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David Fullerton, 1953-2007

At the Park

Since a bunch of people have asked and kindly sent their condolences, I thought I'd make an exception to my "game stuff only" posting rule and say a little something about my uncle Dave who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday night. He was my uncle, but because he was only 12 years older than me, he was also a good friend.

A laid back guy, who liked to play guitar, drink a little bit of beer, and mess about in boats. He and my aunt Helen have two children, my cousins Ian and Bonnie, and live in Beverly, Mass where they have a very cool house, which Dave has been working on over the years, and which was originally built before the Revolution. He is the youngest of my father's siblings, and everyone still treats him like the baby.

Like most of my extended family, his favorite place to be was Deer Island, NB, a tiny little place up off the most northeasterly coast of Maine where there is nothing to do BUT hang out, drink a little bit of beer, play guitar and mess about in boats. He would do just that when he went up there in the summers with the rest of the family.

Breaking out of tradition, we all went to Aruba a couple years ago for my cousin Matt's wedding, and while we were there Dave, my aunt Helen, cousin Bonnie and I went snorkeling -- something you just can't do in the chilly waters up in New Brunswick. Dave and I also made it to a Red Sox game last summer; which was the last time I saw him, since I didn't take the time out of my busy schedule to visit the island this year. That's a lesson in priorities I won't forget soon.

Dave was always the first one to have a good time, though, that's the way I'll remember him most. Whenever I'm hanging out, having a little bit of beer and messing about in boats, Dave will be in my memory. He would probably laugh at this little Internet memory and tell me to go out and have some fun. I'm going to try my best to take that advice.

Posted by on October 17, 2007 7:00 PM |

Comments

I happened to find this CD of a friend of mine which I hadn't heard in a long time and started playing it when suddenly I remembered to take a look at your blog.

I was reading the post on your Uncle's life, the moments which you remember the most and I was deeply moved. For a person which didn't know your uncle, like me, I got the best of impressions. A person who could put the troubles elsewhere when he needed to have a good time, inspiring others to feel that happiness - now that's what I call a rare trait.

Somehow, the relaxing music playing in the background, very heart-felt, helped me get into the words and images you wrote and collected. Once again, my condolences. May you be the one provoking the smiles and laughs among your family now.

Posted by: Dieubussy [TypeKey Profile Page] | October 19, 2007 2:55 PM

I happened to find this CD with music performed by Nick Drake (Bryter Layter) which I hadn't heard in a long time. Suddenly I remembered to take a look at your blog.

I was reading the post on your Uncle's life, the moments which you remember the most and I was deeply moved. For a person which didn't know your uncle, like me, I got the best of impressions. A person who could put the troubles elsewhere when he needed to have a good time, inspiring others to feel that happiness... now that's what I call a rare trait.

Somehow, the relaxing music playing in the background, very heart-felt, helped me get into the words and images you wrote and collected. Once again, my condolences. May you be the one provoking the smiles and laughs among your family now.

(Bruno de Figueiredo)

Posted by: Dieubussy [TypeKey Profile Page] | October 19, 2007 3:03 PM

Dave was my dad's best friend from school and beyond. We just learned of his death today while contacting people about moving back to MA. We are devastated to hear this news about Uncle Dave. I remember cookouts at his house with his kids, my brother, and I. He and my father have stayed in contact over the years. After the death of their other friend Robby, my dad is quite upset. What happened to Uncle Dave? We heard a heart attack. I would be grateful for any news you could share. My parents tried to contact Aunt Helen, and this is how they learned of his passing.

Posted by: jengambill [TypeKey Profile Page] | April 4, 2008 5:17 AM

Dave was my dad's best friend from school and beyond. We just learned of his death today while contacting people about moving back to MA. We are devastated to hear this news about Uncle Dave. I remember cookouts at his house with his kids, my brother, and I. He and my father have stayed in contact over the years. After the death of their other friend Robby, my dad is quite upset. What happened to Uncle Dave? We heard a heart attack. I would be grateful for any news you could share. My parents tried to contact Aunt Helen, and this is how they learned of his passing.

Posted by: jengambill [TypeKey Profile Page] | April 4, 2008 5:17 AM

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