Dave was a special young man and I was fortunate to know him. He had the

boyish wildness, enthusiasm for adventure, and passion for life at extremes

that leads young men to sports like climbing and paragliding.

However, Dave was different than most of the talented young men in the

climbing and paragliding communities in that he was not a self-promoter,

obsessed with a narcissistic self-image, a pretentious inflated ego. Dave

had a precocious comfort with himself, a lack of a need to impress others,

an aura of peacefulness and calmness that was very pleasant to be near. He

had maturity and a cheerful serenity beyond his years.

Few people understand from experience that an extreme life lived with

intensity is much more valuable than a safe and secure life lived in

comfort. I have, for most of my life, felt a quiet admiration and respect

for people like Dave and felt a longing to live as they do. However, as I

lose more and more friends to extreme sports, I find myself less and less

willing to push myself out there.

Dave lived vigorously and I think his precocious maturity enabled him to

appreciate his life in a way few young men are able. I will honor Dave and

celebrate his life with joy, but I am sad that he will not be able to grow

old and reflect on his passionate youth.

Scott Horton