Est. 2011 · Written by Lena Castles Maui, Hawaiʻi → Southern California

A David Story

Love · Life · Death · Hereafter

Dave Castles · January 4, 1968 · August 11, 2006

A true story about love, life, death, and the hereafter.

Dave was the amazing guy Lena met at the volleyball court on Kamaole Beach. He was Sierra’s dad, the best storyteller at any dinner table, and he is still finding ways to let us know he is around. These are our stories.

Dave and his daughter Sierra at Kamaole Beach in Kihei, Maui, one of Lena's favorite photographs. Dave & Sierra, Kamaole Beach, Kihei
58 His age this year Born January 4, 1968. We add a candle every birthday.
20 Years of remembering This August 11 marks 20 years.

The David Tree · 58 butterflies

Every Christmas our tree carries one butterfly for each year of Dave’s age, and every January 4th we add one more. The newest one is still fluttering. It always is.

What Dave loved

An index, in no particular order

If you want to know who Dave was, start with the things he could not get enough of. Ask anyone who knew him, they will point you to at least three of these.

  • Beach volleyballKam I

    He spent every day at Kamaole Beach I. The volleyball court there became his second home.

  • Cars & drivingAuto sales

    He worked in auto sales and knew a good deal when he saw one. His blue Isuzu pickup was, in his words, a sweet ride.

  • His Harley Fat BoyOpen road

    He owned several motorcycles over the years, but the Harley Davidson Fat Boy was the one he loved.

  • TennisMakena

    He played to win. The day before the accident, he and Lena played at Makena Tennis Club.

  • GolfWith his dad

    A love he shared with his father, and never let go of.

  • CookingThanksgiving

    The better cook in the house, everyone agreed. After the move to Maui, Thanksgiving dinner was his.

  • KoalasYes, koalas

    Nobody remembers exactly why. He just loved them, and that was that.

  • Telling storiesDinner table

    Long ones, funny ones, center of attention ones. His friends called them David Stories. This site is named after them.

  • SierraAbove all

    Bedtime books, bike lessons, and being her dad. She wears #11 on the soccer field for him.

From the story book

All stories →
  • David Memories on the 15th Anniversary

    Hereafter Life With Dave · August 11, 2021

    It’s crazy that today, August 11, 2021, is the 15th anniversary of Dave’s passing. 15 years. As we all keep saying, time…

  • Remembering Dave on the 13th Anniversary

    Hereafter Life With Dave · August 11, 2019

    Sierra is back in Long Beach rooming with two of her friends and getting ready for the fall semester to start. Soccer…

  • Sierra’s First College Game

    Hereafter Life With Dave · August 12, 2018

    August 11, 2018 was the 12th anniversary of Dave’s passing. I never know what to expect when August 11 comes around each…

  • Happy Birthday Dave!

    Family · January 4, 2018

    Today, January 4, is Dave’s birthday. It would have been his 50th so it was important to share this post on this…

It’s an adventure!
What Dave said about everything, everywhere, always

Sign the guestbook

Did you know Dave? Have you lost someone and found a little sign that they are still around? Whether it is a memory, a laugh, or a penny from heaven, we would love to read your story.

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