On Sunday our family traveled across the Puget Sound on the ferry Walla Walla to Bremerton to attend Dave’s celebration of life. We became friends midway in Dave’s life so it was good to learn some things about him we never knew. One of the things that struck us right away was his middle name, Pinkerton. We could have had some fun with that detail. I think it’s a real cool middle name.

As part of Jamie’s tribute to his dad he read from second Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Jamie also fulfilled a promise to his dad to play “Spirit in the Sky”. The story goes that Jamie and Dave were driving in Dave’s truck one day and this song came on the radio. Dave turned to Jamie and said “Play this at my funeral and play it really loud”  I’m sharing some of the lyrics below. This made me smile as Dear in the past has requested this song be played at his funeral, too.

When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best

Prepare yourself you know it’s a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He’s gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
Gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky

Norman Greenbaum, lyrics.

The tributes that Dave’s brothers, sons, and nephew spoke were all good to hear. It was very evident that Dave coached people he loved on and off the field. I know our sons were blessed by Dave’s coaching.

Sarly and Jamie worked hard going through a lifetime of photos of Dave with many tears and joyful laughter as they prepared a photo tribute with songs that had us all laughing and crying. So thankful for the boxes of tissues on each table.

At the end of the open microphone time this little one above wanted to pray for her Papa. I don’t remember her words exactly but she took the microphone and assured us that her Papa was okay and she loved him. (this photo was from Thanksgiving 2012 so Rae is almost 4 years older now)

Dave’s Uncle closed this time in prayer and we had time to fellowship with Beth and her sons and other old friends.

Our sons with Jamie and little David Daniel, named after his grandfather and our son Daniel.

Beth and our son Daniel.

Our whole family including my sister Lana and hubby Steve.

Our sweet smiley little warrior, David Daniel…triple D!

Dave’s brother Bob, correct me if I’m wrong, came up with these center pieces along the theme of golf since Dave was passionate about this sport.

Gold Mountain Golf Course was a beautiful setting for Dave’s Celebration of Life since he spent many hours on these grounds with his golfing buddies.

Dave would want you to know that he had a friend in Jesus who saved him. His hope in an eternal future with Jesus carried him through. This same hope will help Beth and Dave’s sons , daughter in laws and grandchildren walk through their grief while they remain on this earth. I hope that you dear readers have prepared yourselves for the inevitable and that you, too, have a friend in Jesus who died for you so that you might have life with Him and peace with God. We’ll see you later dear Dave Pinkerton!

“Prepare yourself you know it’s a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus”