I met Dave in person 5 or 6 times. The first time at Caesar's Head in 2011? Then with Mrs Smith twice, then at Boomhauer's place once, then once at Lake Murray, then a final time two years ago in Wisconsin when I was traveling for work.
He came to my hotel, we got a bite to eat, then we sat out by the outdoor fireplace, drank whiskey, and contemplated the universe. I shall treasure that memory, and all of them, always.
In our last conversation this week, he told me to take fierce pride in my family and not be afraid to be defined by fatherhood.
He was prouder of that than anything else, and he wanted me to be too.