Who is David? What makes a hero?

Even as a small child David had a wonderful spirit. He was loving and tender. He was very sensitive to other people and would always play the peacemaker role in our family. He was the middle child of three, with sisters on each side of him. I realize that after someone passes that it is easy to block out all of the negative things and remember only positive. I don't intend to make it sound as if David had no flaws. He was stubborn, opinionated and a pain in the ass sometimes too. But aren't we all from time to time?

Dave's courage and bravery were displayed when he left his family and friends in Texas, and went to California in 1998. He had been there the year before and had discovered the Redwoods and the need to fight for their preservation. He worked two jobs to save money to return that September for the logging season. He knew how important it was for people to stand up and take action for this cause and he was willing to be one of those people. Consistent to his peaceful spirit, his protests were nonviolent in nature.

David was struck by a fallen redwood on September 17, 1998. An angry logger, in an act of haste, took his life with the blow of his saw. He died fighting for a wonderful cause, but his death was senseless and unnecessary. Our hope is that his fight and sacrifice was not in vain, and that some good will come from our tragedy. If success can be determined by the friendships we make and the relationships we have with our family and friends, Dave was one of the most successful people I know. The friendships he made were lifelong and abundant. He was special to so many people. David was a loving son, a caring brother, a wonderful uncle, and a loyal and supportive friend. He is missed by so many people whose lives he touched. We keep him alive in our hearts and memories.

We will not forget.