David Brickley Memorial Service

April 3, 2009 at 1:37pm

Yesterday I attended the memorial service of my uncle Dave Brickley. Dave died of a sudden and unexpected heart attack last Saturday march 28 in the middle of the night.

On the flight to Billings I wrote a few of my uncles favorite memories down about Dave.

Sandpaper Face Hugs - Dave used to greet me and my brothers, when we were kids, by grabbing us in a hug and rubbing his stubble covered cheek against ours much to our dismay. We always knew it was coming and we would struggle to prevent this greeting.

Red Ryder - I remember one particular camping truck when Dave got a set of walkie talkies and insisted on calling everyone by a callsign. His was Red Ryder since he had just purchased a red toyota pickup.

Hearts - Dave taught me how to play hearts and there has usually been a few rounds of hearts each and every family gathering we would have. The phrase "Smoking the Bitch" was also introduced at these games and was used to describe when someone was trying to lead with successive spades to force the queen to int play.

Tennis Big Sky State Games - Dave loved to play tennis and Tyson and I played with and against Dave several times even a few in the Big Sky State games.

Lucky Motorhome - Dave also loved this old 1970's motorhome that he bought. I remember it had a Leprechaun on the back with the text Lucky below it. Dave was always so happy driving that thing but it seemed that it was never very lucky breaking down on several occasions.

Milk on the Rocks - Dave also liked his milk on the rocks. Odd thing to remember but it will always remind me of him.

The service was well put together and brought about many great memories of Dave. There was a slideshow put to music that made me cry seeing all of the wonderful happy times with him and his little kids.

I'll always miss my uncle Dave and I hope his family the best in dealing with this tragic loss.