| It had being raining non-stop for about 2 weeks in Pemberton when Lucas proposed that we MFs should be headed to California to fly our paragliders. The next day we were crossing the US border. I remember being asked by the mean looking custom agent about Mr. Dave McCord. I had no idea who that was… but I quickly figured out that Lucas simply had never told me that his name wasn’t Lucas but Dave!! We rolled thru the night smoking cigarettes and bought a 6 packs of delicious cold ones in Big Sur to keep us up and alert on the winding road along the coast to San Diego. The last time I had the chance to sit in the grass with Lucas this summer he insisted on giving me his custom made ”Evolution gone wrong” monkey T-shirt. I’m sure it contains very precious pheromones because girls seem very attracted to this particular T-shirt. Unlike very few people, Grampa Dave had no need to make plans to get on a adventure. He was fantastic company and attracted beautiful souls along his path. He shared his passion for life to his numerous friends and will live in the heart of many for a very long time. Your lifestyle and your energy are an exquisite example of freedom and an inspiration of happiness and true enjoyment of our time on this earth, and in this sky. Fly high Old Goat. |
Gerhard Cilliers
Never met him.
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Oscar
Heaven has received a good helping of personality now
Cheers buster, rock on!
Yan
We’re still waiting for him to parachute into the yard, grinning, as the finale to an elaborate joke.
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Esther
When I first came to South Africa Grandpa Dave was but a legendary figure people would tell you about. Almost three years ago I finally met Dave face-to-face and felt immediately a part of his great big circle of friends. In the days when I never felt a part of anything he made me feel like I was one of the crew. He would pop by the house randomly for a beer or to feed our chickens with Iz. I appreciated that so much.
I guess my feeling is mutual with everyone else’s…none of us got to spend as much time with GPD as we hoped we would. But the news of his accident has made me contemplate a lot about how I want to spend the rest of my life. His openness, non-judgemental personality and warmth is something I want to aspire to and teach others one day. You live forever in everyone’s hearts Grandpa Dave…you are a real LEGEND!
Æsa
| My sweet sweet gentleman Dave. I am fully aware that my version of Dave wasn´t the only version but that didn´t make it any less true. I miss how he made life funnier and better. How he for example said thank you to Gussi (for the whiskey drop out from his plane) because some things can only be expressed with your naked ass up into the air. I love how there were always comunicasion between us even with no words spoken, silent jokes and smile in his eyes. I love how the fight between Dave and the blond terrorist (my 10y old daughter) kept on after the long winter brake. He came fully armed with two water pisstols, she had a bowl full with water ballons ready behind the fence…the fence he helped building around the cozy corner. I love all our evenings when we sat by the “kamína” (fire stove), cooking dinner, somewere between 6pm and midnight, depending on the flying weather. Maybe having one (or two) non virgin hot chocolate after dinner. I love how he always waited for me on take off if I needed help. He helped me practise my forward take offs, he was there when I broke my rib, helped me on my feet again, packed my wing, taken it to the car for me, not saying one word that because of my stupidity he wasn´t able to fly, always my sweet gentleman. One evening last week we had all started eating outside at the cozy corner so I went inside to check what was keeping him and Addý (Addý = the blond terrorist). And there they sat by the kitchen table playing chess, with his music on of course. It was so nice (even with the box of cigaretts on the table) that I took some photos. He won, there was suposed to be a rematch soon. My condolences to his family that he loved so much and to all his friends around the world. |
Hugh Fisher
That’s a great black and white photo of Lucas; in every craggy facial crinkle a story, dark eyes intense with a fiery burning adventurous spirit , Fu Manchu nic stained, smiling (well almost). He came over the other night for dinner, after the comp, before Revelstoke, whisky bottle in one hand and a dozen stories in the other. So proud of his shark biologist daughter and his grand children and his friend the airline pilot that flies him almost free, almost anywhere. So happy with Lisa Richardson and her husband for whom he had built a house here in Pemby and insists he stay. And he loved his Iceland flying , his Icelandic paraglider job, his tiny Icelandic cabin where all his friends would end up late at night telling endless tales, listening to music. He reckoned his favourite flight ever was when he flew high over Mt Currie but that he had been doing so much soaring in Iceland and SA he had now forgotten how to thermal. We talked of Judd. We drank some whisky.
