Dan
I’m sorry to have learned of David’s passing after the fact. It was on a recent walk in Lake Forest cemetery that I saw his grave.
I met David as a customer with an incredible memory. He could spend hours in my store searching the bins (usually weekly). He’d occasionally find a recent addition to the inventory, hold the CD part way out of the bin and give me a nod and a smile. If my younger staff was nearby and they weren't helping another customer he would often ask: “have you ever heard these guys?” or “you know about this?” Depending on the staff member or their answer; he would share in the gentle “unpreachy” way (that was his nature), a short summary of the artist or the CD. Because of his gentle spirit with my staff and his deep love of supporting independent music retail through his numerous purchases he was awarded the very rare distinction and title of “stockholder”. The title was a friendly acknowledgement [and bad pun; because through his purchases he was literally holding (my) stock!]. Music store owners often learn from their diverse customers and we exchanged honest recommendations and antidotes often. Most people would label this information trivial; but for us that were passionate about music; this information served as an important clue we could use to track down the next great CD. David was a treasure hunter.
Years later we’d see each other in the library. If he was by the fireplace reading a book and spotted me he would share that big smile. Occasionally he would hold the book up so I could see the title and give me a nod. When we talked; David was one of a rare few who didn't get nostalgic about the store. (Although his eyes would tear up when I shared news about a former staff member) Mainly our talks were like spy’s briefly sharing covert information; a CD title here or an artist name then our individual searches continued.
When I first saw the grave marker; I didn't know David was a believer in Christ.
Now; my sadness has turned to joy because his long search is over.
He’s finally found the music he’d been looking for;
a place with the very best music,
a place where the streets have no name;
a place called heaven.
Dan;
Dan’s Compact Music (1986-1998)
