From Greg

This was written by Greg Hope, Dave’s brother-in-law, and read by Kathy's son, Tyler, at David's Service.

My name is Greg Hope and seven years ago Dave Tousignant became my brother in law. The first time I met Dave it was obvious to me why my sister-in-law, Kathy, fell in love with him. Dave immediately became a member of our family that was held in the highest esteem. Even though Dave is now gone, his legacy of honesty, diplomacy, understanding, fair treatment of people, resolve and goodness will remain with me as it will with all of us. I know that I will not forget the time that I spent with Dave. In comparison to most of you here today, the time I knew Dave was short; however, in this short time I came to know Dave as the type of person who thought things out before he spoke or reacted. Dave and I would be discussing an issue or talking about someone and he would always focus his responses in the positive where I would focus in the negative, as that is my nature. Dave always saw the good in people, where I was always quick to point out the bad or negative. Dave once told me, “If there was a Post office of bad news, that I would be the Postmaster.” -------------- Ever since Dave promoted me to the “Postmaster of Bad News”, I’ve tried to do a better job of being positive in every respect, but I think I still have a ways to go. Today is your day Dave, no negativity allowed. I know that this profound statement from me would put a smile on your face.

Some other members of Kathy’s family had very recent experiences with Dave that they would like to share with you today. Kathy’s sister Kim, her husband Robert and five year old son Landon, recently visited Dave and Kathy about a month ago. Five year old Landon spotted a Tee-Ball set that Dave had purchased for his daughter, Olivia. Landon was very excited about using the Tee-Ball set, and Dave could not resist being the one to show him how to use it. As much pain as Dave was in, he went outside to play Tee-Ball with his nephew. Dave was enjoying himself as much as Landon was. Landon swung the bat and managed to hit the ball way over Dave’s head. Dave reacted like anyone would and quickly turned to see where the ball was going. He really hurt himself that day, but knowing Dave, it was well worth it and an experience that Landon still talks about and will never forget.

Also recently, Dave was watching his beloved Red Sox and decided to make himself some popcorn. He had finished his first helping and went back to the kitchen for more popcorn only to find that it was all gone. The culprit turned out to be Dave’s mother-in-law, Aline, who Dave affectionately nicknamed “The Stealth Bomber.” She had quietly come down stairs and took the rest of the popcorn without even giving it a second thought! Dave made more popcorn, but did not hesitate to share his dissatisfaction with her the next morning, and with his piercing smile, advised her that “she better not do that again!” Of course Aline initially felt bad for what she had done, but when Dave started to laugh she realized that he was just teasing her.
Aline, also known by the whole family as MeMe, has stayed with Kathy and Dave, off and on for the past few years, to help out and has developed a very special loving and caring relationship with Dave. MeMe has expressed to me that she loves Dave like a son. Since Dave became unable to work at the career that he loved, he and MeMe spent a lot of quality time together. Dave told me that most of the time he hardly even knew that she was there; but when he needed someone to talk to or when times got tough he was very thankful that she was immediately available for help and conversation. Dave elaborated that he had many helpful, calming conversations with MeMe.

Getting to know Dave has also provided me with the privilege of getting to know Dave’s immediate family, his mother Phyllis, his brother Ray and his daughters Lauren and Olivia. I enjoyed spending time with Dave’s Mother, his brother Ray and Dave’s daughters, and look forward to a continued relationship with all of them. They are a very caring and close family and have always been there for Dave during his long ordeal with cancer. While spending time with Dave, I was also privileged to meet some of his friends who I enjoyed very much.
Cancer is a very devastating disease and Dave fought a long valiant fight. To me, it was very impressive that Dave, as sick as he was and as much pain as he suffered, still continued to work out in his basement gym to keep his atrophying muscles toned as much as possible.
When my wife Lynn and I came to visit Dave and Kathy in April of this year, we admired all of the finish carpentry work that Dave had completed through the years in their home and the furniture that Dave had built. My wife Lynn and I were complementing Dave on his craftsmanship, and Lynn mentioned that she really liked a particular small cherry table that Dave had designed and built. Without hesitation, Dave looked at me and said, “Greg you used to be a carpenter. Let’s get some wood and build Lynn a table.” I replied, “Dave we came here to visit and spend time with you, Kathy and your family. Dave replied, “What better way could there be to spend time together than to build a table.” So we got the wood, and Dave patiently showed me what to do and put me to work between his knaps, as he could only supervise me for about a half hour at a time, due to his pain. I might add too, that I required a lot of supervision, because I was not a finish carpenter like Dave. I knew that it would be a challenge for me, but I also knew that it would be a fun project because doing anything with Dave was always a pleasure. So I had to exceed my very best capabilities before my limited craftsmanship abilities would pass Dave’s inspections. Dave and I had a few laughs about that. I won’t elaborate though. I have to retain some of my pride. Needless to say, I learned a lot from Dave about pocket joints and table construction during those four days that we worked on that table. I crated up the table and we shipped it back to Arizona, and have it on display in our home where we see it every day. I’m extremely glad that Dave talked me into the table project, as it is beautiful and a cherished reminder of Dave and the close relationship I will always have with him.
Dave has left a big footprint in our lives. Even up to the end, Dave portrayed an extremely admirable persona that was positive, caring and irrefutable. Dave cherished every minute that he was able to spend on this earth with his family, step family, friends and his soul mate Kathy. When we leave here today, I think we all should consider living our lives by Dave’s example.
Thank you.