David F. Mach

David Forrestal Mach (59); a former resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; a 14-year resident of Waller, Texas; and, a 12-year resident of Houston, Texas; passed-away Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the Houston Hospice on Holcombe. He is loved and survived by his special-friend of over 17 years, Mike Harris; his sister Carolyn Gosse; brother-in-law Gerald Gosse; brother Thomas Mach; nieces and nephews: Michael, Michelle, William, and Rebecca; great nieces and nephews: Delaney, Carleigh, Tyler, Parker, Jessica, many cousins; and, long-time childhood friend Gary McEowen; all residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

David is preceded in death by his mother Bernice Mach (1969); father Milo Mach (1975); and, his maternal grandmother Emma Forrestal (1980).

David is loved and survived by his adopted Texas family, William Harris, Josephine Harris and Patti Harris-Fusco; close and dear friends Larry Johnson, Kirk Pierson, Robert Luna, Lucy & Wayne Hardcastle, Rosie Hadley (all of whom tendered their love, care, compassion and support during his illness); and, very special friends Catherine Matejka and Marlene Brown.

David graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Not long after graduation, David began a life-long occupation as a travel agent; which led him to a 25-year career with American Express Travel Services. David loved gardening at his farm in Waller, and those around him appreciated his willingness to share an abundance of vegetables from his garden. Despite David's quiet and un-assuming demeanor, he loved sports (a dedicated ESPN fanatic!) and the arts. He was an avid University of Iowa Hawkeye fan, maintained football/basketball seasonal tickets while living in Iowa and often played basketball on the local court. He loved to attend plays and concerts and held TUTS seasonal tickets for many years. David had a very special fondness for the Christmas season, and he would often listen to Christmas music year-round. His love for all living things made him an easy target for stray cats and dogs that wandered onto his Texas farm, all of which he adopted with loving care; and, was heart-broken by the loss his favorite canine friend, Choo-Choo (January 2000). While living in Texas, David would visit family and friends in Iowa each year during July and Christmas; and, especially enjoyed fishing from the pier of his sister’s cabin on Lake Delhi, the annual family gathering for his birthday and taking roller-coaster rides at Adventure Land Amusement Park.

David was a soft spoken, "gentle giant” of a man with a loving and caring heart; a heart as big as the entire outdoors that he loved. He truly walked softly, but left many lasting and wonderful footprints along the way. He bravely faced his illness and trusted his care to those that loved him; and, his passing leaves an emptiness for those left behind. His quiet soul will be missed.

His passing has left a hole in my heart. I know for sure we will meet again, when I collect that piece of my soul I surrendered for his journey. Rest in peace.

Family and close friends would like to thank: Dr. Craig Jefferies, his long-time physician; the staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; the many friends and associates at American Express Travel Services; and, the staff at Houston Hospice; for all their care, assistance and compassion during David’s final months.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday June 23, 2012 in the Memorial Oaks Funeral Home Chapel, 13001 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77079. All friends and family are invited to a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends request contributions be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital; phone no. 800-805-5856; Tribute no. 31113644, on behalf of David Mach.