Due to my lack of attendance throughout my grammar/high school years i was sort of an outcast. People tended to shy away from me. Always felt that it was because they didnt know if it'd be worth it to get to know me since they'd never see me. That being said Dave was an exception. Whenever i was able to go to school Dave was friendly to me. Didn't matter that i stuck outthe from everyone else. Did...n't matter that i was sick so often. And i will forever be grateful for that kindness. That acceptance without restraint that so few people i knew had at the time. To judge Dave based on his accomplishments alone is to sell him way short. He was the guy who was genuinely friendly to every person he met. He did not treat anyone like they were below him even if some-such as myself- considered him to be above us. Dave was an example to all around him while i knew him. I am no longer ashamed to admit that i was very envious of him. I yearned for the life he had that i couldn't. Looking back I wholeheartedly believe that had i just asked him, he'd have done whatever he could to help me achieve the same level of greatness that he had attained. Thank you for being the way you were. Don't know if Id have lived through high school without you and your hellos as opposed to the silent stares that cut me like knives from so many others. You will be missed dearly my friend. Now and forever. RIP David Popek.