Dave was moved late this afternoon to
Citrus Valley Hospice
820 N Phillips Av
West Covina, CA 91791
626-859-2263
Because Dave’s condition no longer requires cancer treatment nor physical rehabilitation, the new facility is more appropriate.
He has a large room with amenities aimed at providing comfort for Dave and his family and visitors. Citrus Valley Hospice is one of only 32 free-standing hospice facilities in the country.
Today was a very busy day for Dave and the rest of us. Judy, our sister from North Carolina returned to spend time with Dave and the family and Dave had visits from a wide array of friends, family, Altmans’ employees, and business associates.
In all truthfulness, it was a fairly difficult day for those close to Dave. The peace Dave is experiencing is not fully engulfing the rest of us, and I found Dave actually comforting me. It is nice to realize some things don’t change.
As he settles in to his new environment, I will update you all on how things are progressing. Again, all of Dave’s family want to thank you for your kindness and compassion.
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16 comments:
Dave and Marla,
I find myself with a plethora of things to say but they just don't seem to want to come out of my fingers on to this computer!
You are in the forefront of my thoughts and hope that your family and all of us find the peace that you have found. I just want to give you a big hug right now.
We think about you almost every moment! We love you!xoxoxoxoxoxox
Good Early Morning from Ohio, Dave and company!
I am on my way to visit Fr. Joe and Sister Corita, two people you would truly adore because like you, they have made indelible impressions on peoples lives. I am afraid that since my tears have not dried at home, I may be flooded during mass! I am sure that people will think I have lost a best friend- and in fact, although we have never laid eyes on one another, I have. I know that if given time and opportunity I would have had adored you- as do the people who have had the blessing of your friendship and love.
Surely you recognize the amazement of the gift.
Dave, I am truly awed by the vast friendships and the depth of your relationships.
In life we can only hope to leave having made a difference. You have.
In death we know that it is all the difference for it leads to eternal life- and if one blogger is to be believed, eternal golf!!
My husband returned home yesterday to find me in tears. When I explained my heartbreak he hugged me and said that God wants the best ones for himself.
Consolation for you; small consolation for us.
As for me personally, it also means I will live to be 112- but I may have Joe for comapany!
It sounds as though today will be a very busy day for you, filled with visitors and unbelievable love. Party at your place!!
Hugs and love to all of you.
If prayers are cures, consider it done!
Christine
Dave and Marla,
I feel Like I am losing one of my own. I can't begin to explain how empty I feel inside without Dave in the picture. He has made a huge difference in my life. I am very proud to have had the pleasure of being a friend and part of your family. Dave will always be my mentor in bussiness and I will always be thinking of him.
I am having really having hard time with this one. Crying like a baby is not my style but I can't stop it. We are truly losing a great individual. God is great and all loving and he is going to get great one in Dave.
JUST IN CLOSING ( I LOVE YOU DAVE MANY BLESSINGS TO YOU AND GOD SPEED).
If there is anything I can do!!
Hello old Friend and Leader. The entire Store is deeply sad over your down turn.Wanted you to know I am 100% again and will see to it
Carson is the #one Store. We are all pulling for you. Rest Easy.
Bob & Jan Lacy
Dave –
Saddened, like many others we wanted to instantly jump on the Internet and say something profound. The words, however, would not come. All we could think of was family and just how important that is to you. Then we remembered that life is the road on which we all travel and the soul is the guide. Now, looking around, basking in the warm glow of a loving family, you can look back on that journey; a journey traveled with dignity and respect that is reflected in the faces that now surround you and all who know you. Now, all that's left to say is, well done.
George & Darylin
DAVE, MARLA, JOE, AND THE REST OF THE ALTMANS,
OUR HEARTS ARE SADDEN FOR YOU ALL.
SIX MONTHS AGO I LOST MY CLOSEST FRIEND OF 23 YRS. AND NOW WE ARE LOSING YOU TO THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE.
I'M LOST FOR WORDS BUT KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU, ADMIRE YOU AND WILL FOREVER HAVE YOU IN MY HEART.
KEVIN AND I WILL SEE YOU AS SOON AS WE GET OVER THE FLU.
WITH MANY TEARS AND PRAYERS,
SHANA & KEVIN MCDONALD
Marla, Tina, Debbie & Steve.
Thank you for letting me intrude yesterday in your very private time with Dave. I had not read Joe's Sat posting, so was unaware of the change. Thanks too for enabling me to spend an incredibly inspirational few moments with Dave.
To Dave's many sisters - I enjoyed meeting you, although cetainly not the best of situations, your welcome was heartfelt.
David, my friend... Thank you for the time we have had together, for your friendship, trust and prayers.
God Bless
You will be missed.
