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I wanted to start off by saying thank you, Uncle Dave and Aunty Lena, for providing me with a lifelong friend who’s been like a sibling more than a best friend. Secondly, it’s amazing how strong and badass Aunty Lena has been at uplifting, motivating, and taking on both roles of a parent to Sierra, and making sure she succeeds in anything she does and making sure she always feels loved and supported.Sierra and I have known each other for the entirety of our lives, and growing up together, the Castles family has been just another extension of my own family. I remember being very young when Uncle Dave passed, and I remember always being confused on how unfair it was to Sierra and Aunty Lena. I know you’ve seen Aunty Lena grow and were watching over Sierra, following her dreams, excelling in school, soccer, and becoming an amazing young woman. Thinking back on all the memories, from fishing, RipSticking, catching chickens, to moving to California a couple years apart, just further confirms that we were meant to be lifelong friends, and for that, I am forever grateful and owe my thanks to both Uncle Dave and Aunty Lena. I know this journey without Uncle Dave has been far from easy, but Sierra and Aunty Lena are some of the strongest women I know, whom I am very grateful to be able to call a part of my family and still be surrounded by.Thank you for watching over and protecting them. I’m sure you’re so proud of both Aunty Lena and Sierra.
Rest easy, Uncle Dave. ❤️

Dave and I met while working at Maui Dive Shop, and right from the start he was a needed bit of familiarity — two guys from Massachusetts suddenly finding each other on the other side of the world. And as everyone knows, there was never any mistaking Dave’s accent.

Reading the other posts feels like a trip through time, because every memory brings back his original approach to sarcasm — that unique blend only Dave had, where he used it not to cut people down, but to put them at ease. He was one of the few people who could make sarcasm feel comforting.

I’ll never forget helping Dave spread what I thought was topsoil on the lawn of his and Lena’s new home. Let’s just say it took more than twenty years for the infection to subside. I’m laughing so hard writing this that tears are flowing.

He was a friend, a husband, a father — and someone whose presence made life lighter. I’m grateful I got to share even a small part of it.

Dave was one of the first persons I met when I first moved to Maui in 2002 I met Dave at Maui Dive Shop and right away he was so friendly and talkative and seemed like we were friends instantly.And after that we always were happy to see each other.Always made me feel like a true friend. And he was one of the first persons on Maui to let me paint his home and that sure helped me get my business going on Maui.When I think of Dave I think of him as a friend.

(Posted also as a comment to Sierra's post) In April of this year, I made a quick return visit to Maui to photograph endemic birds, after having been gone for a number of years. After breakfast and coffee at Grandma’s Coffee House one beautiful morning, I decided to take a quick drive out to Ulupalakua Ranch.

I felt a little empty, as if I were a ghost from the past, visiting a place and time that no longer existed in quite the way I remembered. And suddenly I thought of David as I passed the ranch entrance.

Back in the day, David and I had done an ATV excursion around the ranch. We had worked together and enjoyed chatting frequently for a couple of years, but I never actually knew him as a person or friend outside of work. That day, as we cruised around the ranch, artfully dodging cow pies on our ATVs and stopping frequently to enjoy the views and the ranch land, I got to know him better.
We had a picnic lunch on a bluff overlooking Molokini Crater and just talked about life—hopes and dreams and what we enjoyed most. I don’t remember the specifics, but what stands out most for me was simply his general demeanor. Always cheerful, always seeing the humorous side of things, always focused on moving forward and not looking back. Always knowing what was next and what his next step was—and taking it without hesitation.

What he projected, from the first time I met him to the last time I saw him, was a cheerful effortlessness and a constant noticing of everything around him. I always admired that, and this is the impression of him that I will forever carry with me. He always greeted me with a welcoming smile, and I was always happy to run into him.

We maintained contact after I left Maui and had the occasion to meet for dinner in Houston when he visited for some work-related event. It was great to see him again, and he proudly showed me photos of Sierra and, essentially, couldn’t stop talking about her. At some point, he stopped to take a call from Lena and wish Sierra goodnight, and then we continued our conversation.

I’ll never forget the moment when I heard from Lena about his passing. It was a totally unexpected shock. It took me a while to gather my thoughts and memories of the years I had known him.

When someone is gone, they’re gone—but still with you somehow. It doesn’t matter if it was 20 years ago or last week; somehow, it’s the same. The memory and friendship are unchanged, as clear as the day we spent at Ulupalakua Ranch.

I can still see him across a parking lot saying, “Hey! Nice to see you!” with that trademark cheerfulness and smile. I see it as if it were yesterday, and I feel fortunate to have known him.

Sierra, you may not remember me—but you beat me at tic-tac-toe at dinner one time. You’ve got the same competitiveness David had, and you wear it well. You may not remember much of him, but he’s definitely with you, and I know he’d be proud of you—as he always was.
Lena, I hope you’re doing well and enjoying life. I know you miss him and always will. I know I do. All the best to you and Sierra! Jon

I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. I still remember how much Dave made me laugh and had these weird tips. One time I remember when we went to McDonald’s while Lena was playing tennis. He had some tips on how to order fast food. We both were ordered the same thing, but he got his cheeseburger without ketchup and french fries without salt so they had to make it fresh. He even had to prove it to me by showing me how much softer his bun was. I miss all the fun times we would have at my mom and dad’s house. Dave and Dallas would be wrestling in the living room. Dave was so animated he would be making weird karate chop sounds. He was such a fun uncle. He lived life to the fullest with so many cool adventures💕 He brought so much joy and happiness in my sister‘s life, I hope one day we all will be together again💕

My first night dive. The entire time I’m thinking to myself “what the heck am I doing down here at night?”
Then my weight belt slips off an I’m floating up. Dave snags me and pulls me towards him and hands me the weights. He gets back on board the boat and says in classic Dave Castles voice “hey jerky, you lose some weight?” And I can still hear his voice outside the dive shop front right entrance just before the office door. Remember the funny and most ridiculous things you can do in life and have fun doing them. I quickly became a dive master for several years after that “incident” and later wear Dave’s scuba pro wetsuit that Lena gave me. Still got it. Perhaps I’ll give it a go tomorrow.

