- Date Of Birth: June 27, 1950
- Date Of Death: February 14, 2011
- State: Indiana
David Scott Rees, 60, Greenfield, Indiana, was called home to heaven on February 14, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Diagnosed in June 2010, Dave fought with passion and pride for every extra day that he could gain to spend with his most prized possession – his family:Parents, Albert & Beth Rees (Noblesville, IN), his beautiful wife, Marilyn; his children, Todd & Lisa Rees (Noblesville, IN); Jennifer & Troy Carolan (Fishers, IN); Joshua & Kara Rees (Indianapolis, IN); and his beloved grandchildren – Zachary Ryan, Morgan Paige, Cheaney Marie and Jolie Lynn.
To his little ones, he was “Papa” and he was the most extraordinary grandfather … delighting in showing the children all the wonders of the world and the simple joys of nature.
He was “Cool Uncle David” to Erin & Patrick Kiernen (Wilbraham, MA); Valerie & John Sharpe (East Long Meadow, MA); Adrienne Wright (New York, NY); and Kelly & Scott Barkman (Minneapolis, MN). And he earned “hero status” with his favorite little Massachusetts boys – Owen, Quinn and Liam – by showing them what life in the country was like – fishing, paddling around the pond, and catching toads. Visiting with “Uncle David” or “Papa” was like going to Disneyland … he always had the best rides, the most exciting adventures, and an abundance of time and patience to explore whatever they wanted.
Dave was an outdoorsman and nature lover like no other. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and puttering around his pond and land with his dogs – Molly and Shelby. At home or in town, you would most likely find him in a sweatshirt, shorts & flip flops – regardless of the season or weather.
Dave never met a stranger he would not immediately make a friend; and there was no animal on the earth he could not tame. He was a genuine man who made everyone comfortable and at ease. He was always fun to be around, and never short on jokes or laughter.
He was generous, with a big heart, and never hesitated to help a friend or family member. Not for recognition or praise – it was simply who he was. He was, without a doubt, one of the good guys – a man who stood up for what he believed in, always kept his promises, and never let his family down.
To say he will be missed goes without saying … but we were blessed to call him ours – our son, our husband, our father, our Papa, our friend. And by his example, we celebrated every day we had together and never missed an opportunity to say hello, hug, kiss, or remind each other “I love you”.
Those who witnessed his battle saw a man of extreme courage and dignity. And many times over the course of the past eight months, they praised us – his family – for the love and support we showed him as we fought with him every step of the way. But we were simply doing what he had taught us – we learned how to live life to the fullest from the best that life had to offer. And we will carry on in his name, keeping his memory alive and making him proud as he smiles down on us from Heaven.
God speed, Dave/Dad/Papa … till we all meet again in Heaven. We love you.
