I had the privilege of speaking on behalf of our family today at my grandfathers funeral. Below is the transcript of my tribute. In preparation for today, I have really struggled to summarize my thoughts and convey everyone’s experiences and memories into something that I felt represented my grandfather. Listening to and observing the family over the past 72 hours has revealed to me the beautiful complexity of such a simple man. That balance has made this talk that much more difficult to put together. My hope is that we are lifted through the laughter and reflective through the sorrow, remembering Dave in a way that moves us forward in the spirit of a legacy that he worked so hard to leave behind.
I’m finding out as a parent, and I began learning this as a basketball coach, the hardest thing for me to teach…is character. Those who spent any time with Dave knew that he was one. They also knew…that he HAD it. I believe your value as a person is created…by WHO you are. Not by the things you do. I absolutely believe that is why my grandfather was equally as valuable in the hayfield, as in a hunting shack, as in a sales pitch, and around the dinner table. WHO he was—was consistent. It was authentic. It was honest. From WHO he was, there are many THINGS that we have to remember. I don’t have time to explain all the one-liners, the unorthodox advice, or memorable moments that many of us had in our time with him. With that said, when you get a chance, I’d encourage you to ask his kids how long it took them to get to childhood destinations. Or what to do if they got a cut or a bruise. Be sure to ask Dalton and my Grandma what they were to do if it was supposed to rain. And check with one of the grandkids on what it was like to get dropped off for school in the morning when your parents were out of town. Likewise, you may or may not want to ask what was in the lunches he packed on a hot summer day when my grandma was out of town. Or similarly, what was in the jerky and summer sausage he loved to make. Somebody else might be able to tell you why he didn’t have any hair on his legs but I know the questions you’ll never have to ask: If he cared. If you could borrow his truck. If he loved his wife. If you could count on him. You never had to question his work ethic, his motivations, or his wit. He showed me his “famous” hook shot. He taught a few of us how to fish. He gave his family a heart of generosity 10 times bigger than his coffee cup. I have seen him in the way the kids comb their hair and wear their pants. I watch him in the work ethic and the drive among his children. I hear his presence in songs about the farm. Up until this point I haven’t missed him—I haven’t needed to. His legacy, because of WHO he was, is all around me—and in all of you. Next time you have a chocolate malt, or a pinch of Skoal, or strap on your suspenders, remember WHO YOU ARE—and how valuable YOU’VE BECOME because of a simple man: Who was his work. Who loved his home. And who is his family. Thank you for BEING the celebration of his life with me today.
10 Comments
Jack and Kim Neefe
11/4/2017 05:12:06 pm
What an amazing young man you have grown to be. Now we totally understand why your mother and father are so proud of you.
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charlene pulham
11/4/2017 08:00:33 pm
Dustin your tribute to your Grandpa Dave was so touching. I'm sure he was smiling and saying "that's my grandson doing all that talking". Thank you for sharing.
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Hirschys
11/4/2017 08:06:18 pm
Dustin, your tribute to your grandfather was moving and reflected the love and deep regard you and all your family hold dear for him.
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11/5/2017 10:33:54 am
Not only who you are but what you do...absolutely. That's how our kids know not only who we are but who they can be. When our own son came to adulthood he told us as much and how we gave him a star to steer by in being consistent. It's a wonderful legacy. God bless you as you remember him.
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Dawn Marks
11/5/2017 12:08:09 pm
Thank you Dustin! I had my granddaughter with me yesterday and had to sit in the car for the service. My family told me what beautiful words you spoke and as I am reading it how, I have tears running down my face. So well said! He was an amazing man!
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Kaasaa
11/5/2017 09:12:23 pm
A wonderful, heartfelt tribute to your Grandfather. It is obvious that you get it. He would be happy to know his legacy will last for many more generations.
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Mike Banker
11/5/2017 09:33:03 pm
This was a great tribute to great man.
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Colleen Graney
11/7/2017 08:28:40 pm
You said it all very well. David and I grow up as First Cousin, Classmates and friends that went to the one room school together.
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Nick Bremer
11/8/2017 12:49:25 pm
Really sorry to hear about the news, I hope you and the family are doing alright. Nice to hear about a man I knew little about. Good to see you recently, hope to stay in touch.
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Rachel Haworth
11/18/2017 04:18:14 pm
Dustin,
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