David Otis Paine

David Otis Paine, Cherished Wellfleet Local, dies at 66, after just months after finding out he was ill, David Otis Paine lost his life to liver cancer. He had the ones he loved by his side in his final days and left us peacefully on Sept. 1, 2024.

David Otis Paine was born on January 9, 1958 to Abbot "Jay" and Patricia Paine. Born and bred in Wellfleet, David was always grateful for the way he had been raised. When he spoke of his mother Pat, you could tell the love that he had for her. She was a hard woman, he would say, but she did a good job raising them and running the house. His imitations of her were priceless and done not to make fun at all but to remember her with a smile and a laugh. He always felt that she had left to soon and he had the utmost respect for his mother and spoke of her often.

His father, Jay, as he was known as around Wellfleet, was literally Dave's hero. He was a kind man, a smart man and everything David strived to be. David's moral compass was definitely something his father instilled in him from a young age and made Dave the beautiful person that he had become as an adult. His parental guidance had everything to do with the honest and hardworking man that he was and he was most grateful for that.

Anyone who knew Dave knew of his love of motorcycles. He absolutely loved the freedom of the ride, the beauty of the machine and always liked to push it just a little bit more. His competitive side was always present when he was on a bike, as well as a huge smile. From a young age his father was a big supporter of David's interest in the sport. Jay supported many local kids in their pursuit of riding and whether it was going to the races or riding at "The Shop" on the Paine's property, many always gathered to ride. A safe haven for many and always a good time. It was there that they often had their own version of "the races" from the starting line-up to the checkered flag, all were welcome either to ride or to just enjoy an afternoon with good people in Wellfleet.

One of David's fondest memories was going cross country with Brother. He talked about it often and said he was so glad he did that with Bavis. The brothers shared some wonderful times on that trip and he held those memories close to his heart, always.

David was not one to sit around or to be idle. He could always be found at his home tinkering around with something outside, always a project going. The yard was always raked, the grass was always mowed and he took pride in his yard and his home. He kept his trucks and his bikes clean and it was something that brought him comfort. He had a vast knowledge of autobody work due to his time at the autobody shop he worked at as a young adult. That experience would serve him later in life at other jobs and projects. He was always willing to lend a helping hand weather it be advice or his time, without question. If you were his friend he would be there if needed and was always loyal and trusting, One of a Kind.

In the early Eighties his father, Jay, decided to invest in a fishing boat fo the brothers to run. The Oceanbird was a beautiful boat, a gem and a rare double ender. It was always scraped and painted and clean and tidy, typical David style. The brothers fished "The Bird" for many years and did quite well. David would say how many countless hours the boat took to work, to maintain and it was not really what the brothers wanted at the time. Bavis wanted to focus on the oyster grant more and Dave was looking for a more steady, reliable employment. Not long after the boat was sold, Dave got a job working for the Town of Wellfleet. He got his CDL license, which he says was not easy, and was very proud of that license. He worked for the town for many years when tragedy struck. Brother Steve got quite sick where he needed full time care. Without hesitation, Dave quit his town job and became his brothers full-time caregiver. He went into it blindly but gave it all he had. He tried to make life as normal as possible for Steve but in the end he was just to sick and his passing was extremely difficult for him. David's father, Jay, also had a very hard time adjusting after Steve's passing. Dave believed his dad wasn't the same after the loss of his brother. Dave was for the remainder of Jay's life and was by his side when he went peacefully.

At this point in his life we decided to get back out on the grant. This was a relatively peaceful time in our lives, the grant really brought him a sort of peace. His brother's spirit was ever present and it still is to this day. Out of the blue a job opportunity came up as a MA state inspector in Truro. He thought it might be a nice change of pace and he always thrived in a more scheduled environment. Many of you know David from his time in Truro. He often came home with stories of his customers and he surprisingly enjoyed working with the public. They found Davi to be very helpful and always kind. They loved to see him and that made him feel appreciated. It meant the world to him. Ultimately he couldn't stay there but he missed his customers very much.

At the end of 2023, David decided to make some big decisions in our lived. He was going to sell his beloved shop, and he was going to retire. Of course the shop sold quickly but he was prepared for that. He wanted to live in the house that he grew up in with the people he loved and that loved him. It was our time, his time to sit back and relax. So just seven months into his retirement he started feeling sick and just three months later he lost his battle with a very aggressive, fast moving cancer. He made it very clear what he wanted in his final days, with the women he loved by his side. He had made peace with such an unfortunate thing to happen to him. He said he lived a good life and was ready to move on. He took his last breaths holding my hand and knowing I will always honor his wishes. He will forever be missed.

At David's request, he will be cremated and will not have any funeral service. We will have a Celebration of His Life at our home in Wellfleet on September 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

All who knew and appreciated David are welcome.