Dave Philpot - July 3, 1967 to February 3, 2008
Sunday, Dave suddenly lost his battle with the devastating disease of addiction. Dave passed away of an accidental overdose. Our family appreciates your thoughts and prayers for us in this difficult time. We know how many of your lives were touch by Dave and would love to hear your thoughts, prayers, and other comments on this blog.
Dave is survived by his wife Carly, son Sidney age 3, and daughter Sutton age19 months, sister and her husband Robin and Keller Bradfield, brother Jason Philpot, mother Susan Philpot and father David Philpot and nephews Zack, Giles, and Colton Bradfield, grandmother Pat Shamburger of Tyler and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins along with his family by marriage, Perry and Donna Blanton, Shirley Jones, Courtney Blanton, Johnny Jo Blanton, aunts, uncles, cousins.
Memorial Service
Thursday, February 7, 2008
3:00pm
Unity Church of the Hills
9905 Anderson Mill, Austin, TX 78750
(512) 335-4449
A fund has been established for Dave's beloved children. Please mail donations in care of:
Perry Blanton
c/o Citibank
Attn: Suzanne Garza
611 West Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Please note the name of the children on your check: Sidney Blanton and Sutton Jo Philpot
Funeral arrangements have been made at Wilke-Clay-Fish, 3125 North Lamar, Austin, 78705
(512)452-8811
Dave's family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of love, food, and offers of help and support on all levels in this difficult time. Dave was loved by so many and touched numerous lives and we are so very proud of his life.
46 comments:
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am available if there is anything I can do for you or your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Bethany
Sorry just doesn't seem strong enough but I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. If there is anything I can do please let me know.
~jennifer vocelka
Dave,
I wish I had another chance to speak with you. I told you that you would be missed by your family and friends, I just didn't know how much I would miss you. We had plans this weekend to find an apartment near my house so we could hang out together. You have spent the last 6 months on my phone or on my couch. You set me up with my first girlfriend in 1984and touched the heart of my wife and children 23 years later. I know you are free of the suffering. I wish I could have helped more.
Owen
I heard the news about Dave on my way home Sunday night. Dave had been staying at our place when he was in town on weekends. I was hoping that it was a really bad joke, and that Dave’s car would be parked in my spot again, with the guys sitting on the couch inside. The last time I saw Dave I was putting on my shoes in the living room for work, laughing to myself about how loud he was snoring. Our routine on the weekends has been Dave crashing on the couch at night and making us laugh with his jokes and stories during the day. You could tell he was trying to keep his spirits up and the pain that was just below the surface. I didn't know Dave as well as others did. I only have the little things like this to remember him. I just know that he was a great guy that will be missed dearly. He loved his family and talked about them often.
Nadia
You have our blessing and support. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to ask.
John & Jennifer Campos
God has a new Angel. I never thought our time could be so short.I miss You already. Life is so precious.My prayers are for Your family, & all those You have touched.I'll see you again at the Gates one day! ALWAYS & FOREVER LARRY
I remember a time not all that long ago when a pretty newly sober Philpot and a few other driven souls would try and convince me that I really did have a fatal illness and all that entailed. Driven; I can’t think of a better word for it when I reflect on my memory of the earnestness and sincerity in their faces, Dave’s in particular. They didn’t have the power to compel me to stop but they were absolutely necessary to my becoming recovered later. I am quite sure I would not be writing this without Dave having played such a big part in my life. We were good friends and roommates and there are far too many happy times and stories to relate here, but those times did not last. I wish they would have.
Godspeed Philbo.
We touch the lives of the people we meet in ways we cannot even imagine. I was blessed to know Dave. May his family and friends find God's grace through this.
I never got the chance to meet Dave in person, and for that I am truly sorry. My friendship with Dave grew over the phone during some very dark days.
Dave was a lifeline for my brother and for that I will be eternally grateful. He was also one of the souls that shined a bright light in the darkness for my family. We were lost and reached out for help trying to understand the nature of addiction; Dave was always just a phone call away. His caring and compassion were boundless and his brutal-honesty was, while at times very painful, a necessary part of the process.
My heart goes out to all of you. The world has lost a remarkable person.
