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David BAME Obituary

BAME, David Harry "Dave," age 70, of Lutz passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2015 in his home. He was born on October 2, 1944 in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Col-gate University, where he was an All American base-ball player. Dave had a sales and mar-keting career with Proctor & Gamble and then Acosta Sales, and at both he was greatly respected for his relationships, integrity, and leadership. He married Cathy Cullens in 1988, and together they built a God-centered family, active at Van Dyke Church. Dave was the ultimate side-line supporter and coach, at softball and volleyball games, golf tournaments, dance recitals, and horse-back riding events. He served as President of the Steinbrenner HS Athletic Association, and enjoyed Florida State games and tailgating, golf, tennis, travel, and being a good neighbor. At Van Dyke, he taught children's Sunday School, volunteered in youth and men's ministry, and led parenting classes. He was known as the Tool Man within the annual com-munity outreach, RIOT, and as the grill master at mission and fundraising events in the church, com-munity, and beyond. He mentored and supported youth, young adults, and people in grief with his wise counsel and loving spirit. Most recently he served the Robles Park community, often worshipping at Cross-over Church, where the Robles residents were embraced. Dave will be remembered for his faith, having a big heart for ser-ving other, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cathy Cullens Bame and their two daugh-ters, Katie and Cary Anne Bame; sisters, Wendy Zimmerman (Tom) and Gayle Perry (Bruce); Jodi Bame Crawford, Debbie Bame Marley, Heidi Bame Valenti, and seven grand-children. A Celebration of Life for Dave Bame will be Tuesday, 7:00 PM, Van Dyke United Methodist Church Worship Center, 17030 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558. Visita-tion in the Gathering Area will be at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Van Dyke Church, Care Ministries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Jul. 19, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David BAME

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Denise Grestini

July 28, 2015

Cathy & girls it was my pleasure to have worked with Dave for the past 5 yrs and to have gotten to know one of the best men I have ever met. He was kind, considerate and compassionate and will be sorely missed by his Acosta family.
I also had the pleasure of having lunch with him the last day of his life and I will be forever grateful for that special time with that special guy
we love you Dave

Linda Okeefe

July 27, 2015

I had the honor and priveledge of working with Dave at Acosta for many years I have never meant such a great man, husband and father He was such an inspiration to all of us and never had a cross word to say about anything or anybody Prayers to his wife and children. God Bless.

Michael Blackwood Sr.

July 26, 2015

We will miss a beloved neighbor in the Heritage Harbor G&C community. I appreciated the few minutes he would share me with during my after dinner walks. He shared great wisdom of god,sports,life and family.

God Bless the Bame family,

Michael Blackwood Sr.

Charlie Ackerman

July 25, 2015

I am very sad to hear of Dave's passing. I met Dave when I moved to Jacksonville into The Woods community in 1979, and we became tennis partners. Dave was very competitive,and I enjoyed playing tennis with him. Our children were close in ages,and we got together socially as well. The last time I saw him was in New Orleans at the UF/FSU Sugar Bowl game where I learned he was living in Tampa. It is very hard to believe he is gone. Blessings, prayers, and peace to all his family.

Marjie Adcock

July 24, 2015

Cathy - Although I never met Dave I can only imagine how wonderful a husband, father and a dedicated man of God he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Always, Marjie Ertler - Adcock