In the afternoon I had watched when Oni asked Lucas if he could help fold his wing and he had responded with an almost rebellious challenging snort that he had a much simpler way than us and could do it faster and better and so while I folded my wing and packed my harness taking maybe ten minutes he very quickly stuffed his wing and harness and instruments into a back pack sac, maybe in 1 minute, leaving both Oni and I astonished, staring, convinced . I think this was Lucas’s way, looking for ways to do things more simply, never afraid to do it differently than others, not afraid to prove his point, not afraid at all.
Tammy
The last time I flew several years ago, unfortunately it did not end well and I had a pretty bad crash which Lucas witnessed. Alastair and Lucas hurriedly came to see if I was ok. Once this was confirmed (other than scaring myself silly) Lucas without hesitation went to his cooler and opened me an ice cold beer. Rightly saying “Here Tammy, you are going to need this”. He picked me up off the ground and gave me his famous hug and told me I was going to be alright. Thank you Lucas for helping me that day! And thank you for teaching how to be smarter in life so I can play more and enjoy the life I want to live….I’m incredible sad that you are gone yet so happy we had an amazing visit just 2 weeks ago.
Stefan Miller
| Lucas breezed into our Pemberton lives. Warmed our hearts. Shook us up. Regaled us with stories and scared us with some of his flying antics. No one should lose bits of their wing to a tree, in flight. It was two years before i found out his real name was Dave. Never did get a clear answer as to why we had been calling him Lucas. I can see the twinkle in his eye after he had sneakily given my three year old daughter a few blocks of chocolate. “Aaargh lucas I’m supposed to be putting her to sleep In half an hour” ” That’s what’s great about being a grand parent ha ha” Is what he’d say with a mischievous smirk and a big bear hug for my daughter. Who now was in love with this man who exuded love and chocolate. The last time i saw Grandpa Dave was on the LZ. Handing me a beer and telling me all about his latest flight. And the adventures he’d been having in Iceland. The world is a colder sadder place without you MF. |
Jacqualyn Pichette
This year at the Canadian Nationals I caught a ride with Grandpa Dave and he took the long way with multiple stops to our destination. Seems he had errands to run and wasn’t in any rush at all! I was, things needed to be done! It was Wednesday and it was BBQ night at the Miller’s. 15 min drive at best. Probably 2 hours later and several inquiring calls we show up with our load of supplies.
Several best parts to our misadventure…
1) I received some of the best advice about life in less time than a therapy session.
2) Made two choices that have changed me since that day
3) Spent Time with one of the sweetest souls to grace this earth.
I never spent one minute alone with Grandpa Dave before then. I didn’t know him well. I was panicking about spreading my parents ashes in Pemberton before that time with him. My grief was beginning to eat me up. Thanks in large Part to Grandpa Dave. Sounds like many have been given some wisdom from him.
Hugh Fisher
| That’s a great black and white photo of Lucas; in every craggy facial crinkle a story, dark eyes intense with a fiery burning adventurous spirit , Fu Manchu nic stained, smiling (well almost). He came over the other night for dinner, after the comp, before Revelstoke, whisky bottle in one hand and a dozen stories in the other. So proud of his shark biologist daughter and his grand children and his friend the airline pilot that flies him almost free, almost anywhere. So happy with Lisa Richardson and her husband for whom he had built a house here in Pemby and insists he stay. And he loved his Iceland flying , his Icelandic paraglider job, his tiny Icelandic cabin where all his friends would end up late at night telling endless tales, listening to music. He reckoned his favourite flight ever was when he flew high over Mt Currie but that he had been doing so much soaring in Iceland and SA he had now forgotten how to thermal. We talked of Judd. We drank some whisky. In the afternoon I had watched when Oni asked Lucas if he could help fold his wing and he had responded with an almost rebellious challenging snort that he had a much simpler way than us and could do it faster and better and so while I folded my wing and packed my harness taking maybe ten minutes he very quickly stuffed his wing and harness and instruments into a back pack sac, maybe in 1 minute, leaving both Oni and I astonished, staring, convinced . I think this was Lucas’s way, looking for ways to do things more simply, never afraid to do it differently than others, not afraid to prove his point, not afraid at all. |
Peyman Imani
Grampa, you are a free and kind spirit who inspired many people. I told you on several occasions that I would like to follow your example and be as detached as you one day. You told me that the most precious things you have in your life are family and the relationships you have built all over the world. It’s quite evident with all the stories pouring in. I was fortunate to go on two trips with you. In Chile, there was drinking involved every night. One night, a mutual friend of ours was pondering life and asking about the purpose for his life. I suggested to him that his purpose is to be the best Dad he can be to his children. You were standing behind me and immediately grabbed my face and kissed me on the cheek. You expressed your satisfaction with affection and love. I was shocked but not dismayed. You touched so many people’s lives and I will always remeber your way of life and try and follow in your footsteps.
