last email to Dave
 

I don't know if anyone will read this, but I need to email my friend Dave one last time. I'm a moderator at COTEP, where we called Dave "Yoda". He was always full of knowledge, and willing to share it with anyone who asked, even if he never talked to them before. And his answers were usually spot on.
Dave was always willing to joke around, discuss current events, and give his opinion. You may not always agree with his opinion, but you knew where he stood, and what he thought. And he was always ready to listen to your side, too, and respect what you had to say.
I'd always ask "how's Paige?" when I saw him. It was obvious he cared deeply for his wife, and worried for her. He would take breaks from our conversation to run out for ice cream, or medicine, or whatever else was needed at the time.
The last time I talked to Dave, it was on the phone. I would text from time to time, with a "you ok" question. He would reply "hanging in there" The last time, about two weeks ago, something told me to call. I'm glad I did. It was the last interaction I had with my friend..
I guess I'm writing this to let someone know what Dave Waits meant to us at COTEP. He was a founding member, and someone who was valued, as a member, a mentor, and a friend. He helped a lot of folks, and touched a lot of lives. Thank you for letting our brother take time away from his family to spend it with us.

Michael

Thanks for that Mike !! http://www.cotep.org/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

Dave was a special man....you, Mike, got a larger dose of his caring attitude. I got a smaller dose, but I recognized his special way of treating me immediately. I understand. The world is much worse off to without Dave.....much, much worse off.

I learned more about the M1 by talking to Dave. In the short time I knew him, than I would learn on any other forum the rest of my life. He was the man, he knew his stuff. Definitely cared for our brotheren and loved to bs on chat. He will be missed.

This. Dave was brilliant no doubt. Will be missed

Very nice Mike! And understandable you feel like you need to reach out, I totally agree with everything you have said, and appreciate you sharing these thoughts.

I pray for strength here, for you Mike, and everyone here at COTEP. This is a great loss, to all, those that spent a great deal of time with Dave, and those that had yet to know him, and everyone in between...

Stay strong Brothers and Sisters, and stay safe!

-scott

I didn't really know the man, even here, but it's obvious he touched enough people I respect to give recognition of his knowledge and sharing to members.

Well said brother.

Well said, Mike.

Thanks for that Mike. I didn't have the pleasure of contact with Dave but strongly feel the loss registered here and wish I had the privilege of his friendship and wisdom. Thank you for sharing.
Dennis

Very Well said Mike, I also would like to add my .02 worth the man new about 1911's and M1 Grands but he also I Good Friend and was there when people needed info and a Good Laugh.


The Lord called another Angel Home,

Clyde

I did not know the man , but it is obvious he had the respect of many here .

Dave was sick for most of a year, and was seldom able to come on. When he did, it was just for a few minutes.

Y'all missed something special.

Well said, Clyde.

thank you Mike, very well said my friend.

It's been awhile since I posted but I'm sad to hear that Dave passed on. RIP COTEP Brother!

Dave
 

well I knew the man all my life he was my father I appreciate everything everybody has said then he would too the man was very wise and many subjects he knew a lot about everything the m1 garand the 1911 and pretty much anything else you need to know about weaponry I appreciate all the great comments as you guys are made and I'm going to share them with my family as they would all appreciate them too if you guys don't mind April 3rd at 10:30 p.m. the world lost a great man and Mike I appreciate the post and it's true he was always willing to help out anybody who needed it thank you