Heidi Anne Bame Valenti

July 24, 2015

My name is Heidi and I am Dave Bames third yougest daughter from his first marriage. I have many great memories of the time I spent with my dad as a young girl. I remember my dad coaching me on the tennis team and the softball team. We spent hour after hour hitting tennis balls and fielding ground balls.
I was a complete tom-boy which was the closest thing dad ever had to a boy of his own.
After practices I remember very special times when we would go to the gas station and he would let me make cheri-cokes. I was so excited when he would let me sit in his lap and control the steering wheel as soon as we were back inside the community guard gate. I remember dad taking me and my friends to camp Immokalee and embarrassing me by chanting all the way to central Florida welcome to camp Immokalee where we love to eat our broccoli.
I remember that my dad would have to work weekends sometimes. I would love to go in to the office with him and be his big helper. I would sharpen his pencils and get snacks for us out of the snack machine.
I remember going to visit Grandpa Harry and Pauline. On one of our visits, I was sick but dad wanted to go skiing so I pretended to feel good enough to go. Against mom's advice I bundled up we hit the bunny slopes. I was so sick and weak that day that I could not hold onto the rope-pull ski-lift and it slipped out of my hands and I took out my sister Debbie next to me and Jody and my dad behind us. They had to stop the lift and clear us out of the way and we went back to Grandpa Harry's and Pauline's to thaw out and eat some of Pauline's warm, delicious cookies.
Dad and I would play ping pong, swim in our pool and work together in his rose garden that he loved. I was a true daddy's girl. He used to call me his littlest Angel.
As I grew older our living situation changed our relationship changed as well. We spoke less often however we always had an unspoken bond that only a father and daughter can have.
Dad retired a few weeks ago and said that he really wanted to reunite. My older sister and I looked forward to reuniting with him later this month. Dad was excited about the idea of meeting and beginning a relationship with all 7 of his wonderful grandchildren.
Fate had other plans for us. Unfortunately my dad will never meet my children. He will never meet Jodi's children and will never meet his daughter Debbie's children. This is the tragic truth that we will have to accept. When I found out that Dad passed, I asked all of the unanswerable questions such as Why dad?, why now?, is there truly an afterlife when we will finally get to reunite?
I finally concluded that what I can control is that I can learn a valuable lesson from this tragedy. I've learned not to put off reuniting with loved ones. I've learned that making up tomorrow and mending relationships tomorrow is not a valid plan as it is evident that tomorrow may never come.
I'm not surprised that I am still learning lessons from you dad.
I will always have a special place in my heart for you dad.
I love you dad!
Your littlest Angel

Me abd my Dad in Buffalo, NY

July 24, 2015

July 24, 2015

My name is Heidi AnneBame and I am Dave Bames third youngest daughter from his first marriage. I have many great memories of the time I spent with my dad as a young girl. I remember my dad coaching me on the tennis team and the softball team. We spent hour after hour hitting tennis balls and fielding ground balls.
I was a complete tom-boy which was the closest thing dad ever had to a boy of his own.
After practices I remember very special times when we would go to the gas station and he would let me make cheri-cokes. I was so excited when he would let me sit in his lap and control the steering wheel as soon as we were back inside the community guard gate. I remember dad taking me and my friends to camp Immokalee and embarrassing me by chanting all the way to central Florida welcome to camp Immokalee where we love to eat our broccoli.
I remember that my dad would have to work weekends sometimes. I would love to go in to the office with him and be his big helper. I would sharpen his pencils and get snacks for us out of the snack machine.
I remember going to visit Grandpa Harry and Pauline. On one of our visits, I was sick but dad wanted to go skiing so I pretended to feel good enough to go. Against mom's advice I bundled up we hit the bunny slopes. I was so sick and weak that day that I could not hold onto the rope-pull ski-lift and it slipped out of my hands and I took out my sister Debbie next to me and Jody and my dad behind us. They had to stop the lift and clear us out of the way and we went back to Grandpa Harry's and Pauline's to thaw out and eat some of Pauline's warm, delicious cookies.
Dad and I would play ping pong, swim in our pool and work together in his rose garden that he loved. I was a true daddy's girl. He used to call me his littlest Angel.
As I grew older our living situation changed our relationship changed as well. We spoke less often however we always had an unspoken bond that only a father and daughter can have.
Dad retired a few weeks ago and said that he really wanted to reunite. My older sister and I looked forward to reuniting with him later this month. Dad was excited about the idea of meeting and beginning a relationship with all 7 of his wonderful grandchildren.
Fate had other plans for us. Unfortunately my dad will never meet my children. He will never meet Jodi's children and will never meet his daughter Debbie's children. This is the tragic truth that we will have to accept. When I found out that Dad passed, I asked all of the unanswerable questions such as Why dad?, why now?, is there truly an afterlife when we will finally get to reunite?
I finally concluded that what I can control is that I can learn a valuable lesson from this tragedy. I've learned not to put off reuniting with loved ones. I've learned that making up tomorrow and mending relationships tomorrow is not a valid plan as it is evident that tomorrow may never come.
I'm not surprised that I am still learning lessons from you dad.
I will always have a special place in my heart for you dad.
I love you dad!
Your littlest Angel

Dads 7 Grand Children Bailey 23, Olivia 9, Sydney 19, Reeve 6, Coleman 16, Blake 19 and Bryce 14.

