David William Michalski

David William Michalski was a loving husband, a wonderful son, a caring brother and an uncle that any kid would be lucky to have. Dave was born on April 15,1962 in Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn New York to George and Margaret Michalski. Welcomed by an older sister Melissa and joined a few years later by a sister, Jacqueline (dubbed by Dave as Jack-O-Lantern), Dave attended Holy Family grammar school where he tested the nuns' patience daily, and even served as an altar boy (can you believe it?) He went to Bishop Ford High School, and worked at Whelan's Pharmacy, after school where he proved he could be a responsible guy even at a young age.

But Dave wasn't all work and no play. He loved the magic of Doug Henning, the space program, Star Trek, and playing first base on his Little League team. Dave loved sports. He was a rabid Mets fan, and would save the tops of milk containers in order to score a free ticket to Shea. He also was a longtime fan of the Oakland Raiders. And why? Dave had been discouraged from playing football because he was left handed, so imagine how excited he was when he found out the Raider's quarterback, Ken Stabler, was left-handed! He also developed a true passion for golf after being only an occasional once-a-year player. Fueled by the victory of a hole-in-one in 2004, he was swept away on the wave of the green of the fairway. He was so enamored of golf that he spent quite a lot of time trying to convert everyone that he knew into a golfer. He even golfed on the morning of his wedding day.

Music was a big part of Dave's life, and he loved to attend concerts at every opportunity. He had a wide range of musical tastes which ran from Genesis to Boston, from Yes to New Age, to classic 40's to jazz. He also grew his hair long which sparked many a loud debate with his father, but, hey, it was the 70's!

After graduating from high school, he attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, to study architecture and drafting. These skills propelled him into a new career at Metropolitan Life as part of their office planning and design department, combining his creative talents with the precision for which he was known.

Dave was always surrounded by friends. Anyone who met him was drawn to his easy-going personality, and a quick sense of humor that could find amusement in almost any situation. Those that knew him better were aware of his steadfast loyalty, and willingness to do anything, ANYTHING to assist a friend or family member.

Dave was given the opportunity to travel to different cities for Met Life as part of their office design team and spent time working in California, Michigan, and, of course, Colorado. He liked all of the cities he worked in, but his love of skiing, hiking, biking, and the easy Colorado lifestyle led him to give New York City the heave-ho and head to Denver. He realized that he belonged here, and that this was home. The decision to stay turned out to be a more than just a career choice. It started him on a path that led him to the great love of his life.

He arrived in Denver in 1993. His love of people and sports prompted him to join a softball league where he met what would become his Denver "family": Paul, Pete, Mollie, Allison, Bob, and Kathleen, followed up by Joe & Ana, Mark, Larry, Richie and Annie, and Claire. As time went on the family grew as he was embraced by the friends of these friends. His easy-going and caring manner attracted people from all walks of life.

Then came the moment when Metlife had to make some cuts in staff. They offered David a severance package and he took it and ran-much to their chagrin. David joined a contracting group that put him in contact with Great West Life in 1999. Shortly thereafter, they offered him a full time position, ultimately being promoted to Director of Facilities in their Corporate Properties department. His career there spanned over 12 years. Here he again met more people whom he added to his "family".

Part of that family consisted of Jill, a colleague from a company that GWL was doing business with-Pear. At a going away party for Jill, he was re-introduced to Lynette, whom he had met several times while visiting the Pear office but never spent any time interacting with. Needless to say, sparks flew and a fire was lit. Over the course of time, they developed a deep respect, appreciation, and love for each other. Soon they were living together-which was quite the adjustment for him as he never lived with anyone other than a family member before. Lynette's shoes stacked up under the dining room table drove him crazy. Several months after proposing at the Rainbow Room on a rainy December day New York City they married. David's love of travel prompted them to head to Kauai, Hawaii where they tied the knot on a beautiful day on October 17, 2003.

After a week long honeymoon, they returned to the "real" world, where they proceeded to live, work, play, and love. Again, his passion for travel prompted them to spend time in places such as Santa Fe, Palm Springs, Grand Junction, and assorted other locals, including 3 more trips back to Hawaii.

He was also a fantastic cook and he loved doing it. His wife claimed that there were no restaurants anywhere that could whip up a better tasting meal than him. One of his specialties was making pesto from homegrown basil. On a trip to the Cinque Terre region of Italy in 2001 with his good friend Larry, he brought home a recipe for pesto that he could whip up from memory. He loved having friends and family over and trying out new recipes on them, which they enjoyed as well.

David was diagnosed with soft tissue Sarcoma on the 1st of September, 2011. His prognosis was bleak. However, he was at peace with whatever the outcome may be. His only want was to be able to live his life the way that he wanted as the man he was. He succeeded most wonderfully. He and his wife were able to take several more trips-one to Hawaii and another to Palm Springs. He enjoyed every day-still trying out new recipes and enjoying time with his friends and family.

He passed peacefully away on the morning of Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. His wife and friends were at his side. He has passed on to a new adventure-probably challenging the angels to a game of golf! He will be missed and loved forever.