Gísli Steinar Jóhannesson
So, this summer I have been living in a tent next to Dave, which is awesome. The only problem is that I can’t lock my tent so if I am asleep anyone can come and wake me up at any time. One morning the mf came calling “Giss”, because he was out of ciggies. (not the first time) and woke me up before 7. I so did not want to wake up and was so fucking annoyed. I told him that he can just find them and fuck off. A few minutes later he was still looking for the ciggies without progress so I got up not so happy and the first thing I saw was my ciggies and Grampa standing next to them not seeing them. I said something like “WTF Dave, they are right there in front of you mf”, he just smiled and said thank you with no apologies about waking me up. As I was up already, I went outside with him to have one as it was a quiet sunny morning and we sat there and smoked without talking for 15 minutes, just facing the sun and feeling the breeze. I took a picture of the mf. Then I got up to go back to sleep again with the feeling that it was a good talk we had without words.
Britta Eßers
I met Dave last year October 2016 in Ölüdeniz/ Turkey at the International Air Games. From the first moment I felt his special spirit.
I will never forget him.
Flight is freedom in its purest form,
to dance with the clouds which follow a storm;
to roll and glide, to wheel and spin,
to feel the joy that swells within.
to leave the earth with its troubles and fly,
and know the warmth of a clear spring sky;
then back to earth at the end of the day,
released from the tensions which melted away.
should my end come while I am in flight,
whether brightest day or darkest night;
spare me no pity and shrug off the pain,
secure in the knowledge that I’d do it again.
for each of us is created to die,
and within me I know,
I was born to fly.
Match-It
| The world is a little duller now, it will never be the same without you. But, us – all of the lives that you touched, this global community – we can try and make it brighter in the way we live, love and squeeze every last drop of fun out of life. That’s the way you lived your life. It has been so bittersweet to hear all of these stories – perfectly underscoring what a remarkably awesome MF you really are. It’s clichéd to say (but I’m gonna anyway) I know that will live on in Meag, the gorgeous soul you and Dagmar gave to the world – I see your hand in her writing, the glint in her eye when she’s being cheeky and the way she loves with her whole damn heart. I feel for Mikey, what an amazing thing to have you for a father-in-law! My heart hurts for him too. I know that your spirit will live on in Isabel and Rhys – creative, kind, clever and adventurous. I feel very lucky for the time we all spent together in Mountain and in Hermanus. What is most dear to me though was the drive from the Breede back to Hermanus – you told me about your epic travels as a youngin, to which I replied, awestruck, that these tales would make an amazing novel. You just grinned and looked at me sideways, saying “Well … it would be kind of hard to capture the magic”. I realized that that kind of magic – your kind of magic – cannot really be contained in words. So as sad as I am to say goodbye and as heartbroken as I am for the World to lose you, I am equally motivated to make sure your legacy lives on … it’s a sentiment I’ve heard echoed around the world from your fam and friends in the last few days: “Why does it take so much hurt to engage in a way of life we should practicing daily”? (Thank you to Tanya C) Let’s all channel some GPD magic into our daily lives and then he will never truly be gone. Yebo! |
Nicola Jones
My daughter, Freya (5), has never met her dad’s dad, Grandpa Mike, in real life (only on skype). For a long time she was convinced that our neighbour Grampa Dave was surely HER grampa. Who could blame her? He had the right beard (at the time), a constant supply of sweets in his pocket, a desire to secretly fill her with chocolate, and a twinkle in his eye. He was either Santa or her Grampa. I was in support of her decision.
I didn’t know Lucas / Grampa Dave well… I only wish I had the time to know him better.
