David W. Linam

David W. Linam Dave died suddenly at the age of 54. He leaves behind a son, Jason, a chef currently living in Santa Monica, CA, and a son, Eric, an aero-space engineer working in Denver. Eric recently purchased the Linam family home. Dave's sister, Eugenia, just weeks ago relocated to Seattle, WA from Tucson, AZ. Genia stopped to visit with her brother over the Memorial Day weekend as she was in route. I became his bride 31 years ago and we have done most everything together since that day in April. On June 12, we celebrate his life. As he would say, ""I have had a good life."" Dave loved to travel. For fun, I thought I would capture the places we have visited. The asterisk designates trips where Jason and Eric joined us. [Alaska (cruise and land excursion); Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao (often referred to as the ABC Islands); Austria; Eleuthera and Nassau in the Bahamas; Canada; China; Dominica; Dominican Republic*; Egypt; France; Germany; Greece; Holland; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Cancun and Cozumel in Mexico*; Panama Canal Cruise (extended two days due to Hurricane Wilma); Scotland*; Switzerland; Turkey; United Kingdom*; Vatican City; Sailing trip in the Virgin Islands*; and in the United States – California (San Francisco, wine tasting tour); Florida (visited NASA, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Meyers);Hawaii*; Illinois (Chicago and family)*; Kentucky (Delta Queen paddle boat cruise); Nevada (Las Vegas, helicopter trip to Grand Canyon, and Reno); New York, New York; Louisiana (New Orleans); Pennsylvania; Massachusetts (Boston, toured the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, Salem); South Dakota (Badlands and Mt. Rushmore); Tennessee (Graceland); Washington (Seattle, Mount Baker, Vancouver Island and Sol Duc hot springs)*; Washington DC*; & Wisconsin (Green Bay and family)*] Every place he ventured he met new friends. Dave could be very charming. He was a negotiator and the King of Deals. When I met Dave, he had plans to start a dive shop in Belize for a US company. He sent me photos to encourage a visit. The boxes of orange peels covering every available floor space (an obvious staple on the island) led me to believe he was looking for a maid, not a companion. The real deciding factor was the snake living under Dave's bed. He insisted the snake was his best buddy and eliminated the not so charming critters such as mice and rats! When I decided to stay in Denver, he showered me with gifts. His parents would call every other week to tell me another package had arrived. Ah yes, Dave could be very romantic. You may wonder how we ever became husband and wife. Dave was cleaning carpet at the time. My friend, Charlene, was in the process of a divorce and had just moved to Denver. Dave had a job to clean the carpet in her apartment and they started dating. Charlene met someone new and introduced me to Dave so he would not feel bad. The first night we met, he said I would be his wife. My first thought was, ""that boat is not going to float!"" Surprise!! Dave was the adventurous type and enjoyed several sports. He was an accomplished scuba diver and snow skier (raced in his youth). Dave was also a fine mechanic. As a teen, he rebuilt engines and extended the car's operating ability (I have heard tales of racing!) He also enjoyed dirt bike riding, horse back riding and snowmobiling. Dave tried sky diving, took a hot air balloon ride and experienced para-sailing. He purchased the Harley in 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed 'feeling the wind'. We participated in the Harley Toy Ride benefit the last two years and took road trips to Canyon City, Colorado Springs and our last adventure riding from home to Grand Lake, over Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park and back home. ""Screw it, let's ride!"" Less physical hobbies included reading and photography. We purchased our current home in 1979 as a small three bedroom ranch. Dave acted as general contractor in each remodeling project; finished basement with bath, kitchen, added on dining room / green house & hot tub / covered patio, third car garage, remodeled main level to two bedrooms and popped the top to add two more bedrooms and a bath, and added a shed. He had a knack for fixing things. The good news is that the house kept getting bigger; the bad news is that Dave was a pack rat. In his wisdom, he has left me with months and maybe years of healing! He had a love for animals. Our family enjoyed the company of four great cats, Michelob, Oscelot, Toby and Dancer. Toby and Dancer will be my companions as I face the future. Dave had a passion for fine dining and he was a good cook, a real grill master. One evening last week, the family was eating at a local restaurant to force nourishment and Jason was critiquing the wait person. Eric pipes up with a resounding, ""Dad lives""! Dad was very proud of his sons. To help Mom through this tough time, the boys have suggested that mom take them on a trip to Amsterdam! I hope Jason and Eric have the opportunity to enjoy and explore life as their father did. Maybe Holland is the place to start. Mom and sons on a holiday – that would be an adventure!! We will share memories in the days, months and years to come. We will laugh and we will cry. Please share your stories of Dave with us.