Dave Alway Dies

[filkertom]

Oh my god.

Dave Alway (tnatj) has died suddenly at the age of 56. Dave's been a filker since forever. I've certainly known him for years. His brother, peteralway, has the details. I keep amending this post, thinking about details myself.

I wasn't exactly close to him, but I liked him -- everybody liked him -- and it was always great to see him. Dave was a big, friendly, gentle man, an all-around nice guy who loved music and loved filk and the filk community and it showed and he was Part Of The Family. As far as I know he never did or said anything bad to anyone, never held a grudge or made an enemy. He printed up Filkhaven buttons for everybody, and he took pictures, and he sang a cappella Irish ballads, and he was just the nicest guy. He was at GAFilk this past weekend, and apparently had a great time.

This is completely out of the blue. Ohhh, he will be missed. Condolences and hugs and songs go out to Peter and their family.

Comments

[morpheus0013.livejournal.com]

How awful. I'm so sorry to hear about this. =(

[vixyish.livejournal.com]

*hugs to share*

[wouldyoueva.livejournal.com]

At least it was quick, and didn't spend the last 6 weeks of his life in PVS. Or his brother didn't go over to find out why he wasn't answering the phone, only to discover his body. (Both happened to guys I knew, and liked.) But dammit, he was too freakin' soon for him to go.

When I was thinking about going to Confusion, I had hoped to see thim there. Damn, damn, damn.

[old-fortissimo.livejournal.com]

Barukh Dayan Emet. Blessed Be The True Judge.


Damn.

[dbcooper.livejournal.com]

He will indeed be missed--not just by those who knew him and loved him, but by folks like me who had just met him recently.

[catherinegiven.livejournal.com]

He will be missed not only by those who knew him, but the many people who have been touched by his work.

[min0taur.livejournal.com]

I just got the word via your phone message, Tom. Though I am deeply sorry to hear it, thank you.

[shadowriderhope.livejournal.com]

You said it better than I could. :(

I still can't believe it. He was such a kind and gentle and loving and giving person, and more than just making music himself, he was like a musical catalyst, always bringing together people to make music and fostering their creativities. He always made everyone feel welcome. I'm kicking myself for not having made it out to more of his House Sings. :(

Condolences and hugs and songs, and much gratitude.

"Part Of The Family"

[bookwyrm-com.livejournal.com]

It wasn't just that Dave -was- Part Of The Family . . . he also drew others in, so they could become part of the family themselves. He didn't do this by pushing, or pulling, but by accepting that one did belong and allowing one to integrate at one's own pace.

He can't be dead, darn it! It's not allowed!

Except that it is allowed, and it is true, even if I'd rather pretend it's not so.

I'll miss him.

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Another loss in our circle - what a shitty year it's been.

But I can think of far worse ways to go than after a joyful weekend, having the time of your life doing what you love best.

I don't know which country had the saying, but I've always liked it: "When you were born, you were weeping and everyone else was laughing. May you die laughing while everyone else is weeping."