Heidi Anne Bame Valenti

July 23, 2015

July 23, 2015

To the Bame Family. We are sad to hear of you loss with so much ahead of him. I worked with Dave over the years on various business programs and he always had a big smile, spoke of his family often and all he was looking forward to doing.

He will be greatly misssed by many. May God Bless you all during this time as you will be in our families thoughts and prayers.

Paul Hardy

Don DeLong

July 22, 2015

Cathy and girls....our heartfelt condolences go out to you in Dave's sudden passing. He carried so much life that his light will continue to shine through your spirit.God's plan is sometimes puzzling but his path for Dave was truly useful to all who crossed it. Know that he was truly a great man of faith and family and left a legacy to be proud of. May God bless you in this difficult time. Love, Don, Kathy and boys

July 21, 2015

Cathy and girls,
We were all so shocked and saddened with the news of Dave's passing. My heart goes out to you; but I know that your deep faith will carry you through this time. I enjoyed my time with you two on your Charlotte visit. What a terrific guy! Hold each other tightly and let the peace of God embrace you. Jan Byers

Lori Lyons (Hood)

July 21, 2015

My dearest Cathy I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband. I am with you in spirit on this day and praying for you and your family.

Donia Ward

July 21, 2015

I just want the whole family to know you have been in my thoughts and prayers, I can't express enough how sorry I am for your great loss. Van Dyke will not be the same without Dave's smile

Heather Whalen

July 21, 2015

My deepest sympathy for the family. I had the pleasure of knowing Dave through work. He was always so pleasant and happy when I ran into him. I was so saddened to hear of the news. He will be missed and your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Ken & Susan Dunlop

July 20, 2015

In loving memory of a wonderful God loving man, who lead by example and admired by many. Dave will be missed.

Elaine Rayborn

July 20, 2015

Dear Cathy
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service, please know I am there in Spirit and will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
May our Risen Savior give you peace and strength.

Dan & Erin Nantais

July 20, 2015

Dear Cathy and Family, I was very sorry to hear about Dave's sudden passing and you are all in my prayers. Just reading some of these rememberances tells you that Dave was a special and rare faith-filled man that I would have enjoyed knowing. May your strong faith, your trust in God and his plan, and your many family memories help you during this very difficult time.

Manny Garcia

July 20, 2015

I'm so sorry for your lost.

Heather Hand

July 20, 2015

Cathy, Katie and CA our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time. God Bless each of you!

Mike Dimitri

July 20, 2015

Cathy, girls and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Dee and the girls send you our love. Most importantly, as believers, we know that the Holy Spirit has wrapped His arms of comfort around each of you. And your precious Dave is now in the presence of the One he loved and served, Jesus Christ.
God used Dave to touch many hearts. He leaves each of you and all that knew him, many wonderful memories.
Dave was greatly used of God. I will always remember my time with Dave. He was always ready to talk of his family and his Jesus. God gave Dave a beautiful smile, a kind and friendly countenance, a selfless heart, and now a legacy that many of us should strive to follow.
We love you Dave.
Mike, Dee, Andrea, Michelle

July 20, 2015

To Cathy and Girls, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Sharon, Chelsea, Beth & Cecilia

July 20, 2015

So sorry and shocked to hear of Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rick, Val and Jenna Mallory

Milca and Orbey

July 20, 2015

Cathy, Katie, Mary Ann and Angelo. We are so sorry and very sad. Dave was a great man. He showed us how to be a better persons in only 3 days. We love you family. Our though and prayers are with you. God can keep you all in His Arms. Love and care, Milca and Orbey.

Brooke Eversoll

July 19, 2015

So sorry to hear of the passing of Dave Bame. Cathy, Katie, CA, and family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find the strength you need. Cherish the wonderful memories together. All my love, Brooke

Terry Gleason

July 19, 2015

To Cathy and her Girls - I can't find the right words ... Dave and I worked together in the Clorox/Kingsford and pasta (Ronzoni) business. I am shocked and sooo saddened by this news. My wife and I will be in Florida next February. I was going to see if we could get together. I'm so sorry I didn't reach out when I thought of it. Guess we all should "reach out" when we think of it as we may not get another chance. Dave was a FRIEND of mine. I am a better person for having known him. God bless, Dave was such a good man! I am so sorry. Terry Gleason, Woodstock, IL.

