David Muth

I live and work two blocks away from a "young," 61-year-old, lovely man who died January 20, 2008, in Glendale Ohio, after a fight with testicular cancer. My only regret is that I didn't spend more time with him, as our connections were one-timish and business-related. I went to his wake today and met his younger brother Michael, 51, and other family, in from all over the country.

Of course we never know the true nature of such wonderful people unless they are family. There should be a sign posted in front of the homes and businesses of such special men and women who perforce do not promote themselves to the public aggressively: "stop -- you must stop! -- if you have time to meet one of the very best persons on this planet. He will take his busy time to listen and you will be a better person yourself."

The wake was at his business, and that of his wife -- two separate but compatible businesses. The eye-examination room was converted into an impromptu theater which showed on a 21" large Apple screen, a few friends and family-members presenting their thoughts this week. One was an old-time friend who had shared a house when the two were bachelors and before each got married. Well done, well done.

The back room had wonderful food of much variety and Cokes.

Snapshots and paintings by his young, talented wife Merlene were present everywhere, testifying to the lovely man at play with his devoted dogs, on boats on the Ohio River, and otherwise. His professional accomplishments were in the form of helping the handicapped among awards from his peer group.

This wake was so much more meaningful and personal than a church service could have been, as it was in the midst of the place where David and Merlene lived their lives.