Community Forums

SeeTheUSA · 02-29-2008, 03:53 AM

For those of you who know of Dave & Sandy Baleria, I discovered this news of Dave's passing on another forum:

Quote:
"I have some very bad news to report that breaks my heart to tell you.

Our good friend Dave Baleria passed away tonight, Thursday, February 28
in Benson, Arizona. Sandy called me a short time ago to give me the
news,

They had been working on their Life on Wheels presentations,and decided
to take a break and go for a walk. Sandy said she was a couple of steps
ahead and head him fall, and he was gone before help could get to him.

We just saw Dave a few days ago at our rally and he was fine. My heart
is broken, he was my friend and I loved him very much.

Sandy asked me to pass this on to their friends."
End Quote

SeeTheUSA · 02-29-2008, 03:53 AM

For those of you who know of Dave & Sandy Baleria, I discovered this news of Dave's passing on another forum:

Quote:
"I have some very bad news to report that breaks my heart to tell you.

Our good friend Dave Baleria passed away tonight, Thursday, February 28
in Benson, Arizona. Sandy called me a short time ago to give me the
news,

They had been working on their Life on Wheels presentations,and decided
to take a break and go for a walk. Sandy said she was a couple of steps
ahead and head him fall, and he was gone before help could get to him.

We just saw Dave a few days ago at our rally and he was fine. My heart
is broken, he was my friend and I loved him very much.

Sandy asked me to pass this on to their friends."
End Quote

quikduk · 02-29-2008, 05:50 AM

Please express my deepest condolences.

Godspeed Dave.

Tom N · 02-29-2008, 06:05 AM

This is indeed sad news. Can you post the obituary??

-Tom

LindaH · 02-29-2008, 01:42 PM

Dave and Sandy have been long-time friends, although we didn't see them often. The RVing world has lost a great voice. Our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandy...we'll keep both Sandy and Dave in our thoughts and prayers.

I don't know how many people read all the forums here. Dave was a long-time Excel owner and the moderator of the Excel Fulltimers Yahoo Group. Would it be possible to link this thread to the Excel Owner's Forum?

rebelsbeach · 02-29-2008, 02:40 PM

HERE is a link to further discussion of this tragic news over on the Escapees Forum.

ExcelRVGuy · 02-29-2008, 06:48 PM

Dave & Sandy were personal friends and great ambassadors of Excel & Peterson Industries. We'll miss Dave.

May God bless Dave and be with Sandy during her time of sorrow and grief.

The RV community has lost a great voice.

I don't really know what else to say

rebelsbeach · 03-01-2008, 01:27 AM

<span class="ev_code_RED">From the Escapees Forum</span>

Nick Russell

Posted February 29, 2008 09:37 PM Hide Post
Terry and I just returned from spending the day with Sandy, helping her with the details for the autopsy and cremation. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Trying to keep my composure and be strong for her, and falling apart inside.

From all that I have heard, Dave was gone when he hit the ground, so at least it was quick and painless, and there is some comfort in that. Sandy is a strong lady, but grieving terribly right now.

On the question of a tribute – Dave was as dedicated to Escapees as he was to Life on Wheels, and a regular contributor to the Escapees legal fund to protect RVers rights, as well as to CARE. Those might also be areas to consider.

At this time there are no plans for a formal memorial service, though I just spoke to Gaylord Maxwell, and he said there will be a tribute at the Tucson Life on Wheels to Dave for the instructors and staff, and I'm sure students are also welcome.

Sandy's immediate plans, once the autopsy and cremation are over, are to return to Medford, Oregon to spend time with Dave's mother. From there, it is too early for her to make any decisions. She indicated that she still wants to travel, and may possibly remain involved with Life on Wheels.

On behalf of Sandy and Dave's mother, Terry and I want to thank all of you for your lovely tributes to our friend. Dave was a very special person, and I count myself among the blessed to have had him in my life for many years.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Nick Russell, March 01, 2008 12:00 AM

Gypsy Journal RV Travel Newspaper
www.gypsyjournal.net
Author of "Meandering Down The Highway, A Year On The Road With Fulltime RVers" and "Work Your Way Across The USA, You Can Travel & Earn A Living Too!"