While I certainly would have developed a relationship with Dave through my cousin Eva, the connection became stronger as a result of our common interest in golf. It became special when we lived near each other in California. The first time I played golf with Dave was at Seaview with “Pop” (Eva/my grandfather). I had heard stories of Eva’s boyfriend (or was it husband by then?) being a good golfer and it was typical of Pop to set up a match to see who would win the competition. Seeing Dave’s swing on the first tee, I was certain my golf-school-polished swing would prove far superior to his and that I would be the winner that day. It did not turn out that way. I recall Dave getting up and down from everywhere and carrying the day. This would become a common theme in our matches going forward; my swing might have looked better, but Dave generally won the match! Katy (my now wife) and I were living in Hermosa Beach when we got the word that Dave had a new job at Long Beach State and that he and Eva were headed west. I was very excited to have family in town and a new golfing partner. We quickly connected and started playing golf at Industry Hills on a regular basis. John Kowalchuk, another Jersey guy with whom we somehow connected, became our 3rd. Rounding out the foursome with whomever we could get, we played pretty much every weekend for a couple/few years. I loved the courses at Industry Hills; Dave not so much, but he went anyway, so we could play together. One evening, Dave, Eva, Katy and I got together in Hermosa Beach for a night at the Comedy Club to see Jay Leno. I remember being pleased that we all got together outside of family reunions and golf, establishing a more personal connection. When Dave got the Athletic Director job at Long Beach State, he received a golf membership at Old Ranch near their house in Long Beach. That spelled the end for our outings at Industry Hills, but we still managed to golf together reasonably often, sometimes with me as his guest at Old Ranch. One day after golf, we had lunch with Eva and the kids. A sports-crazy household with kids riding bikes in the cul de sac! Somewhere in there, I remember a road trip to the Santa Barbara area; I think we played 36 that day, 18 at Sandpiper and 18 at La Purisima. I remember other golf rounds at Red Hawk and Moreno Valley Ranch. I am certain there were others. Later in life, we got together for a golf round in the Poconos with my father, Joe, Dave and Kevin O’Brien, at Great Bear Country Club. Kevin is clearly following in Dave’s footsteps; a very good golfer and tough competitor. I hope Kevin keeps his golf skills sharp going forward! So, golf and California (and Eva) made my connection to Dave very special to me; one of the highlights of my life. I will miss his constant smile and positive attitude. I will miss his competitive spirit and camaraderie on the golf course. I think Dave’s memory is going to make me a better putter; when standing over those 5-foot putts going forward, I will just remember how Dave would have done it and calmly “knock-it in.”