- Amy (Phelps) Sheggerud
“For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living” – Psalms 116:8-9
There was a time 4 or 5 years ago that I looked forward to Dave's daily calls to my husband, because it was the only hope I could hold on to. Then one weekend in August 2003 Dave asked me what I was doing for myself and told me about a program for family members of addicts. I laughed at first, but he strongly suggested I get in touch with a couple people and gave me their numbers. That was the biggest lifesaver I had ever been thrown - thanks again Dave! I will sincerely miss seeing Dave's smile. All my love and prayers to everyone touched my Dave and especially to his family. I know he was so proud of all of you.
May GOD BLESS YOUR PRECIOUS SOUL DAVE.
So many thoughts yet so hard to convey. I know at the core of who I am that Dave really wanted to beat this disease. I know with every fiber of who I am that he loved his children, family, Carly, friends in recovery and mostly his precious children. His ability to reach out to strangers that were suffering was truly a gift.
I pray for peace and healing for those who loved him during this unimaginable time of sorrow.
Love to you all.
Dave,
I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to get to know you. You were most helpful to me and my children by selling me a car that's been working great for me and my children for the last couple of years! I was looking forward to you getting settled in Austin again so that You, Owen, & I could hang out with our children.
Thank you for helping me to better understand the challenges I have faced by sharing yours with me and allowing me to share mine with you.
I still can't help laughing when I think of watching "The Heart Break Kid" with you at Owen's house. We couldn't stop laughing ....the movie shows no signs that there will be any inappropriate scenes in it ...the kids start wondering into the living room ....then BAM! there it is ...as I'm struggling with the remote you start getting the kids out of the living room..I toss you the remote and you can't get it to work either ...the kids and the inappropriate scene were still present just as Nadia walks in from work to say ..." I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU LETTING THE KID'S WATCH THIS ...within 5 seconds Nadia has the kid's upstairs and she easily pushes a button on the remote ...You and I just stared at each other and started cracking up ...
You are missed ...
Pete Korbakes
I am so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers. Dave was such a handsome man with an awesome smile and energetic personality. This addiction robbed his family of so much joy and my heart breaks for all of you. It was so nice to see pictures of Dave and his incredible family. I pray you find peace through this very difficult time.
I was blessed to know & work with Dave. He was the most sincere and kindest person. After I had my heart attack he would call and say "Just checking in to see how you are". Even after leaving our dealership and moving on , he would call. I will miss his voice on the other end of the line. I know that he is at peace and that he dwells with the Most High God. I pray peace for the family that he has left behind.
doris
Farewell my good friend. I am so grateful I had you in my life. I saw you just the other day with your dad and I feel so blessed to have gotten to talk to you. I'm blessed that I had a chance to remind you of my brotherly love for you. I will miss you and your smile. I know you family, everyone included was your world and someday they will all be re-united with you again in Heaven. I know how deep your love for your wife and children was. Good-bye my dear friend. In Him, Al Martignago Sr
I was devastated when i heard the news about Dave. At first i couldn't believe it. I know in my heart of hearts that if it wasn't for Dave i wouldn't be sober today. He was my first sponsor and showed me a new and powerful way to live. We worked together at the same dealership for a while and remained friends. Every time I saw him I was pleased to see him. Now, I'm sad that I will never again get to see or talk to the man who saved my life.
I am saddened to learn of the death of Dave. Although I haven't seen him in years, I fondly recall his smile and warm personality from our high school days. My thoughts are with the beautiful family I saw in the pictures and his many friends. Adrienne Lowke Stoinoff
uncle Dave was a wonderful person. He was a fun man. I feel really bad. I have cried and wished he was still alive. It was lots of fun when I went over to his house we would play ball and have lots of fun.He had a good smile. I bless his soul. I hope he rest in heaven. I hope I still see him in my dreams and I see him as a spirit.I know he will be watching over me.
We have talked each other through a lot of hard times. He was a true friend, and I don't have many. He will be truly missed.
The Landscape Of The Heart
So a favorite poet of mine is Brian Andreas and
he wrote "The Landscape Of The Heart" --
It is still so new & all we see is
the empty space,
but that is not how it is in
the landscape of the heart.
There,
there is no
empty space
& he still laughs
& grapples
with ideas & plans
& nods wisely
with each of us
in turn.
We are proud
to have known
him.
We are proud
to have called him
friend.
And son,
and brother,
and daddy,
and beloved
sweet heart.
