Within 3 weeks of opening
our doors, David built the stage that housed many of our talented
musicians. He made the picnic tables, and even helped out behind the
bar. Over the next two years he fixed just about everything in the
place and easily made friends with our loyal customers. Throughout
New Orleans, he became well-known and earned the moniker "Hard
Hat Dave" because he was always seen with a hard hat on his head
and a measuring tape on his belt. But were you aware that he remodeled
about half the bars in the French Quarter? After the Wrong Place Saloon
closed he traveled to Seattle for carpentry work, but ended up back
in New Orleans later in life to renovate and rent out shotgun duplexes.
David started out as a Staple
Jack in Maine and spent a few years in the Army during the early 60s
between the Korean and Vietnam wars as a clerk typist in a General's
office. I introduced him to his wife Lisa. We had many fun adventures
together, however most are unmentionable and some were not even legal,
so I can't give details. What I can say, is that his kind and gentle
nature allowed him to make friends easily. Known to give you the shirt
off his back, he just couldn't say no to someone else in need. That
got him into trouble more than once.
He leaves behind many friends,
along with his wife Lisa, daughter Gretchen, and son Justin. His life
will be celebrated and honored at O'Tooles in New Orleans on October
4th.
We are truly blessed to have had a friend like David. His passing
leaves a hole in our hearts.
- Joel Wray
September 30, 2010