Ronnie Conrad

July 19, 2015

Cathy and girls I'm so sorry for your loss, Dave was a good friend and co-worker @ Acosta and I was so shocked when I heard the news of his passing. When I visited Dave down in Tampa 2 weeks before he retired he was so much looking forward to spending time with things he had always done and that was making people happy. He always talked about you and the girls every time I talked to him. I'm so glad that I had a chance to work with him these last 26+years and he will be missed by all. He's in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
Ronnie & Joanni Conrad Clarkesville, Ga.

Tane Wilson

July 19, 2015

So sad to say goodbye to such a tremendous human being. What a blessing you have been to so many. Thank you Dave for being there to baptize my sons with Pastor Matthew. I will forever be thankful for knowing you, Cathy, Katie and CA. Your light will continue to shine as you left a beautiful legacy.

Phyllis Lise

July 19, 2015

Dave was such a great mentor and leader. May God bless you and keep you always.
Phyllis T. Lise

Sandy and Steve Graves

July 19, 2015

Absolutely taken by surprise by this news but wonderful to know that Dave was a believer in eternal life through Christ and have always been inspired by the abundant life he enjoyed and shared with so many in his time spent here on Earth. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Searched today for a picture, a moment in time, that showed a bit of Dave's passion for mission while at the same time having fun. It has stayed in my mind for all these years. We all had just completed the Wonder Walk to benefit the Rosa Valdez and Cuscaden Children's Centers to benefit children at risk and the entire Bame family was on hand for the event, 1999 to be exact, so some very young Bames. I could not find the original...so I hope this copy from an old mission newsletter will suffice. Love you all.

July 19, 2015

Cathy & Family - we are sooo sorry to hear of your Loss. Our sincere Affection and Condolences. Mike, Jenny & Ray Nolan (Lutz, FL)

Lisa Green Akins

July 19, 2015

I am so very sorry for the loss of such a great man. His impactful life will surely be missed by all who were blessed to have known him and his family. Sending love, prayers and hugs to you all.

Laura and Clyde Meadows

July 19, 2015

We loved Dave's generous, servant heart. It was an honor for me to be in the last group of "burger babes" and watch him serve without ever needing a thank you. The Meadows will miss your smile and humble example of Christ's love.

Pamela Pores

July 19, 2015

Cathy, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family much love, prayers and positive thoughts.

janice warren

July 19, 2015

Cathy I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I know the loss that you are feeling. Ml! No no jm

Janet & Jeff Salls

July 19, 2015

The memories will be in your heart forever. So sorry to hear. I know the love of friends and family will help you through this difficult time.

JKP Hawkins

July 19, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the Bame Family. May the God of all comfort (Psalm 83:18) help you during these difficult times.

July 19, 2015

I am sorry for your loss. I fondly remember the kindness of the entire Bame family at the softball field. Dave was a wonderful and well respected person. His love for the mankind was evident in all he did.
Ellen Stancampiano ( SNOOPYS)

July 19, 2015

Dear Cathy, Roy and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss of Dave. There are no words that take away the feelings you are experiencing now. There are so many of us around you that love you. Let us be your leaning post sent from God. Love, Susan

Tom and Judy Overman

July 19, 2015

Our sincere sympathy to Cathy and family due to the passing of your dear husband, Dave. May God hold Dave in the palm of His hand until we all meet again in Glory.

Sherrie Leatherwood

July 19, 2015

Dave Bame, the most best man I will ever know. His love for his family - most inspiring. His intense intentionality in life is the best lesson for us all to learn. The way each one of us experienced him in life was clearly motivated by his unwavering devotion to God and Cathy.
All my love, hugs & prayers to Cathy, Cary Anne, Katie & Angelo

Sherrie Leatherwood

July 19, 2015

Dave Bame is the most best man I will ever know. His love for his family is most inspiring. His intense intentionality in life is the best lesson he teaches us all. His love for God motivated his every action.
All my love, hugs & prayers to Cathy, Cary Anne, Katie & Angelo, Tom, Tommy, Aunt Patty, Patricia & Trey.

Wedding Vows Renewal

Tom Cullens

July 19, 2015

A marvelous husband, father, brother, son-in-law, and brother-in-law. Your early passing, just weeks after you retired, seemingly in terrific health, with so much planned to spend time with family, helping others, and traveling, just shows that we cannot count on life to be fair. I am so grateful for your having been a part of my life, and for the countless lives that you have touched with your giving heart.

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