Paragliding is a dangerous sport. But one that makes people feel truly alive. I understand, and regret, and wish, and hope, all at the same time.
Nicola (a neighbour, and wife to a fellow paraglider).
Marianne Black
| A beacon of light in tough times , Lucas was there. Through his own inner strength he gave me, others , the sense that all is never as dark or without hope as we may feel in the moment. In lighter times he is, was , an affirmation of joy. Even though the years have distanced us in location , he has never been far from my heart as an irreplaceable , incredible human. Love on ya ” Mountain Man McCord “ |
Peyman Imani
| Grampa, you are a free and kind spirit who inspired many people. I told you on several occasions that I would like to follow your example and be as detached as you one day. You told me that the most precious things you have in your life are family and the relationships you have built all over the world. It’s quite evident with all the stories pouring in. I was fortunate to go on two trips with you. In Chile, there was drinking involved every night. One night, a mutual friend of ours was pondering life and asking about the purpose for his life. I suggested to him that his purpose is to be the best Dad he can be to his children. You were standing behind me and immediately grabbed my face and kissed me on the cheek. You expressed your satisfaction with affection and love. I was shocked but not dismayed. You touched so many people’s lives and I will always remeber your way of life and try and follow in your footsteps. |
Máni
| The more days pass and the more stories come to mind. This morning I was thinking of how you reacted every time you saw me with Máni the dog, “Here come my two boys! How you doing?” and Máni would just run to you. I would just say hi, I was more shy than he was. Now I’m regretting I didn’t spend more time talking to you. |
Dan Phillips
Like everyone here has mentioned, I have so many stories about Dave. I knew him as a friend, landlord, contractor, employer and “the guy who built my house”. How does everyone have so many stories about him? He really lived I suppose.
I’ll give you one of my favorites.
Dave and I went to Davis cup together in Montreal to see Canada take on South Africa. Dave dressed in full S.A. gear and we got 3rd row tickets to see the full day. Dave was screaming so loud in the first match he was warned by the umpire. As the day progressed it got hot. Dave was wearing jeans and decided they were too much. Keep in mind he is the only person in a large crowd cheering for another country so he is the center of attention between points. He pulls out a large pocket knife and the people around us move back just a bit. He proceeds to cut his jeans into jean shorts… one leg was down past the knee and the other was well above. At this point he decided to go and convince Milos Raonic (who was watching at this point) to come to his tennis club in S.A. and play a charity tournament to fundraise. I told him “there is no way security is going to let you near him”. Sure enough he walks right up to Milos and starts chatting him up. I would love to tell you that Milos agreed but he didn’t. At the end of the day the S.A. coach gave Dave the jersey off his back and told him he could have free tickets to watch Sunday. Unfortunately we couldn’t stay and Dave had lost his voice hours ago anyway. He was one of a kind. I’m really going to miss him.
Jess Lyall
David, Grampa Dave, Lucas….a man of many names. To me, he’s Lucas. I’ve known him my whole life. He’s family. My parents count him as one of their oldest and closest friends. As kids, Meag and I had countless sleepovers in one of Lucas’ many unusual homes. We spent hours in the most amazing treehouse he built. I always thought maybe he’d help build my dream house one day. We spent summers by the pond, winters running from the sauna into the snow.
He’d come over for a holiday dinner and we’d find him asleep somewhere shortly thereafter. But he could always rally and make good comeback!
He loved his family and friends, and especially his grandchildren, fiercely. I will miss him, but I’m lucky to have had him in my life. And I’m amazed at how many others he’s touched. Keep the stories coming!
