Rich was one of the best men I've ever known. Always so happy to see me, he would give me a treat and let me sit on his lap. At the time when I was young, I didn't realize how much good advice he was giving me. He was always teaching and guiding everyone around him and I'm so grateful I was a part of that.

I grew up next door to "Uncle Dave" and was always so excited to see him. Only second to my own father, Papa Jim, Dave was a man in my life that made so many differences. He got my parents to the temple, and was always looking out for us. One of the smartest men I've ever known, he was a great leader at Browning and in his church and family responsibilities and made education very important in his own life and his childrens'. He was always so supportive of me. I remember going trick-or-treating and since he lived next door, he was usually our first stop. Uncle Dave would always have a big candy bar and a big hug for me and Dal every year. One of my fondest memories of Dave when I was older was when he came to my graduation after receiving my masters from the University of Utah (where he did his too). He was so kind and so proud and always let me know it.

At his funeral, there was something very special that I've never witnessed at a funeral. After his daughter Rachel spoke, she mentioned that in the ward that Dave and Betty live in, they will record the sacrament meetings and take them to people in the ward that weren't able to attend. It happened to be a fast and testimony meeting that day and Dave bore his testimony. It was recorded in March, 8 months after he was diagnosed with cancer, and it was one of the most endearing and touching testimonies I have ever heard. Just hearing his voice and his love for the gospel and his family made me realize that he took his trial head on and wasn't going to just give up. He loved life, his family, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the scouting program, being awarded numerous high honors. Dave Rich was an exemplary person and left a legacy for all that knew him. I will miss you very much Uncle Dave. Thank you for being a great example to me always.