David F Hartig

If we all smiled more, this world be a better place.

And if we all smiled more, there'd be so much more laughter,

happiness

instead of hate.

So, if we all try a bit harder

to put a smile on someone's face.

Imagine the love and power

when these smiles meet

face to face.

Dave’s life with Eileen, his wife; Bridget, his daughter; and Brian his son, was the essence of his days, and he made the world a better place through his infectious laughter, smile and continuous love.

Dave’s passion for athletics grew strong as he shared it with Brian, his son. That relationship of father and son led him to be a coach and then became a board member of the Frontier Little League Board. He helped grow the talent of many young baseball players in the community. Dave also coached basketball for Upward for a season. He was known for an even handed, supportive approach to coaching. Dave was more the coach to "high five" than to criticize players. Through coaching sports, Dave taught life lessons - the power of perseverance, patience, and practice. Dave was also an avid fan, he cheered on his children and their teams - and, of course, U of A and "his" Cubs. On November 2, 2016. the Cub's won the World Series on Dave's birthday with an 8 to 7 victory over Cleveland Indians. We are so glad Dave saw a Cub's World Series Championship. That win put a smile on Dave's face.

For Dave, music was also another way to share an essential part of his life - another source of smiles - with his children. He taught Bridget to love country, and Brian the music line up of the '70s and '80s. Dave knew the artists, the lyrics, the bands, and all the trivia. He sang everything - rock, pop, country, and film scores. Most recently, you may have heard him singing along during the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" at the El Con. If you weren't singing along with Dave, you were smiling along as he sang.

Dave began life in Peoria, IL, on November 2, 1964, where he grew up in a large farming community. where he learned to love shaking pecan trees, stealing peaches and de-tasseling corn. His interests expanded to include NASCAR and hunting game. He grew up with his siblings Charlie, Kevin, Mary, Stacia, Toni, Casey, and Rocky and then brought his interests to Tucson when he moved with his mom and most of his siblings. Dave graduated from Catalina High School in 1982, and his short time at Catalina High School included, of course, playing football.

Dave's heart started a whole new beat when he met Eileen in 1993 at the Bijou Video store. Hiring Eileen to work at the Bijou was probably one of his best hires - ever. A few movie dates later, Dave and Eileen knew the relationship was more than "movie buddies." Dave's big golden, generous heart that had attracted Eileen to him became a golden wedding band on September 26, 1997.

Dave and Eileen multiplied their smiles with their children Bridget and Brian. Dave's love for Bridget, Brian, and Eileen was the essence of his being - the beat, rhythm, soul of his days. Dave's family grew to be not just his extended families but also anyone who was fortunate to receive one of his amazing hugs.

David had a mechanical mind; he was a problem solver. Whether at Brake Masters, Pep Boys, Royal Buick, or the City of Tucson Fire Department, David wanted to share not only his smile but also his knowledge. The people whom he served left not only with a working vehicle but more knowledge on how to care for their vehicles. It was Dave’s way of accomplishing his life mission - making the world run smoothly, sharing what he knew, and making their lives a little easier.

The most pivotal events in Dave’s family life happened on Fridays - his wedding and Bridget’s and Brian’s births. Then on Friday, January 11, 2019, Dave’s great, generous golden heart gave out. Dave was 54.

We will celebrate Dave’s life with a service on Friday, January 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a reception from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Both the service and reception will be at East Lawn Palm Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. The family encourages you to post your condolences and memories at www.eastlawnpalmsmortuary.com.

Also, should friends desire, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to one of the following organizations in Dave’s name:

Frontier Little League PO Box 18512 Tucson Az, 85710

Sister Jose Women's Center PO Box 1028 Tucson, Az 85702

University of Arizona Foundation/ UA Cancer Center, Attn: Nigel Holman

1700 E. Broadway Blvd, PO Box 245018, Tucson, Az 85724 (for Early Cancer Detection & Research)