Ásdís Ásgeirsdóttir
My memory of Grampa Dave
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Sarah
| Share stories they asked, yes, no, I dont know, well maybe… but I’m not a story teller, he was. Oh yes he was. I never admited but fuck it was sooo long when he started… ! Never ended, I liked to listen to him though, sharing his adventurous life, saying how deeply he loved his family and friends, how stupid they were sometimes, so sorry. I loved it and hated it too, just like him now… I wanted to leave and come back hours after, just to hear the end. Blablablabla (*sip of whisky*)… humm (*thinking* – probably trying to remember where he stopped, but with style) …. Yes, so humm… blablablabla, and hummm, well you know… blablabla… (*stopped*) : – « hey, senorita, do you have your tobacco, can I roll one ciggi ? », he said with his whiskyish voice, hoarsed. – « of course, buddy, anytime » – « mer.ci, beau.coup », smiling with his eyes squint. Just wanted to tell him, “- let me roll it for you so you can finish your story MF ! “ Haaaa fuck me and my impatience, but fuck you too ! What about now ? I wish I could still listen to your stories right now, listening your unforgettable laugh, you nasty Santa Claus ! Asking me for a ciggi, I was a bit disappointed when you came back from Canada with your own rolling tobacco… And finally, leaving your cutie smally friendly Cosy Lodge, letting you sleep, putting your blanket on, turning off your stupid speaker, squeezing your still on fire cigarette from your hand, kissing you good night, turning off the light, and closing the door… “Hasta mañana” he would have said My memory is full of stories with him, I remember how he recognized me for the first time in the street, just landing somewhere close to the main road, how he hardly squeezed my back and how impressed I was about this guy, like something is different with him, probably something is wrong ? I mean, when I met him, their friends, presented him to me, like he was the guy who only react when you talk about pussies ! But fuck, I loved you, I will never stop, and look now who do not stop either talking ? I could continue hours and hours speaking about you… but its hard, it makes it too real… I don’t want to listen to your stories anymore, I don’t want to hear the end… I miss you so much, you MF ! I’m so grateful to have had you in my life, for all that you brought to me… thank you ! Tabernacle, Love you Grampa <3 |
Anja
Dear Dave. I’m sad since I have heard that the world’s without you now. Yet I didn’t feel entitled to write any lines for you before because we only shared our lunch table for about ten days in May, in the home that Æsa and Þráinn always offer us to come to when we return. But I am not only sad for the sake of some of the best people I know; the people who could not but grin from ear to ear every morning when you crawled out of your trailor – curious, provoking, but always with a loving blink in your eyes, determined to face whatever adventure the new day was going to bring. Had to bring, to be more precise. I am sad because you cared. You didn’t know who I was and where I came from, but you cared so effortlessly in a way that I find rare. I’m not an easy person to chat with, I’m aware of that, my head’s a rough place and I feel like the world has left me nothing to say. Everything has been said far too often. But you saw me, and you trusted me to get where I was heading to, not expecting me to be there already. Yuck, that sounds cryptic. But you would know what I mean, and I was so thankful for that.
Sometimes the gist of it all doesn’t lie in big stories. Sometimes it’s those things that go almost unnoticed that make a day better for someone. You were the last one who threw my girl in the air, because her dad never does. Then you hugged us, went off and left us laughing because Ella almost hit her head on the ceiling. You always aimed high, and you were prepared to die doing so; you would not allow anything to hold you down. You were, and still are, an inspiration for so many. So, thanks. For making a lot of days better. /A.
Spyros Paizes
| A piece of my heart is broken, but thanks for sharing your heart with us… U will be in our hearts forever MF!!
So many wonderful stories of this old goat… I remember picking him up one night late at the airport here in South Africa, he had one request, “BRING me beers MF for the ride home”…. He emerged from the arrival area wearing his jeans and an embroidered denim jacket, looking like a hippie who had a huge party the night before and he proceeded to tell me of the mushrooms he brought with, but was never phased about customs as he would have mentioned that he went camping the night before and somehow they landed in his sleeping bag. Lived life to the fullest and had time for all.. The last two days have been tough, knowing you won’t be here with us anymore, but today I smile, for I got to meet a wonderful man who was like a dad to me… my man crush… always in my heart MF!!! |
Ann Blackburn
Dave was a true Renaissance man. He was always up for any adventure and he always had a great story or two to tell. A favourite was how he lost his index finger by chopping it off with a posthole digger and of course then the dog ate it!!!
I knew him when he lived on Ronson Road near Mountain, Ontario, Canada. He built many beautiful eco-friendly homes in our area with his company, Solstar Enterprises.
I still own the home we bought from him in 1989 where Meaghan grew up . My son now lives there happily in the woods!
When he moved to South Africa to be closer to Meaghan and her family we kind of lost touch but I will never forget him. So sorry we did not have a chance to reconnect in person but I’m sure we will meet again one day.
