Cherished memories bring heartfelt tears, comforting laughter

A Celebration of the Life of Dave Niehaus

(from the printed program)

Do not stand at my grave and weep;

I am not there, I do not sleep

I am an echo in home run calls.

I am the flash of white on a well struck ball.

I am the sunlight on the outfield grass.

I am the powerful autumn home run blast.

When you jump up to a called steeerike three

I am there, yes you know me.

I am the sound of the broom after a three game weep

Swung on and belted; I am the tears on your cheek.

Rye bread and mustard, salami abound 

I am high above looking down. 

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. "My Oh My"

Rick couldn't quite make it through his initial tribute speech ...
He started to breakdown but, was able to regain his composure with "a little help from his friends" (Jay, Danny, Red and Gar stepped up on stage to show their support) and then proclaim, "Tom Hanks was wrong." (eluding to the fact that there IS crying in baseball).

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Ron, Dan, Jay and Edgar each shared their favorite funny stories and fond memories of Dave.

Dave's daughter Greta and son Andy spoke eloquently about their dad...
Both gave heartfelt tributes with glowing examples of how their father was just as kind and giving in his  family life as in his professional life - as fabulous a husband, father and grandfather as he was a broadcaster and baseball fan.  He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment spent with his family and on his job.

Dave often said, "I've never worked a day in my life."...
referring to the fact that he didn't think of his job as work, but truly felt it as a passion.  He shared that passion to with all who would listen.

And listen they did...
Marlaina Lieberg, a representative for the Washington Council of the Blind also spoke, describing how Dave was able to bring the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of the game of baseball to the blind.

Chuck Armstrong was the last speaker and he shared some of his memories of Dave as well as made the announcement of the following tributes...

• commemorative patch worn on the 2011 Mariners uniforms
• Dave's microphone and scorebook will be on display
• the first ever Mariner statue will be of Dave

This was my favorite photo of the day, snapped via my phone ...

Apparently, respect and admiration for Dave knows no bounds of fandom.
These two were seated together for the entire ceremony.

Dave ~
You would have been so proud of your family and the grace with which they expressed their sorrow and love.  You would have been touched with the gamut of emotions that the stories the speakers shared invoked (we needed to cry, but you would want us to laugh - we did both).  You would have been pleased with the ways in which your employer chose to remember and revere you.

We are eager to see the statue that will be erected in your honor, but we are dreading the emptiness we will feel the first time we listen to a Mariners game without hearing your voice.

R.I.P. Mr. Niehaus