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Daniel Watton
June 3, 2011
David,
Let me start of saying we all miss you and love you with all of our hearts.
Recently, I invited you to the Police Memorial Breakfast, which was on May 15, 2011, something which I hold dear to my heart. When I spoke with you about coming to the breakfast this year to see what I helped to organize and to see me as the commander of the honor guard, you said that you would be there; however, just like everything in our lives the day came and other commitments came up. I was truly hoping that you could be there, as I also wanted you to be proud of me.
On May 17, 2011 at around 9:00 p.m. my doorbell rang. You know me; I was already tucked in bed at this time. When I went to the door, I saw that it was Father Wintek from the Police and Fire Chaplains Division. For some strange reason, I thought that Father was there to talk with me about the service and just to say thanks. Then he asked if he could step into the house. At that time my life stopped and I knew something was wrong. Father then told me what had happened. From that point forward, my life and emotions felt as if I was riding around with you again in your car, a roller coaster. I have tried to be strong throughout this process, but many of hours have been in tears recalling the events of our lives.
You were the first to be brought into the family by mom and dad in 1970. In 1972 you had a visitor who put a damper in your life, at which time I was born. From that day on our lives have been nothing but a big competition. You always had to be sure that I knew that you were oldest boy in the family; trust me I realize it. We spent the first portion of years growing up standing next to each other. I remember you walked me to school, usually kicking me all the way. I sit back and remember all the street baseball games that we did in the neighborhood, where you taught me how to slide on blacktop, the road rash still hurts. You then taught me how to ice skate on thin ice and gave me my first experience with winter survival. I remember the days of fishing in the ocean and hunting for clams with grandma. I remember swimming in the ocean and playing with the jellyfish and horseshoe crabs. I remember when we ran away from home together, and made it to the Stop and Go and hid behind the building, we had no plan, we just wanted to be together. During this time, Aaron and Brad came into the family. Boy, this made for a crowded house; we were always roomed together. Dave was good with exterior decoration, as he showed all of us how to scotch tape box elder bugs to the side of the house. Grandma had a hard time cleaning those off with the hose.
Then came Boy Scouts you taught me how to snipe hunt. I never found the snipes and stood there for over an hour just waiting for you to push them to me. Many days and weekends were spent camping in the wilderness and canoeing. Recently you came to me and ask about going back to boundary waters to relive our memories; I guess I have to put that on hold.
In high school, I had to live up to the standards of you. Everyone knew you and I was suppose to be just like you. That never happened. You helped to teach me how to be a stunt driver and showed me how to properly crash the car without getting hurt. I remember the water fights from within the house, where we tried to flood mom and dad’s house. You taught me how to make apple sauce through the use of Aaron and Bradley’s body, the harder you throw the apples at them the better the texture of the sauce. You taught me discipline through our years in ROTC. You were my platoon commander and that was awful painful. I used to go to school hoping that it was not going to be another day of doing the dying cockroach in front of everyone. I was so proud of you Dave, you became the ROTC Commander of all of the Rockford Schools. Thank You for giving me rides to school, I now was an embarrassment to your image during this time.
We started to separate as Scott Rowe became your best friend / brother. I remember you could not wait to get home only to leave the house and run off with Scott for a Baseball Game, Basketball Game or Football Game. You found your best friend, who stayed by your side. Then you left for the Army Reserve and College. This is when we started to separate; your life went one direction and mine the other.
When our father passed away, you told me that you were the oldest and was going to be there as Dad would have been. You brought two wonderful women into our family, in which I know you loved them both dearly. Many good times and memories were made with Rhonda and Janet. Our family brought them in without hesitation and I was so proud of you, and proud to have them as my sisters.
I sit back and watch you playing cards with grandma; she was always your partner. It was kind of funny when your competiveness came out in a simple card game, if you lost the game you would be frustrated, but you always told grandma, before you left, that you love her. Grandma lost her partner and best friend, as you play spades in heaven.
David we had our differences; however, any time we bumped heads (as we are both very head strong) you forgave me and we moved on. You wanted the Family to be proud of your accomplishments and trust me we were. I wish I had your heart and brains, so my life would be easier. I want to let you know that we Love you and will miss you, you always be in my heart and my memories. I know Dad is in Heaven with you, have fun camping with him. Can you also save a spot on your baseball team for me; I would make a good water boy, because as you know I stink at sports.
