David J. Thibodeau

Dave. Sues Dad.

When I saw Dave, it was almost always together with Sue. Not in some weird, enmeshed way, rather in a quiet, just-the-way-it-is kind of way. They lived in the same Home - not like Dads in the basement or the in-law quarters or in the little guest quarters in the back but together at Home. Walking in there, it felt like everyone gladly shared the space, the light, the benefits. If anything, they seemed to live around the intrinsic known that Daves well-being was essential to their own.

The they is that Randy was there too of course, not a secondary player, equally responsible for the commitment to heart and home. Sues devoted husband strong and steady and smart. Its easier to see how two people could make a nice arrangement at home work so well, but they did it with three. Yeah, a stool needs the third leg, but building on the dimension of three is trickier than a line of two. It just is. I guess its called family in the enlightened, best sense.

But no matter, because whatever came up, they each and in unison dealt with it in strength, and power and smarts and grace. Even when the living got scary and hard and unpleasant and powerfully, painfully real.



The first time I met Dave, the first words, were about building boats. There they were my friend Sue and Dave sitting around a café table doing the crossword and talking of boats.

Dave never showed off but shared his love of boats and especially pond boats, and more so children with pond boats. Perhaps it took him back to his own boyhood, and to raising his children, when he immersed himself in the little boats. The boats were beautiful - the pictures on cups and plates of English porcelain, the graphics of the pond boats on Victorian images. But what perhaps best was his spirit when he spoke of them and showed them to me. He loved those little boats and images, and it made me love them too. And it made me know and share a special place in him.



If you build a boat, you know that it comes alive as you go. Not just the form, but it actually warms under the hand, it rounds and fills out, it takes on its own scent and color. No matter the plan, each plank, each cut, each day and decision make it unique. Its void becomes a calm yet exciting sanctuary waiting for you. And the day comes to unite it with body and water - and the world is good on those days. Dave knew all of that so well.

And boats, since they are organic and alive in their own way, change and grey and crack and creak as they go through time. They become seasoned with their experience. Dave knew that so well.

It is very special when metaphor blurs into reality Dave and Boats Grace and Work and Love and Dignity and Learning and Family and Moving Forward.

There was tough going at times. But calm seas make lousy sailors. And excellent sailors use the rough seas to take them safely Home.
From a close family Friend
You will be missed

Dave, I have such fond memories of your smile and will always remember your calm and kind personality. You will be missed by many. May the love and strength that you have given to your family help them through this difficult time.

I will always remember Uncle Dave's great sense of humor and his gentle ways. Sailing with the family when I was young was so enjoyable. May all of you keep him close to your hearts. Much love, Jeanne Thibodeau McMenimen

Dad - you taught your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren well. We will always be ready to approach any problem, to appreciate an old house, to sail the seas, admire the lines of a classic yacht. But most of all to keep our loved ones near and to keep our hearts young.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Praying for your family. Aunt Linda.

The first time I met your father, he showed me the one person craft he was building. It was beyond fine craftsmanship...it was a work of art and I teared up marveling at the masterpiece he created. He was an amazing man who will be missed by everyone he touched, even momentarily.
I was honored and humbled to have been so lucky to have known him.

Thank you Dave, for all the strength and knowledge you have given Sue and Claudia. You have given them the tools to live an inspired life.. You have left a positive footprint.

Dad, the best father and mentor a daughter could have had. You will be with me always. I know you have the sun at your back and the salt air spraying in your face as you sail into your next adventure. I hope to be as brave and determined as you for the rest of my life.
Love Susan

David Sr., your legacy of kindness keeps all of us closer in our minds and hearts. Rest-in-Peace.

Rest In Peace Uncle Dave.
You were always patient and a gentleman to me. God Bless You.
John Thibodeau, Lexington, MA