My uncle Dave lived what I believe is a blueprint for the right way to live.

He pushed himself to do difficult things, like starting businesses or achieving 5th degree black belts in jiu-jitsu and karate.

He loved everything that he did and wasted no time worrying about things outside of his control.

He controlled his happiness and he was one of the happiest people I knew. He laughed uncontrollably and loved unconditionally. I can't think of a better person to model a life after.

Uncle Dave's spirit was unmatched, so much so, that it's almost hard to describe. He was like a best friend to anyone who has been lucky enough to be a part of his life. He could connect with anyone. His positivity, sense of humor and love of life were infectious and it was impossible not to want to be around him.

Uncle Dave had the ability to make a room feel lighter. As a kid, I remember feeling excited entering a house or a room that I knew he was in. He just made everyone around him feel good. That's something we need more of in this world.

Uncle Dave was a storyteller. He had an endless number of stories that could captivate a room - many of which were about his own life experiences that often seemed larger than life, but were proof of the truly fulfilled life he lived.

On Easter this year, our first family holiday without Uncle Dave, I went into the day thinking it would be difficult. I went into the day thinking it would be sad. But to my surprise, it was the opposite. We laughed more around the dinner table than I ever remember us laughing as a family.

Uncle Dave used to do this thing where, after a birthday cake was placed in front of a family member and candles were blown out (and a wish was made), he'd yell "I'm still here". Of course, no one would laugh louder at that joke than him, but it was something we always looked forward to hearing.

What struck me about Easter sitting around the dinner table laughing and enjoying each other's company was that it felt like Uncle Dave was still there. To me he was, and to me he always will be. I like to think that the joke he told every family get together was his way of letting us know that he is still here.

On May 19, 2025, I’m walking 100 kms in a single day in support of Men's Health and will be dedicating the walk to my Uncle Dave who passed away too young from heart disease.

Uncle Dave spent his life working harder than anyone I know, and I hope to honor him by living life the way he showed me how.