Dave would like you to know that his work here on earth is done. He received an urgent call from the "Man" upstairs, if he were here, he would say it was like the scene from one of his favorite classic movies “The Godfather”, he was made an offer he couldn’t refuse!
This new journey means a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in quite some time, and a time of rejoicing in being made whole once again in the image of God.
We have no doubt that Dave is celebrating, socializing, dancing and being free of illness and pain. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Dave during his 62 years of living, some of these lessons were: When traveling to a different country, carry a roll of toilet paper it’s always handy to have; If I have some, I’ll gladly share with you; Pay it forward, pay for someone’s cup of joe at Starbucks, giving is the best feeling!; Always tell those that have helped you how grateful you are for all their efforts made on your behalf; Kindness goes a long way; Live life to the fullest; Life isn’t about stuff it’s about the quality of your life and the company of those you love the most; Don’t hold grudges, life is too precious and short.
We will remember his smile, his warmth, his wittiness, great sense of humor and his great ability to love large and with all his heart.
He is survived by his niece, Sascha Benanua and boyfriend Chris Shields, brother in law Wayne Benanua, cousins Hedy Deck and husband (Tom Deck), Kim Wijmer, Phil Wijmer and wife (Angela Wijmer), Michael Resnick, Travis Deck, Colton Deck, Nikki Wijmer, Brenda Verhaar-Van Affelen Van Saemsfoort and husband (Paul Verhaar), Dilly Verhaar, Jim Van Affelen Van Saemsfoort, Bob Van Affelen Van Saemsfoort, Astrid Pritchard and husband (Wayne Pritchard), Kyron Pritchard, Robin Pritchard, Lestyn Pritchard, John Deighton and wife (Veronica Deighton), Francisco Deighton, Aunt Tante Nancy Van Affelen Van Saemsfoort, Uncle Oom Hilbert Dooyeweerd, many other cousins and friends as well.
Everyone who remembers Dave is asked to celebrate Dave’s life in their own way, raising a glass of their favorite beverage and lighting a candle in his memory would be a great way to honor him.
In lieu of flowers, Dave would hope that you would perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone who really needs it in his name, or maybe donating to https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/
Funeral services will be held at St. Monica’s Catholic Community in Santa Monica, California. Service is TBD due to Covid-19.