My thoughts, prayers, best wishes and heartfelt memories are with you, Meaghan and all who knew him!! XO
Bea Escolar
I’ll miss this awesome, Canadian MF.
|
Al Collis
| Para Hiking BC style
Grampa Dave came into my life a handfull of years ago. To start with I didnt know that Lucas was Grampa Dave but never the less the old fella was very likable. We flew from the same launch and drank beer and scotch together at the LZ. |
Dan Lacelle
| Dave was an amazing guy, I always new him as Lucas, a nick name he had back here so many years ago, a quality builder of signature homes with his company Solstar. You couldn’t meet a more upbeat optimistic person, always had a good word to say, always ready for a party, so many people in this world are better off for having had Dave in their life. I’d like to think he’s standing at a bar up there having a drink with his and my old buddy Terry Peacock. Meaghan was blessed to have such a man for her dad, my condolences. |
Àstrid Bierge
| Hell I did, Grampa
I can remember the first time I saw you as if you were right now standing in front of me. You wiggled your hipps to some rocky chords while setting up the barbecue stuff. “I’m Dave”, you said offering me your friendly and hard-skinned hand, “but you can call me Grampa”. Despite your bended body posture, your half-closed eyes and your slow pace talking, I could immediately feel the powerfull energy you emitted. “Okay, so you’ve really got something here”, I thought, and since I don’t think that very often, I just went for it and started unwrapping you with tones of questions. You talked me about Canada, mostly about how you would be swimming in some lake if you were there, a plan I later learned how much you were obssessed with 🙂 That was the first time. The last time I saw you, MF, you were also wiggling your hipps. With your “dancing shoes”. Even now I can’t help laughing about them. In the meantime, other than the partying, I like to remember the two times I got to be alone with you. The day before you left to your beloved Canada and the day after you came back from it. The first time we barely talked. Basically, it took you like 45 minutes to prepare 4 sandwiches for your trip. You were so concentrated, so sweet. I tried engaging you into a conversation but you were in your yep-nope mode so I just enjoyed watching you. A couple of times you lifted your eyes and kindly smiled at me, as if you were thanking me for being fine with silence. I took this picture of you that day, the only one I have. I’m so glad I came to visit you when you came back. This time we did have a proper conversation. You were a discrete and delicate person, not the asking private questions type, but still, you had this cozy-sofa-soul that made me want to open up to you. And I did, and I’d like to think you did too. You told me about how happy you were with the way you had changed during the last few years, and about how you were still working on learning and growing and challenging yourself out of the comfort zone. We also talked about how true love comes from freedom and about how so many people get it wrong by loving in a possessive manner, blocking the free will of the people they say to love. PD: Can’t really guarantee I’ll think of you every time I drink Scotch whisky. Just like, for obvious numerical reasons. But I’m sure you’ll understand, buddy 🙂 |
Spyros Paizes
A piece of my heart is broken, but thanks for sharing your heart with us… U will be in our hearts forever MF!!
So many wonderful stories of this old goat…
I remember picking him up one night late at the airport here in South Africa, he had one request, “BRING me beers MF for the ride home”…. He emerged from the arrival area wearing his jeans and an embroidered denim jacket, looking like a hippie who had a huge party the night before and he proceeded to tell me of the mushrooms he brought with, but was never phased about customs as he would have mentioned that he went camping the night before and somehow they landed in his sleeping bag.
Lived life to the fullest and had time for all..
The last two days have been tough, knowing you won’t be here with us anymore, but today I smile, for I got to meet a wonderful man who was like a dad to me… my man crush… always in my heart MF!!!
Meaghen “Daughter”
It’s been three days since you passed and I wake up every morning thinking you are playing one of your jokes on me. I have so many stories to share but no words right now. I just want you to know that hundreds of people will be celebrating your life on Saturday, August 19th in a fashion truly deserved of you. Despite your wishes, we cannot help but be sad. But between the sadness has been a lot of laughter, a shit tonne of beers and a few hangovers. Fuck you dad. I love you.
Asta
I know you wouldn’t want me to be sad right now and keep laughing, having fun and enjoying life like you did. I’m doing my best, hopefully the tears shed while writing this will be my last for you. From now on I will try my best to share love and happiness around in your honor.
You were such an inspiration, just wish I had had more meaningful conversations with you. I know there was so much more to learn from you. At least I got to share beers with you and a scotch or two. We also danced like no one was watching on more than one occasion. Very much appreciated!
