The kids and I were invited to the Christmas luncheon at Kenmore today, the kids were in school and unable to attend, however I did. The people that David worked with were like a second family to him. He truly liked his job and genuinely cared for his coworkers. There was a group of women that David felt very close to and through the brief conversations on the phone when I would call him or stop by, I began to put the names with faces. But it was through David and the stories he shared of these people, that I began to know them and how much they meant to him. I appreciated their friendship to him, and now the friendship they have shown to me. I am happy they got to see a side of David that I enjoyed so much myself - his good naturedness and his inability to let you have a bad day. He had an ornery way about him and if you were miserable...well you drew more attention from him. Granted it could be annoying - but most of the time it worked. I can't even begin to tell you the times he would bring a smile -albeit an unwilling one - to my face when I was determined not to! He just had a loving way of getting in your face and cheering ya up. I know he is missed by his coworkers, but I became aware of just how much when I attended the Christmas luncheon. Unbeknownst to me, they had a plaque made with Dave's picture on it and below the picture it states: "In Memory of David Starkey" "Forever loved and remembered by friends and coworkers at Swagelok" "August 22, 2007" It was presented in a short but sweet speech from the plant manager and I was informed that they were hanging it on the wall above the chair where David always sat and played cards with the guys EVERY DAY during lunch. What an absolute touching gesture and such a wonderful surprise. They allowed me to take the plaque home to show Brady & Emily. We have been proud to share it with many family and friends over the weekend and they have all been so moved by this heartfelt memorial. I will forever be thankful to the folks at Kenmore for the continued love and support they have shown us. Brenda, Anita, Doreen, Janet, & Dinah, I thank you all for taking care of David while he was there and making it known to me that he is gone, but not forgotten. Your kind acts through this nightmare have meant more than you know. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart!