David Humphrey        home

1953 - 2006

A Reflection: Gerry Doyle

We heard many beautiful tributes at Dave's funeral.

So I can add but little to what has already been said.

But perhaps I could ask, "What would Dave say to us now? What message would he want us to hold in our hearts?

David Humphrey had one especially profound view of life. And his friend Gay reminded me of it. Dave would frequently say, "Live Your Dream"

In Dave's heart was a dream of freedom and friendship,

Which could not be tied down by the thousand cares of life,

Which seem to burden most of us.

He knew that life consists of winning and loosing. And in his life he had experienced many smiles and, sometimes, a few tears  - but he believed that life was too short to dwell on sadness.

His flying was such a wonderful symbol of his life and his message to us. He slipped the bonds of gravity; the bonds of earth that imprison so many of us.

He wheeled and soared high in the sunshine. Hovering there like an eagle or a lark. Listening to the earth. Bracing himself and soaring above the forests and the sea.

And seeing Life shining, like a light, through every moment, through every breath.

If Dave's life has a message for us it is surely

"Live your dream, it doesn't matter what your dream may be, but don't allow anything to hold you down, launch out!"

And perhaps it was

In the delirious blue,

In the wind swept heights,

In the deep beauty of sun and clouds,

That David could put out his hand

And touch the face of his God….

And we're happy for that.

God bless and keep you Dave, Amen.