No regrets!
Love Asta.
Ann Blackburn
Dave was a true Renaissance man. He was always up for any adventure and he always had a great story or two to tell. A favourite was how he lost his index finger by chopping it off with a posthole digger and of course then the dog ate it!!!
I knew him when he lived on Ronson Road near Mountain, Ontario, Canada. He built many beautiful eco-friendly homes in our area with his company, Solstar Enterprises.
I still own the home we bought from him in 1989 where Meaghan grew up . My son now lives there happily in the woods!
When he moved to South Africa to be closer to Meaghan and her family we kind of lost touch but I will never forget him. So sorry we did not have a chance to reconnect in person but I’m sure we will meet again one day.
My thoughts, prayers, best wishes and heartfelt memories are with you, Meaghan and all who knew him!! XO
Gon Granja
Grampa Dave, was one of those persons you notice inmediately you enter into a room, those iconic legends that only with his presence can tell something.
Wisdom words, irony humor and pure heart… no filter needed
Time to time he used to send me random tracks of his favorite music by Facebook, something not usual, but totally special and unique like him,
I feel blessed to meet this guy, will always remember this human with a big smile
RIP im sure youre with Lemmy rockin’up there
Gísli Steinar Jóhannesson
This guy left a big gap in my heart, I would love to have him here to get me through these rough times. I don’t have many pictures of us together but I thank Corinne for this one. Many stories to come. Life is too short for a long story.
Patrycja Pati Makowska
Never give up! Never stop looking for the very best! Never stop yourself making a step to be kind to others!
Never stand there saying: “I am doing quite well middle size!” You have to be top size. Kindness and braveness – this is a way of life.
Every day is the first day of the rest of your life! It is really important that you make every day count!
Go step by step.
Thank you Grampa for this, you know …
Love you so much!
It was an honor for me to be your friend (Icelandic daughter)
Your Pati
Gísli Steinar Jóhannesson
I need someone to fuck up Dave. This is how our chat ended on messenger, pure love.
Gussi
One early morning in May I was heading to Amsterdam to pick up Grandpa Dave, he was coming back to Iceland after having spent the winter in South Africa.
We had good tailwind and arrived 20 minutes ahead of schedule in Amsterdam and after landing I went inside the terminal to say hi to Grandpa but he was nowhere to be found so I went back on board the airplane to prepare for the departure and got the news from my copilot that the fueling guy was for some reason unable to get any fuel inside our fuel tanks so we had to call a ground mechanic to look at the problem.
All this would take some time and we where looking at a least one hour delay.
Finely refueling was started and I gave the ground staff OK for passengers boarding and rushed back into the terminal to find Grandpa, who was nowhere to be found as before so I went to the check in desk and told the lady there, I was expecting a friend of mine to be on the flight and wanted to know if he had already checked in or not.
No problem said the lovely lady at the desk, what is your friends name?
“Grandpa Dave” aaahhh fuck, what was Grandpa’s real name?;
So I said to the lady, sorry I have to hurry and went back on board and hoped the old man would show up in time.
A little later fueling was complete and almost all the passenger where on board, only one guy missing and the ground staff was already looking for his checked-in luggage to off load, if he did not show up pretty soon.
Aaaahhh fuck you MF it looked like I had to leave the MF behind I thought and stood up from my seat to have a look at back of the airplane and there I saw him, this rugged old man he had just entered the plane slightly intoxicated and had a problem getting past one of the flight attendants who did not want to allow him to enter Saga Class and visit me in the cockpit, I signaled her to let him go and met him halfway in the middle of an almost full Saga Class, where he gave me a big hug, held me tight in his strong arms and said quite loudly in his strong whisky voice.
“HIEE GUSSI HOW THE FUCK ARE YOU, YOU MOTHER FUCKER AND WHY IN THE FUCK ARE YOU SO LATE?
Gunnar Steinn
I miss sitting with you having breakfast at Norður-Vík.. I miss how you would say “So are we not very social today?” when I did not sit in the chair next to you and you would move to the next chair and come closer… I miss you telling me how proud you where of your daughter… I miss your music… I miss waiting behind the corner and startle you, and get some good belly pokes in, before you did… I miss wrestling with you… I miss telling you how much I like the rain, and get your eyes to roll… I miss how you treated Iða… I miss offering you my special coffee and you saying no every time … The memories make me cry now… And I don´t do that very often… But the tears are full of life… they are good… they are meaningful… So where you… I miss you MF.
