I remember Dave taking us out on Lake St. Claire one day, and the weather got bad so we dipped into an island for cover. We had a little break in the weather, so Dave said, “Gotta go!” So we got back on the boat to head back to the marina. Only problem was the weather didn’t “break” long enough. Storm came back in and we had to go about a mile in the dark, rain coming in sideways and 6’ waves, to get back to the marina. Captain Dave got us back safely, but scared the crap out of all of us.  Not sure I have ever been so scared in my life, and more happy to see dry land. 

I’ve never felt a loss like I felt the loss of my Papa Cayer.  If you knew him, I think you, too, would have believed nothing, not even cancer, could bring him down.  He always made you believe in having the best time of your life, I suppose.  To not worry or take things too seriously...  

Even if you thought you offended his clan, if you cried while drunk and told him you thought you had committed this insult, he would probably have had to leave you while crying to go off and laugh wildly and happily as he didn’t realize til then (maybe) that he had such a clan to so offend.  He had quite the family to be proud of and I don’t think he ever held anything, from then on forward, against me.  His family is my family and I will defend and protect them, hoping to do so even if it is only a shadow as he had.

He was my family and there is a hole in my heart knowing he is no longer physically here.  He was a father to me and also a friend.  Someone who taught love and loyalty.  I know the memory of him is currently like a ghost in that hole in my heart, the spirit of his memory and impact he had on me and so many others.  Nothing will ever fill that hole other than him but with the richness of these memories and experiences with him, that hole isn’t at all truly empty.  

I love you more than more, Papa Cayer, and hope you are existing as your best self in some other Unknown that is filled with peace and love and more good times.

Love, your daughter-in-law, Daryl Anne

P.S.-  the Cayer family would love to hear as many stories as people feel willing to share.  Thank you <3

Dave was always a good story teller and story maker!  His stories would always make us laugh!  

His struggling with the goose story stands out the most.  On our Jamaica trip together there where new ones; diving lessons, loosing the safe key while diving, no shoes dining because his feet swelled and detainment at the airport from TSA.  😂

Dave was a good father, friend, and husband.  He always had a smile and was willing to help that was genuine!   He will be missed.  Our thoughts are with Michelle and his family.

Greg and Heather

It is with great sadness that I share this memory of Dave. Michelle called me yesterday to inform me of his passing. I came home that night and cried, thinking of the memories we shared. You see Dave and I were in the Marines together as MP’s  we have lots of memories some I can share some I would rather not. Most memorable was the sand rail with a Corvair  engine , what fun we had with that. After 40 some year and fixing to retire I finally got in touch with Dave and was going to meet up again. I regret that never happened . My thoughts and prayers are with you Michelle , and to David’s family and friends we have lost a good man. Semper  Fi  my friend

Dave was a strong man , I can not imagine that he left too soon.
I always admired the strength in him, that not too often I have seen in other.
I felt the beaming of that force.
May he continue on his journey, with the same poise.
Love Sue and Leo, across the lawn

Shelly and Family,

Leslie and I want to extend our condolences and heartfelt sorrow at the loss of your true love.   Dave was a great friend to us and will always be remembered through our great memories of times on the water.  God Bless.

Lance

Man o man.  We have quite a few memories.    One in particular was the time you invited Danielle and I (Tiny as you called me) on the boat for the weekend.    You told me you have everything covered just bring my own beer because your not sharing.   I remember going to your friend house who had just bought a boat.   We spent the night and you guys talked about me all night for drinking MGD telling me it wasn’t real beer because it came in a clear bottle.   I had to drink about 15-20 beers that night.  I woke up with the worst hangover and stopped drinking MGD after that and switched to Budweiser.   And another time when this guy almost got his anchor wrapped up on yours and you jump in the water to prevent a disaster.    Also it was the first time I’ve ever gotten on a boat.   Your the reason why I want a boat til this day.    I believe you took us to Jacks on the River.    Those are memories and experiences I’ll never forget.   Get your rest man, I’m going to drink a cold Fosters after dinner tonight just for you.    

Today is the day you will be laid to rest,
But you know what they say,
God only takes the best.
Everything happens for a reason,
Even if we may not agree.
Just promise to look after us,
And if you can,
Save a spot up there for me.
The thought of never seeing you again brings tears to my eyes,
And even more so,
Because all of this was such a surprise.
But we should never question what God has planned.
Sometimes it's not meant for us to understand.
So as we sit here and mourn the loss of a beloved friend,
We have to keep telling ourselves that we will meet again.



I can tell a thousand stories about my buddy Dave.
One of my favorite is boating to Canada. When Dave decided to foot race with my son.
DAVE looked good the first 15 yards but then the wheels came off and soon Dave was sliding head first through a gravel road.
When he made it up he looked as if he fell off a motorcycle. 
But he just  laughed and took another drink of his Foster's.

That's just one.
I will miss him with all my heart.
Thanks for all the memories  I will never forget!!

OBITUARY

David Allen Cayer

February 16, 1955 – March 6, 2022

D.S. Temrowski and Sons Funeral Home

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