David Howard Bache, June 4, 1924 – January 10, 2012 “One great, strong, unselfish soul in every community would actually redeem the world.” -Elbert Hubbard David was the fourth of six children born to Thomas Cartwright Bache and Edith Louise Davies in the coal mining community of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. His parents were grocers and farmersContinue Reading
I read in the paper today of your Dad&s passing. I want you to know you will be in my prayers during this sad time in your lives. I have thought of the Bache family often over the years. During the time that your family lived in Clinton County and went to Jackson grade school Susan (Susie) and I became very close friends. It broke my heart when my best friend moved to W. Lafayette. I visited your parents home often and your folks and the Bache children always made me feel welcome. It was always apparent to me what a close knit family you had. I remember of course Susan, but also Jane and Sally (Sally was very small)..... or course Bill was in high school and I am sure he thought Susie and I were pest.... I always had great fun at the Bache home..... thank you to your parents for allowing me to be a small part of those fond memories during your brief stay in Clinton County. Susan and I stayed in touch for awhile but eventually lost contact. I have never forgotten the Bache family. Cling to your precious memories and stay close as a family even though miles may separate you. I am one of seven children..... and I know how important siblings are and I also know the painful loss of parents and a sister.
May God continue to bless and keep the Bache children and their extended families.
Sincerely,
Jenny (Camp) Harris
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We loved David so very much - he was a grandfather to my children, Richard (Buddy), Abigail and Elizabeth and we were saddened to hear of his passing. We will miss his words of wisdom, and his unconditional love. Our hearts will forever keep his memory alive.
Love,
Jeanne, Richard, Abigail, Elizabeth McKee
He was always patient with me. It must have gotten annoying to have me constantly following him around his yard, but Dave never got irritated or told me to go away. He taught me how to garden, eventually letting me borrow a pair of his gardener?s knee-pads so I wouldn?t get my clothes filthy while I was kneeling in the dirt with him. He taught me how to fold paper airplanes so they would fly the furthest. He told me about living on a farm in Pennsylvania, and what it was like to grow up during the Great Depression. He told me about going to school, then college, and why education was important. He told me about his children and grandchildren, showing me pictures of them in their adventures. He helped me with countless history reports.
When I received my driver?s license, Dave told me, smiling, to mind the neighborhood speed limit (and gave me a gas card). Dave also gave me my first job; asking me to watch his cat while he and Mary were out of town. I?ll never forget how grown-up I felt knowing that Dave trusted me.
At seventeen, I wanted desperately to be the lead in West Lafayette High School?s musical, ?Candide.? The director had auditions on one day; one session at 4pm, and one session at 7pm. I went to the 4pm session, but was so overwhelmed by all the other girls auditioning that I chickened out and went home. Dave saw me pacing in my driveway, and came over to ask me what was wrong. I told him that I wanted to audition for the lead in the musical, but was afraid to sing in front of all the other girls who were likely better than me.
?What time is the next audition?? He asked.
?7pm, but I don?t think I?ll go.? I replied.
?Jessica.? he said. ?It?s true that you may not get the part. But if you don?t even try, you?ll regret it. And believe me, regret, in the long run, is more painful then rejection. Here, take my watch so you get there on time.?
I auditioned, and got the part. When I went to return the watch to Dave, he told me to ""keep it, so you don?t miss anything important.? I still wear his watch.
Dave was incredible human being who taught me the meaning of patience and kindness. I loved him deeply, and I am a better person having known him. I am truly sorry for his family?s loss.
With Sympathy,
Jessica Sandy
Since 1988 Dave has been a dear friend to me and dear grandfather figure to my children, Jessica and Jonathan. Even though we moved away from the neighborhood, we stayed close over the years. He has always had a caring, listening ear for our family during both good and hard times. He gave us his time, which was precious for us. We enjoyed stories about him, his family, his history, and his career. It was wonderful to get to know more about him over the years, as he was modest about his achievements and open about his foibles. Sometimes it is easier to share outside the closer, family relationships, and we felt blessed to have this with him.
We always enjoyed watching him tend the gardens around the house, and giving us advice on plants and trimming. One of my favorite memories is of him ""spying"" on us from the second floor balcony while we attempted to teach Jon how to ride a two wheeler bike, and laughing and clapping for us. We even shared our cleaning person with him...who felt closer than an employee to him.
He had a long and wonderful life.
I would like to extend my sympathies to Mary, another dear friend, and all of his children, and grandchildren
Even thought his yard always looked as if he had just finished polishing every blade of grass and leaf of ivy, he welcomed the activity of young children that often spills into yards other than their own. His trees were always just a little more interesting and his hills were just a little more fun than those in other properties. David never said a cross word to any of the neighborhood gang. I admired him for his kindness, calmness, vitality, keen mind and positive outlook.
Although it has been years since I have seen David, my children have kept me up to date on his life. I will always remember him so fondly and with a great deal of respect. I am so sorry for his families loss. I hope they know there is without a doubt, a special place for him in heaven and in the hearts of many.
Sincerely,
Patrick Sandy