Olivia told me she will miss your Deep Voice and she does not have to worry about you taking her baby blanket anymore. She cherished the gatherings where you let her, as well as Cierra and Cerenity, play “hop on Uncle Dave”. She also asked me about her Pearls for her necklace; can you still get them for her?
David, don’t ever forget I was, and always will be, Proud of you. It was and will always be an honor for me to say that you are my brother. You will be greatly missed by everyone in our family and your Wisconsin Family.
I love you brother,
Love Dan
Rhonda Rowe
May 29, 2011
I'll always think of David as a young boy running all over New Milford with Scott and playing endless hours of wiffleball in the empty lot next to our house. As he grew into a man I loved to hear him talk cause I loved his deep voice & laugh. I know Scott will be lost without you. Deepest sympathy to your mom, brothers & grandma.
Tom Zillig
May 26, 2011
Dave was a great guy. I got to know him thru his good buddy Scott. I will never forget the bratwurst and golf towel incident at Aldeen golf course. My sincere condolences to his family and all his friends. He will be missed.
May 25, 2011
Mary, Aaron and Brad - I am so sorry for your loss. Our families go back to Troop 429 and am blessed to have crossed paths with you over the years. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. I am so sorry that I was unable to attend the visitation or the funeral but if you need anything - just call. Gpd Bless Patti Dole
Scott Rowe
May 25, 2011
David and I were almost at one time glued together at the hip. He moved into the neighborhood when he and I were about 12 years old and we quickly became best friends. I have so many great memories that I shared with Dave. He and his family are very close to my heart. We played countless hours of wiffle ball together among so so many other things. I pushed David and He pushed me to be the best at whatever it was we were doing. To this day people wonder why I am so competitive and cant stand to finish less then first... now you know. Almost 30 years later and he and I could still share anything with each other. One of my favorite memories with David is going to County Stadium to watch a ballgame, we would go hours before the game started and be the first two people to walk into the gate, of course I was the 1st to walk in but he was right behind me. Your always gonna be a big part of me and Im gonna miss you so much! Love you Buddy!
Maryellen Przybyla
May 24, 2011
I got to know David in my last year at Legion when he was always willing to share his Reinsurance and Accounting knowledge and expertise to help our department with the systems we were asked to develop. I was very shocked and sad to hear of David's death which was, much too early. I want to offer my condolences and prayers to his family and friends.
May 24, 2011
I met Dave as a customer and a friend of Matt "Dubbs". He became my friend and then my boss. He believed in me, as I did him.He had a good heart and was a kind soul. He truly loved all his family and often talked about the pearls for his nieces.From a Famous Quote- "He left footprints on my heart,
and I will never be the same.My friend, I love you.
April Keller
May 24, 2011
We knew David through the New Berlin Ale House and Lee's. Between the two places we all got to know him very well and looked forward to all of summer's upcoming events. David was a great friend and will be missed by all of us. We are so sorry for your loss.
April Keller, Tricia Strege, Sam Nelson and Shelly Sweeney
Gregg Frederick
May 24, 2011
I knew David through working with him at Legion Insurance Company in both Philadelphia and Milwaukee. We were all shocked by his sudden death his promising future being cut short. God Bless David and all of his beloved family and friends in this time of sorrow and loss.
Matt & Kelly Wicinski
May 24, 2011
David -
You meant so much to Matt and I. You were a huge part of our life and memories. You will be greatly missed.
To the Watton Family - you are in our hearts and prayers.
Tim Forseth
May 24, 2011
I worked with Dave at lee's cleveland pub and grill. I also helped Dave manage his wireless phones for the business, I am gonna miss you man
Erica and Jeff Neuberger
May 23, 2011
We met David through his wonderful wife Janet. He was a great conversationalist and one of those guys everyone wanted to hang out with. We will miss his smile and personality.
Laura Carlson-Ellis
May 23, 2011
I grew up with the Watton family in New Milford. I am so sorry to hear of the family's loss.
Kelly Brown
May 23, 2011
I worked with David as one of his bankers. I am saddened to hear of his passing. God Bless him and his family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kelly A. Brown
Bob Ostoich
May 22, 2011
I worked with Dave at Legion Insurance and played softball with him. Sorry to hear about his passing. He left way too young.
May 22, 2011
You are now in the arms of
our Blessed savior. Sending my love and prayers to the family. Aunt Jackie, Ellen, Kathy, Rosanne, Mike and all the rest of the family.
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