(Last verse added by me. ;-))
A large and loving community supports and loves this family.
How blessed we are all to know you and him and his sweet spirit.
Lovingly,
Charlotte
Delete It "Cancel"
dave,
thanks for being there many times i need your help and wisdom, you will definatly be missed
your friend
Jason C
Hello Friends & Family
Boy, what a couple of days it has been - total exhaustion.
Sunday morning at 11:30, I received "the call" to get to the hospital as soon as I could. I called a couple of gals to help out and by 12:15 I was standing next to Dave.
I was able to spend about 15-20 minutes alone with the father of my children, the man that I shared many dreams with, and a man that had a huge place in my heart.
I was able to tell him that I forgave him, that I loved him deeply, and I promised to take good care of our babies. I told him that it was time for the pain to stop, and that God was waiting for him. I reminded him of all the great times we had, and to not forget that we would still be "Bonnie & Clyde". (Dave's dad gave us those names when we escaped from rehab in Mississippi due to Hurricaine Katrina) I told him how much he was loved, and would never be forgotten.
At 1:13 pm, we all agreed it was time to let go, and the machines were turned off. The nurse said he had a "strong heart". Yes 'mam, he did.
I am so honored by all the amazing support you have offered. The phone calls, food, and especially those who have sat with me for hours. Thank you all so very much. Dave would be so very proud and honored
My journey now is to carry the message of hope in recovery with Dave standing right beside me. That's what he and I dreamed of doing all along. "The strong, sober couple helping save lives". Dave wanted that so bad. So did I.
Dave had an amazing soul - so many of could see it – unfortunately, he just never could.
God bless you all…..
Carly
I am so happy to be able to say I knew Dave. But it was not until last night, after spending time with his family, remembering, and sharing pictures and stories, that I really got to KNOW him. He will forever be with us through Sutton and Sidney and our lovely memories of him and the lives he touched.
Love, Christi
I was at a mutual friends Sunday when word came. It is with great sadness that we should see another of our brothers pass on. He has done much good work for our community. He has touched lives. His children should know him for this.
"We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves" (BigBook pg68)
Carly, your hope is our hope. Our strength is your strength. His love is the Love.
Yours in love and service,
Charles R Rummel III
Heather McBryde
and family.
We had no idea! We have been in Austin since we knew Dave in H.S..
Duane's brother, Bobby, had similiar challenges. May we continue to make a difference for others left on this earth. Especially when life is a blink!
We are lifting you and your kids in prayer this week to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May He bring us Comfort and Strength. Psalm 23; John 3 and John 17
Please call anytime time. 257.3707
Nicole and Duane
I am one of the lucy ones, I knew Dave only when things where at there best. We met in high school and were friends in the "good Old Day". We had some good times. We went seperate paths sometime after that until we were brought back together as brothers when I married his beautiful sister Robin fifteen years ago. Robin and Dave shelter me and our three boys from most of the times when things were not going right. We had good times only with Dave and just missed him when he was away. I am so sad for his family; my family, but we will keep close and get through this. Dave, your children will be happy and safe, aunt Robin will make sure of that.
Thank you for the good times, we will miss you.
Keller
I'm blessed to have known and worked with Dave, even though it was for only a short period of time. Not only was Dave a sweet and caring person, but he cracked me up! Needless to say, work was never dull with Dave around. He'll be missed.
I know Dave cared deeply for his children and his family. My prayers and thoughts will be with them during this horribly difficult time.
