David M. Dick

This site is for my pal David who is struggling with both lung cancer and liver damage not to mention his ongoing battle with diabetes. Deb, his sister who first contacted me on the 23rd, will update me as she has information and I will post it here. Meanwhile, he will be on our minds and in our hearts.
Peter D'Aprix

Monday, November 10, 2008

Posts:

David Died on the 30th October.

Apparently, David's wishes are to be creameted and have his ashes buried in the old family plot in Clairmore, OK. (This from Mickey throught Glanda.)

You can post memories and comments on the ACP Blog

10.30.08

Hi Peter,

The date above should say it all. Dave passed over today. Wood and I went and saw him this morning and he had worsened over night. He was struggling to breathe and didn't show any signs of knowing that we were there. He went relatively peacefully, I think. He was given some medication to make him more comfortable but as far as I know, there was no pain.

He is at peace now, free to go do what he wants. Play golf, travel or hang out at the casinos in Reno. He certainly loved going there and playing blackjack. Dave will be looking in on all of us to let us know that he is okay now. He's free of the disease that kept him from doing the things he really liked.

All of us will miss him. You are right with your thought that he had such a large circle of firends. Like I said, they may not have lived close but he remembered all of them and kept in contact in his own way. All were special and each had a story that came with the description when he would speak of them.

Right now, I am at David's house. I was here when Wood called me to tell me. I am on the way out the door to go back to the motel. I am not sure of what the time frame is on anything but I will let you know. Wood and I will sit down an discuss the rest of the plans tonight and tomorrow.

I'm thankful that David went as quickly as he did. He would be too. He didn't have the patience for playing the waiting game.

Deb

10.29.08

Hi Peter,

We're still here in Sacramento with Dave. It was hard seeing him. He's not the Dave everyone remembers. We placed him in a care facility tonight where he will get the attention he needs to make the time he has left more comfortable.

When we saw him on Sunday, he was pretty drugged up but as the drugs wore off, he became more alert. He even wanted to escape to the park across the street so he could have a cigarette! Yep, same ol' Dave. He had contraband cigarettes and was able to walk to the park unaided. It did him good to get get out in the sun and away from the hospital.

He's very aware of how sick he is. He does lose track of time, the day, how long he's been there. He mentions from time to time that he really wants to be able to vote. In the same breath, he says that he hopes he didn't vote for Obama. Hehehe He also seems to think that he has a golf game coming up.

Wood and Dave's friends are working on Dave's estate and the paperwork. Dave was Dave and put off everything until it was too late. He is quite aware of that fact and keeps telling everyone how important it is to have all the important documents pertaining to the "end" ready and waiting. He waited too long and he knows it. So, let that be an admonition to those who don't have their estate planning completed. Dave would be the first to yell at you about it.

Dave is no pain, even without the medication. The medication is more for his convenience than a need. I know that it is difficult for him as it would be anyone. He would like to go home but at the same time knows he can't and that hurts him. It also makes what is happening to him more real. That is the logical part. Fortunately, he remains confused most of the time so logic doesn't really come into play.

He was able to know who I was when I arrived and hasn't faltered from that recognition. Dave has been able to tell the doctors and nurses that I was his sister and leaves Wood out of the picture. It makes me feel good that he remembers me. We've been able to talk almost like we used to when no one else is around. He still has found a little sense of humor to share with me and make me laugh.

Deb

10.24.08

Dear Peter,

That was a wonderful idea you had about the information site. I love the picture you posted. That's the Dave that I remember.

My brother and I will be driving down to Sacramento on Saturday. I don't have any more information than I already told you other than I don't think he's going to be around too much longer. When I get down there, I will be able to access his computer and contact more of his friends from all over. He certainly kept in touch with many of them over the years.

His longtime friend Mickey is watching over him and his cats until we can get down there. I thank God for Mickey. He's been Dave's good friend since Dave first moved to Sacramento.

Deb

Post Date -10.23.08

Hi, Peter, it's Dave's sister. I'm afraid I have some bad news. Dave is sick. He has lung cancer. I'm waiting for more information about his condition but it's not looking good.

He was found in his house by a couple of friends Saturday, Oct 18, after they were unable to reach him. He was incoherent and was taken to the hospital. He's been diagnosed with lung cancer and liver failure. On top of all of it, he has diabetes, which he's had for several years now.

I just found out about all of this last night. His friend Mickey called me. My other brother is going to contact Dave's doctor tomorrow and try and get the rest of the story. By what I can read about and what my other brother infers, I don't think Dave will be leaving the hospital.

Dave is still not comprehending most of what's going on which is most likely from the liver failure, so I've read. I am living up here in Washington again but after talking to my other brother, I will probably be flying down to Sacramento this weekend, if not sooner. Other than what I've told you, I don't know much else.

I am expecting a phone call from my other brother after he talks to the doctor tomorrow. He lives up here too. Hopefully, I will know more by the time I get home tomorrow evening.

So, that's it for now. I will let you know when I hear more and as I said, please feel free to call me if you would like. Again, I'm sorry I had to contact you with such bad news but I knew that you would want to know.

Deb