Anita Hafdís Björnsdóttir
I first met Grampa Dave because Pete thought the best way to get out of trouble for messing up his first Paragliding lesson appointment, would be to send him a blonde Icelandic chick. So off I went, in a beat up old pick-up truck, to the adventure it was to meet Dave for the first time.
Being new to South African roads it took me an hour to find Dave, but finally found him waiting patiently, and Pete was right. We then spent the day paradriving between Cape Town and Hermanus, looking for a suitable place to groundhandle. I can’t remember if we got any training done or where we ended up exactly, but I remember we had the best time being in the moment and each others company.
Everytime I met Dave was a new adventure. He knew how to dance like no one was watching, and I think that is what I love most about him 
💔
Everybody who knew him has a story, please share it on this website:
Jon von der Heyden
I have a number of fond memories of Grampa Dave. My favourite perhaps when we spent time on SIV. It was there that he invented some new acro figure, the c-line stall. He was unable to get properly seated because of his life jacket and this seemed to have some effect on the stall. The recovery was quite spectacular and we all had a great laugh about it later that evening at the camp fire.
I have lots of fond memories of GD and I’m really going to miss following his outrageous adventures.
Raimo
Guardian angel Grampa Dave found me, scratched me from the ground, cheered me up and put me into the hospital in Hermanus after my wing wouldn’t fly any more. We enjoyed the beer he smuggled into the hospital and his warm words which made my unfortunate stay fly by. His daughter and he welcomed my wife in their home during these days and were a really strong support! It’s desperately sad that he is gone now but at least he died doing what he has loved! You will always have a place in our heart!
Svein Kåre Tjelta
He planed to visit me in Norway next year. We were talking about driving around in my old Mustang. Our gliders and the car filled up With bear. He often sent me musick , blues. He sent it to me all the time when i were on my work on the oilrig. I went to Yellowknife in Canada in june, but i didnt had time to wisit him. A great guy. A good friend. I wish Peace over his memorie. I wish you a great flight to Vallhalla my dear friend.
Terina Rheeder
Miss
You were not only a friend, but a father to me. Always a kind word. Always understanding. Always supporting. Thank you for your wisdom, kindness, love,life lessons and friendship. You were one hell of a friend and a great inspiration.
There will be a lamb chop for you on the braai on those days that I miss you and I know will be there in spirit to enjoy
In my heart for always MF
You are a legend
Tamzyn
I called him GPD ( GramPaDave) I can hear his gruff voice in my head tonight, it’s mostly laughter I hear. I don’t believe the passed hear what we post on Facebook but I have to say I’m kinda cross with you GPD! I know you’re all around those who instantly miss you, even though we didn’t see you everyday. I will never forget you and neither will the friends you made everywhere you went. Stay close to Izzy and Meag xxxxxx
Mae
Grandpa Dave was as genuine as they come. Every so often I would receive a song in my inbox from him. I would always take a moment to listen. I will dearly miss those gestures and cherish every one.
“Our house is a very, very, very fine house with two cats in the yard.
Life used to be so hard. Now everything is easy ’cause of you.”
His creative mind, sense of humour, love of life and fearlessness was like no other. He left an impression and inspired you to live life to the fullest. Never, ever will he be forgotten by all of us fortunate enough to have known him and shared many laughs in his presence.
I will walk a little more on the wild side, in your honour. All my love.
Markus Andre
| When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return…..Leonardo da Vinci…. RIP Grampa. We will never forget you… Markus and Miriam |
Máni Lts
I didn’t know David F. McCord. The man I knew was Grampa Dave. Grampa Dave was a lover of life. He didn’t want to do anything except flying, sharing and living to the fullest. He didn’t care much for material comfort: a trailer, some music, a bottle of whisky and some friends to share it with were enough for him. I knew him only for two summers, but now I’m heartbroken. And we all are. That’s how much of a character he was. No matter how little we knew him, we all felt something special for him. Now he’s flown to meet the great MF in the sky, and we have to share all the things we knew about him together, to keep his spirit alive in our hearts. Get high or die flyin’.