David Rodakowski's Memorial Service/Potluck:

Our friend Dave died on September 15th, and we will miss his smile, his stories and his gentle spirit. Dave was a musician, photographer and construction worker. Dave was 59 years old. He worked for us a few years back, driving in every day with that little red pickup. We are still waiting to hear when his memorial service will be held. Thanks for being a friend to us and to many others in the La Pine and Springfield communities, Dave. 

Dave Rodakowski with our friend Lisa Clarke

(Photos courtesty of Debb Raver's Facebook page.)


 ====================

Yesterday afternoon, Tommy Rodakowski was surrounded by friends of his brother David, as we gathered to say goodbye. There were around 50 people who came, some from the valley. There was a lot of wonderful food. It was a very meaningful time of fellowship, as we remembered a truly kind man, who will be missed by many.

David's picture board.
(Click on it to enlarge for a closer look.)
Us girls concluded that he was a
pretty hot lookin' drummer in his time!

Howard and Debb welcome everybody
and invite them to begin enjoying the meal.

The serving line. I brought chili, cornbread and cookies.
The food was delicious yesterday!

Tommy and Debb start the stories first.
Debb rememberd how David was an excellent
cook and how he introduced her and
her husband Bob years ago.

Tommy gets animated while sharing his story.

Bruce remembers the first time he met David.
It was when he and his son were fishing.

Bob C. talks about his friend.

Howard and Carmen talk. Howard was in a band with Dave called Strawberry Jam in the late 80's and early 90's in Eugene, and remained friends ever since.

Carmen read the letter that Teri emailed me. Carmen (Porter) and Teri both went to school with David and Tommy. Thank you, Teri, for sending it. Here is the letter:

“My name is Teri and I live in Springfield. I've known Dave and his family since I was a small girl. Went to school with both David and Tommy Rodakowski. Made money every summer with my brother and sister at the Rodakowski farm, picking beans! That's where all of us became really good friends.

I always admired David as a musician/drummer. He knew this and when I became a drummer, he stopped by my house, and handed me a gift! I unwrapped the "coolest" gift ever! It was a "model" mini-drum set. Like an airplane model you would put together.(I still have it!)

I had to tell you all this because it was one of the most memorable moments in my life! At that time David was a pretty "big deal" in this area, and for him to do this for me, proved to me what a kind, generous guy he really was!

I never told him how much that one little gift meant to me, so... thank you David.

All the friends you made here in the Eugene/ Springfield area and myself are so sad you are gone. We loved you David! May you rest in peace my friend."

Miss Teri Craddock/Carter

Cary talks about how David never
had a bad word to say about anybody,
even those who were doing him wrong.

Patrice remembers how David welcomed
them to La Pine and was such a
good and helpful friend.

Tommy told some funny stories
about David when they were growing up.

Debb, Rob and Cary

Rusty

Patrice

Mike, Lisa, Colette and Mike

Cindy, Kenny and Eric

Friends of David.

Patrice, Dave, Pat, Judy, Brenda,
and more friends of David.

Brenda, David's friends and Tammie.

Ollie and Kathy

Crystal, Bob C. and April

Angie, Lisa, Mike and Bob C.

Tommy listens to stories about his brother.

Some sad friends listen to the memories.

Eric, Fred and Rusty

I'm sorry that I didn't get everybody's names for the pictures. If you know names that I don't, please leave a comment and I will add them. Thank you to Debb Raver, and the people at Vic's who worked so hard to make this happen, including Mike, Tammie and Gary.

At Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy, if you miss a day, you miss a lot!  All material on this post is copyrighted and not for use without my permission ...Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.