An Open Letter To My Late Uncle Who Passed Unexpectedly Last Week

What can I say? I just can't believe it. My Uncle Dave, who was 66, died suddenly last Wednesday evening; a pulmonary embolism was to blame.

One of my first memories of my uncle was his shiny blue '70s Chevy Blazer. He and my aunt would pick me up on weekends and take me to the zoo or any other activity.

A trip to the movies with my brother and my cousin is another early fond memory. It was Christmas time in 1990 when we all went to see "Home Alone". I specifically remember the digital speedometer in his car ('87 Chrysler New Yorker), I had never seen one before!

My uncle did well financially, and he always had the coolest toys. New cars, computers, always up on the latest technology, you get the idea. I remember the first CD I ever listened to was in his house.

He worked for GE at one point as he loved aviation. I remember at 12 years old flying for the first time. Can you guess who booked the ticket?

He loved life and valued health. As a former smoker, he challenged my brothers and me to never smoke. If we had made it to 30 years old never having a drag, he was going to pay us $1000 each. We didn't make it, unfortunately.

My uncle was an intelligent man who treasured his family. He was THE go-to guy. If you needed help with ANYTHING, he was first in line to help you out, and he truly enjoyed it. A truly SELFLESS man he was.

Uncle Dave played an integral part of helping my mother when my father passed. Anything from social security paperwork to lowering her mortgage payment, Dave was there.

Even after losing sight in his right eye because of a freak bungee cord injury, I never heard him complain even after some years of nerve pain following another injury. He just never complained, telling me that, "it's mind over matter".

Thanks for all chats, insight, and advice. I cannot believe I'll never see you again.

-Bryan