Oh Dave,,,20 years have come and gone. You are sorely missed my friend! Memories of kam 1 beach volleyball and fun rounds of golf from waiehu to silversword golf club! Taking the kids down to kalama park when they were tiny and energetic. I know you’ve been watching from above and surely very proud of Sierra and Lena,,,aloha my friend

I met Dave at Kamaole Beach Park playing Beach volleyball. I played coed because there weren’t many girl players. I played with either Alan Labao or Dave Kamena and then I met this new player named Dave. He was a good player and a real ball of fire, so much energy and hilarious. Dave always had some real zingers and would always crack me up. Dave was a handsome guy too, he kinda reminded me of Bruce Willis. I thought to myself I should introduce my best girlfriend on Maui to meet this new guy, Dave.

My gf was single but not really looking. I told her about this Dave guy, but she wasn’t that thrilled but agreed to go anyways. She and I come walking up to the courts… all the heads turn to look and I said hi to everyone. I know they were wondering who my friend was. I see Dave checking her out but was playing cool in typical Dave style. I tell my gf hey “that’s the guy, that’s the guy I was telling you about” and I pointed out Dave. He had been wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses so she couldn’t really see his face very well she was kinda like “ mehhh he’s OK” gave me a side glance and kinda smirked. We watched the guys play for a bit and I know Dave was trying to show off for my friend and she was not giving him much attention. Dave came over and chit chatted with us. I introduced them, Dave this is my good friend Lena…then he took off his glasses and it was an instant spark. I think it was that moment they never had eyes for anyone else. He was soon whisking her off on motorcycle rides, picnics and wining and dining her, and next thing you know they were married! Not long after, the stork arrived and delivered this adorable lil ball of fire named Sierra… Dave fell in love all over again…

We miss you Dave and I know you miss your girls too. You would be so proud of both of them and how they persevered, but mostly you’d be comforted to know how much your wife and daughter love each other…they truly are best friends.

Dave’s the kind of person that when you think about him, you just have to smile and have a little chuckle😜🤣 because he was so sarcastic and so funny and actually kind of mean sometimes, but in a funny way😜!! like after talking to his mom we would see him and he would say oh my God I told my mom you’re making my ears bleed!! 🙏🏼There are just so many times that we use his words!!! OH MY GAWD-WHAT A MORON-ARE YOU AN IDIOT😆 I SWEAR TA GOD…
Louise and Gus and I always laugh when we say those words and he’ll never be forgotten!!!! 💞what a beautiful woman
Sierra is!!! 💪🏼 Strong/smart & gorgeous!

Twenty years have passed, yet some people never really leave us. Dave was one of those people.

I remember the tennis matches, but even more than the tennis, I remember the laughter. Dave had a way of making everything more fun. There was always a joke, a story, or something to laugh about when he was around. Those are the memories that stay with you—the ordinary moments that, years later, become the ones you treasure most.

Twenty years is a long time, but love and laughter have a way of keeping someone close. I know Dave continues to live on in Sierra and in the love he shared with Lena, and in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known him.

Thinking of you, Dave, and sending love to Sierra and Lena on this 20-year remembrance.

I worked with Dave when I first started at the Maui Dive Shop. He always made me laugh and was really goofy! He really loved his job and was always thinking of ways to make money, hence time shares working with Maui Dive Shop. Loved his "accent"....coming from Boston(?). He was a great associate and I was pleasantly surprised when I found out he married my classmate and friend, Lena Nakamura. Although I didn't see Dave outside of work, he was a talented individual in everything he touched. Rest in love always, Dave.

It’s hard to believe it’s been twenty years, yet time hasn't diminished the incredible impact David had on everyone fortunate enough to know him. David was a true adventurer at heart! Someone who embraced life with relentless passion, energy, and a bold love for new experiences. He brought a sense of excitement and vitality to every moment, leaving behind unforgettable memories that still bring a smile even through the ache of his absence. We had some great tennis, golf and diving adventures, and those are memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

His spirit lives on through both Lena, Sierra and all that had connected with him. He is remembered for his vibrant drive for life and the deep love, strength, and warmth he gave. David is missed just as much today as he was from the start, and his memory continues to be honored with immense love, respect, and gratitude.

Thanks Stacey!! And we will always have those crazy fun memories!!! :)

WOW...THIS IS AMAZING!! LENA, YOUR SOMETHIN ELSE!! THE WORK YOU PUT INTO THIS IS AWESOME!! MY FAV DAVE STORY...IS THE TIME WHEN WE WERE PLAYIN AT MAUI VISTA, AND GUS HIT A SHOT RIGHT AT DAVE & THE BALL WENT RIGHT UP THIS SHORTS!! LIKE RIGHT UP...ALL THE WAY UP TO HIS WAIST ALMOST!! IT WAS SOO FUNNY!! WE WERE ALMOST CRYING!!! SURE LOVE DAVE, EVEN WHEN HE AS SOO MEAN ABOUT HOW BAD WE PLAYED!! HAHA XXOO LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!