A Truly Sad day for the TeXSives

[skippy344]

Dave Delzell, aka, Pathfinder, died this morning at 5am. He woke up and had a massive heart attack and died. He was 51. I don't know what else to say...

I know I will sincerely miss him. We only met about two years ago, on the TeXSive rally in October 2004 to Blanco, Texas. I also met Hippie Dave that weekend too. I gotta tell you all, you could not have met a better pair of Daves.

We always have so much fun together, we TeXSives, that we don't always think that it can end at any time. I have developed two deep friendships that I will never forget. Hippie Dave and I are truly Godsmacked.

We are going to plan a dedication ride in honor of him. I just don't know when. We gotta get through the funeral, and stuff.

He leaves behind is wife Cindy and their beautiful 8 year old daughter.

Dave always said, "There's always a way, figure it out!" Indeed, there's always a way... I guess I will figure out a way...

greg

[81xsproject]

A moment of silence, a moment to re-consider, a moment to remember that this life is not gaurantied. Live now, tomarrow is but hope. I did not know him; only read his posts and took notes. He will always be here in our archives teaching about and loving his XS. We will miss him. Best wishes to the family he left behind.

[mastan]

Truly a sad day for all. Pathfinder was always patient and encouraging in his posts. His voice will be missed.
Mark Stanton
78XSe

[xssiveone]

Please pass my condolences on to his family. Way, way too fast we pass thru this world.

Think I'll go for a ride in his honour.

[prometheus578]

How truly sad.
A Man's passing should always be noted.
... gives a moment to reflect upon his life, deeds and the impact that he has had on others.
Also allows one to stand before time's mirror and view our own image and path... has our course always been a correct one? Have we said to the one's we care about all that we've wanted to say? Is the way that One is living now... the way that one wishes to be remembered?
When was the last time you put your arm around your son's shoulder, told him you loved him and asked how things were going?
When was the last time you said to your wife,"What can we do today that would make you happy?"

Pathfinder died at age 51. How many things did he have left that he planned to do? How many thoughts did he have that will now forever remain unspoken?
Ponder for a moment your own untimely demise. Have you said, or done, all that you've wished to do?
The time that you think you have... is often not the time that you will be granted.

[TopCatGr58]

I still can't believe it! It was just a couple of days ago that he was providing help and information to me regarding my attempts at learning how to machine the SOFA's! I've never been any good at making profound comments about life and our short journey thru it. Can only offer condolences to his immediate family, as well as his XStended family here on the FORUM.

May we all be able to live by his mantra,
and "Find" our own "Paths" thru our lives.
T.C.

[John]

I regret missing the chance to meet him when he was in town helping his mother move back to Chicago. The way events unfurled, we just couldn't find the time to get together.
Godspeed Dave, and may your new path be high and wide.
My deepest condolenses to his family.

[Dragonrider]

So sad to hear. So sad for those left behind.

Here's to Dave

*virtual toast*.

He's gone to find his own path.

Why Fly

Damn.

[dmac82]

A lot of profound feelings that I can't put into words, last week I was going through my contacts list on my cell and came across his name, decided I would keep it and call him later about the fall texsive ride. I am so glad I got a chance to ride with him and all of the rest of the guys on the spring ride.

My condolenses to all.

Godspeed Dave

Dan McCormick

[Upright]

I was just reading this post when my 10 year-old son started reading it out loud over my shoulder. Dave and his family will be in our prayers.

-Craig

[John]

Dave's address

If anyone would like Dave's wife's address, to send a card or flowers, please contact me this evening, or tomorrow afternoon, and I can give it to you.
How about someone here that was close to him, (Skippy, or Wayne Ilfrey) start accepting funds thru Paypal, and we could all make a cash donation in the name of XS11.com, to help his wife out.

[kf4anm]

I would like to express my my condolenses as well. i lost my dad on 7-11 so i know what an emotional time this is. 2 weeks later and i am still pretty messed up in my head I can only imagine the heartache for the kids.

[skippy344]

PayPal donations for Pathfinder

Good idea John.

For anyone who wants to make a donation to Pathfinder's family, please send it to my PayPal account: skippy344@hotmail.com.

I will collect donations and present it to to the family, with an acknowledgement from the XSives.

I will continue to collect and deliver donations as long as they come in. So don't feel pressued to donate this week.

Thanks to all of you who have left messages and for thinking about Dave and his family.

I can not tell you how comforted I am by the brotherhood of my fellow XSives. You all are a very special breed...

Greg

[GNEPIG]

.. My condolenses to Daves family and freinds at home and to his freinds here, bummer I didnt get to meet him in person also.

[webbcraft2150]

Shocked and saddened to here of Daves passing. I only had a chance for a few short converstions with him on some rides but he struck me as a easygoing, amiable guy. It only shows that lifes road can really be short. I offer his family my sympathey and prayers during this difficult time.

Vio Condios Dave. You will me remembered and missed.