Stephanie
It is with gratitude that I write this message to pass along my condolences and prayers to Dave’s family. I was given the gift and honor to know Dave not only as a sponsor but as a friend. Our 2 year journey was one of love, tolerance and most of all patience. The enthusiasm that Dave presented was one of a kind. It is because of this man and his willingness to follow directions that allowed me to grow. Dave would show up daily to my workplace to talk, even though we didn’t have a scheduled time, he just did. Sitting together, talking about life and specifically about God will forever remain in my heart. I will look back upon those days and remember Dave as a man of God. Enjoying our new found life and having fun either fishing down in Port Mansfield or taking a trip to Casa Bonita along with many more beautiful memories will be with me for the rest of my life and considered a gift from you Dave. I will celebrate your life from this point forward and always remember your smile and most of all your kind and loving heart. May God Bless Your Family and Keep Them close To His Heart during this difficult time. Love you man, your friend Ivan
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I haven't spoken to Dave in many years, and I am sorry about that. Dave and I were in 5th grade together at Armand Bayou Elem.in Clearlake, TX. We were a tight group:Kelly, Mark, Dave, Steve, and myself. We had a male teacher named Mr. Wilson. He was unforgettable. He was strict, but very competitive! We practiced for months for 5th Grade Field Day! The five of us were inseparable and ran the relay together and many of the other events. And, yes our class won the most points for field day. Even though Mr. Wilson was strict, he had a soft spot. He used to play games with us, we even stayed after school to help build a loft in his class for reading time. I know the boys really got into it. Years later, we bumped into each other at Westlake HS. What a blast from the past. He was new, and I was new. Even though we had different interests in HS, we always knew we could count on each other. Our senior year we had a US Govt class together and worked on a group project. We had to create a business and market the concept. Of course, our business plan was a dance club called the Kamakazi. The Kamakazi was the drink special. While cleaning out files recently, I found the report and forgot we received an A. I know Dave touched so many lives. I am thankful to have known him. May your future be bright, as he continues to shine down on you and your children. Sincerely, Michelle (Hudkins) Fulmer
Dave I have loved you all my life. You were my big brother. I am so sorry you were in so much pain here. I know in my heart the pain and suffering has been lifted from you. I will miss you deeply. You will live on in your beautiful children. I am so glad we have them to remind of us of how wonderful of a person you were. I am so glad Zack, Giles and Colton got to know you. They truly loved you. They will miss you deeply. Keller will miss you deeply also. No matter how bad things were you always had a joke and a smile. You made the best of what you could everyday. I love you for that. You were an incredible person. You touched the lives of so many people. I am so proud of you Dave. I went to bed every night and woke up every morning wanting so badly to take your pain away. I know now that it has been lifted and you are in a better place. I love you Dave, I have always loved you. My family will keep your memory alive. I know you will be watching over my children Zack, Giles and Colton and that is so comforting to me. We will be watching over Sydney and Sutton for you. I will forever miss your morning calls. I love you.
your sister Robin
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU WITH A SMILE. I MET DAVE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND HE WAS MY COLLEGE ROOMATE. WE HAD SOME UNFORGETABLE MOMENTS TOGETHER! MANY YEARS WOULD PASS AND WE DID NOT KEEP IN TOUCH LIKE WE SHOULD HAVE BUT EVERY TIME WE GOT TOGETHER IT WAS LIKE ONLY DAYS HAD PASSED. DAVE REALLY WAS A SPECIAL PERSON AND I WILL MISS HIM MORE THEN WORDS HERE CAN SAY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AND I AM SO VERY SORRY THAT I WILL NOT BE THERE FOR YOUR SERVICES. WHEN I GET BACK IN TOWN I WILL COME AND SAY MY LAST GOOD BYE TO YOU....YOUR FRIEND PHILLIP
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I have known Dave for many years, and although I hadn't seen him in awhile, I was so sad to hear the news.
My sincere condolences and prayers to all of Dave's family and friends.
God bless,
Parker
I haven't seen Dave in so long- but remember him so fondly from many years ago. We went to highschool together and he was one of the funniest, sweetest guys! What joy it brought to see that Dave found such a beautiful wife and adorable children. God blessed him with those experiences that must have brought him so much joy inspite of the struggles. It grieves my heart to think of the pain and suffering that led to the end of his life so young! May God bless all of Dave's family- I can't imagine the pain of his parents, siblings, wife and children and all those close to him at this time of his life. May you feel God's prescence, peace, love and comfort!
Fondly,
Lisa(Aune)Bost
My heart is do sad for my darling and much loved daughter-in-law, Robin and her family after the loss of Dave. Robin, I know how you loved your brother and how you will miss him. When I think of Dave, I just see smiles and such a handsome sweet guy. That is how I will always remember him.
Love and sympathy to you. Kathy
Dearest Dave,
I am so very honored to know you. Your calming voice will always be with me. I can see your warm and loving smile, and that laugh. Thank you for touching my life in many ways and allowing me to be a part of yours and your family. Thank you my sweet friend, I shall love you forever.