Lee Deierling
Dear Dave,
I can't imagine my childhood without you. Thank you for filling my memories with wonderful and fun experiences. You have brought such a positive example of optimism, courage, humor and faith to my life. Your generosity of heart and your spirit of fun profoundly effected me growing up. The friendship shared between you and my Dad has given my life a stronger sense of family and has shown me the power of committed friendship in life. The wonderful thing about you is that it is so easy to recall the sound of your laugh and that always makes me smile. Your grace and zest for life will be with me always. My heart is bursting with love for you and Marla.
Love,
Lisa Brown
Dear Dave,
The testimony to your greatness in a complicated world is covered eloquently by the many friends and relatives commenting on this Blog. You have made in incredible impression on so many people with your heartfelt sincerity and willingness to do what is right in a very complicated world. You are all that is right with the RV industry and your legacy will be a road map on how you treat people in general, but employees and customers in particular, as those who try to follow in your footsteps have a lot to learn.
Joe - Thank you and God bless you for providing these updates under such difficult conditions. You are obviously the source of the strength needed to deal with something of this magnitude. You and Dave must have been a great team to watch in action.
May God bless you and your families as you stay close to Dave. Winnebago must be opening a new dealership in heaven and there was only one guy God wanted to run this one!
Dearest "Davie Altman King of the Big RV'S" It was so wonderful to hear you say my name yesterday and open those big baby blue eyes! You dear friend will be sorely missed, I can barely write this through my tears, but I wanted to tell you something more, when my father left to be with God, I thought 'oh no ! I will forget all the stories, the memories.' So, I bought a blank book/journal type and began to write everything I could think of it that book, then one day, it occured to me....I would not forget him or the memories....they had become a part of me, of my very soul and personality ! I still carry him with me each and every day since 1979...this is where you shall be too my dear sweet friend ,you who made me feel beautiul inside and out ! I love you dear Davie. Lorikins ****
Dave,Marla and all the family,
I have no works to express our sadness. Dave you have made a big impact on all of us, not to mention around the world. Love you so much and we all want to give you a big warm hug and kiss. You have been a great teacher to many people, including me and all the family. Love and prayers to you now and for ever.
We are praying for all to have the strength for your final trip home.
LOVE FOREVER, Jay & Kathy
Dear Dave & Marla, we are holding you close in thought and heart as you cherish each day together. We have such happy memories of times spent together over the years, and reading your journals of travels around the world. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand. We love you both, Nancy & Jim Kyle
Well, long time friend, we've traveled over 40 years together, you, Roger and I. Strange, how our love for you remains as valid and intense as ever. You as the consummate sales guy. Roger as the RV builder and me as the simple minded, yet definitive public service worker who looked up to you two for guidance and deliverence from the hum drum world of modicum earnings every two weeks, to the power of putting someone in the seat of a brand new RV. I only put out fires, you guys generated the warmth of a lasting relationship with all those whom you touched. I guess that is why our relationship have been steadfast over the years. There was never a time when we were to meet, that you wouldn't say, "I can't wait!" Dear friend, there are enough tears flowing today over the magic man, who brought the love of God to our hearts and souls, to make us float higher and higher to one day meet you again. Prepare the course, for I will bring my driver, you bring money! As our daughters, Monica and Lisa have expressed, our love for you and Marla will continue to sustain us. Marianne and Dave
Uncle Dave,
I have been sitting here trying to decide what I would like to say to you at this time. Unfortunately, I am feeling the pains of taking so much time in between our family visits that I now do not have the opportunity to catch up on all the missing years. I would just like to tell you how special you and your family have been in my life, especially the younger years. I could not have imagined it without you guys, the days of summer at the lark ellen pool, the christmas breakfasts at the Covina house, and the many sack races I endured, won, skin my knees or sulked about loosing at the Altman picnics.
Your amazing faith during this entire process (yes, I have been reading the blog!)has been truley inspiring to me and has reminded me how special our time is here on this earth and what kind of difference we can all make if we choose to. Thank You. God Bless you and your family. I love and miss you all. Jean Selvaggio
Dave,
I don't have words to express my sadness. I heartened that you are bearing the bad news with good cheer. Of course it comes as no surprise.
Wouldn't we all like to know what God has in mind by allowing your suffering? The only sense I can make of it is that he must think you are such a powerful warrior for him that you can do more good in the next life. You have done an admirable job in this one and remain an inspiration to us. Thank you.
If you're feeling up to it we'll stop by for a visit.
with great love and our best prayers,
Margaret and Pat Blackwell
Hello Dave,
I just heard about your condition,
God bless you and your fight.
I have known you for many years and have respected your business sence, you being a true Entreprenuer in the best sence of the word. It is not easy to say the right words but I would like to say these words. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
When we first meet at Covina Dodge in 1969, motorhomes were hardly a household word, everything was new and exciting, and no one could imagine what the industry would become. You stuck it out and became a leader in the industry, with guts and determination. And you will provide the same leadership at this time.
You have known me as the Wagoneer
the best motorhome rental manager,
that worked for you. Dennis Davis
If you are able to read this perhaps Joe maybe able to send a return.
davey@sealflex.com
My very best to you Dave
God Bless you
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