~Cindy Cougot
I cannot find the appropriate words to express the deep sadness I felt when I learned of Dave's passing. Although I am all too familiar with the devastation of this disease, it never ceases to cause unbelievable pain when I learn of the passing of a friend. Dave was so special to so many of us. I can't help but remember the lives he touched throughout his life -- the men he so vigilantly guided to God and sobriety. I'll never forget the excitement in his voice when he called to tell me about his marriage to Carly and the upcoming birth of his beautiful little girl. He was beyond happy about his new family and he deserved every bit of that happiness. I'm so grateful to be able to see the pictures of Dave smiling with his family, friends and children. I have not talked with Dave in several months because I believed he would always be there whenever I called. He is missed and loved by so many people. I am sad for our loss but so grateful that he and his family are at peace today. I will always miss his tight hugs! My thoughts and prayers are with everyone whose life Dave touched. God bless.
~Deb D.
I am so sad to hear about Dave. I haven't seen him since college and I wish I had the most brilliant words to say that would make things better. I will always remember Dave's smile, his laugh, and that crazy cool hair he had in highschool. Dave was always kind to everyone and I don't remember him ever saying a mean word to or about another person. I am keeping his family and friends in my prayers and pray that God will hold you all very tightly for awhile.
Janet
I will miss Dave. He had a great influence upon my life and I was honored to know him. More than anything else I just connected with him. My sympathies and prayers go out to his loved ones. Dave I look forward to seeing you in the next life and you will always be with me in this one.
I knew Dave from the carefree days of high school and have many fond memories. It is amazingly beautiful to see the impact he had on so many lives. Obviously, he triumphed through difficult times and helped countless others do the same. Gentle souls often find this world uncomfortable, so God takes them home. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Dave.
Diana Boyd
Hi Dave, I am very hopeful that you are at peace now. I am very saddened that you have passed so soon. From Seattle I can feel your families pain and sadness and can only pray that they are finding comfort in the embraces of family and friends.
I did not know Dave all that well. I was a new kid at WHS in 84 and Dave wanted badly to kick my butt - he finally got to me that summer :-). That has been my memory of Dave for the past 24 years.
A friend sent the blog and notification that Dave passed and I am glad he did. Albeit very sad, it puts a smile on my face to know Dave in a brand new way. After reading all of the entries there is a side of Dave that I did not ever know or knew existed. That also puts a smile on my face to know that he touched many in very positive ways as he lived his life.
My wife, Elizabeth, died just over a year ago from a short battle with Breast Cancer. She left behind 3 very young boys. I can very much imagine what Dave's immediate family is feeling right now and that makes my heart hurt. Shock comes to mind. Know that they will need their friends and family support. They will need you more than ever and will need you to follow through with your promises of love, comfort and support.
Sincerely,
Trey Danna
Spirit is not bound by the restrictions of time and space, and neither are you Dave. I offer the greatest gift I can to you and yours, all of my love.
jaime loera
We are so sorry for your loss. We took care of Sidney and Sutton. We remember how excited Dave was when Sutton was born! We were always impressed how loving and involved he was in his children's lives. You are in our prayers. May God supply you richly with his strength and peace. Jennifer Jones and Dan Terwelp
I went to La Ha with Dave in 2007. Just before I heard of your loss I picked up my Year chip. Dave helped me alot with learning how to trust of all things...women. How odd is that? He wanted to make it. I am truely sad.
Dave I will remember you always. Especially when I make a new female friend !!! Earlene V.
I heard from a friend that Dave had passed away yesterday. I was in shock and still can't believe it! I have not spoken or seen Dave in seven years. When I met Dave he lived in Duncanville, Tx right outside of Dallas with his Dad. I knew back then he always struggled with his addiction. I have never forgotten about Dave he was so funny, kind, and giving to others. I have soo many found memeories of him. I am so happy Dave got to expereince marriage and children. Seeing the pictures in this blog of his beautiful family bring me joy and sorrow at the same time. I know as well as others that he no longer has to stuggle with this terrible disease any longer which robbed him of so much. My heart goes out to all: His Wife, Children, Family Members, and Close Friends. Bye my friend you will be be greatly missed. -Tracy Glantz
Dave, I will miss you with All My Heart and Soul !!! Ou live were so much alike that you gave me more hope and inspiration than you know!
I knew that I was not alone !!! I know you are still with us in Spirit !!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE, Kelly Ware
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