Condolence: This is never easy, right? But it's especially challenging when you feel as though circumstances robbed someone of their potential far too soon. That said, the impact you made on the world around you was no small feat.

As I sit here trying to hammer out my emotions into something tangible, the prevailing memories I have do not necessarily involve words that were spoken, or grandiose gestures. Rather, what I find myself clinging to is your smile - the one that was hard to distinguish as definitively happy, mischievous, or a mixture of the two. Many times, a distinctive Dave-branded laugh would accompany that smile; one that had the momentum to infect the people around you even if they didn't feel like smiling, or laughing. I'm grateful for the time we had together - the laughter, the fun, and even the not-so-fun. All of these things make up a story, the story of your life, that I and others will keep a tight grip on for as long as humanly possible.

My sincerest condolences go out to Dave's family during this time of -what must seem like - perpetual grief. If I had one thing I wanted you to know - or have confirmed - about Dave, is his generosity. Perhaps it's so astounding to me because it's so rare in our generation, but I saw something in Dave that made me envious of his ability to put himself on the line if it meant helping a friend. That quality, the ability, he possessed is the mark of a true friend, an amazing father, a loving son, and a compassionate relative. Though I am not familiar with Dave in any capacity other than that of a friend, I understand that all of these titles were true, and well earned.

As we grieve his departure from us, I recognize that distinctive parts of Dave will embed themselves in our minds, memories, and actions. I can only hope that the parts of him I choose to carry forward in my own life will one day lead me to become as generous, as compassionate, a person as he was.

God Bless.

Condolence: Dave I don't really know what to say man. You were one of my closest friends in the short year and a half that we knew each other. We had so much in common and had went through alot of the same struggles. You always shined brighter than everyone around you and had this special aura around you. I know you loved your daughters more than anything. All that I hope is that your story saves the life of at least one addict struggling with their addiction and I know that's what you would want as part of your legacy. Until we meet again in paradise, keep that beautiful smile on your face and watch over us all my friend. I love you man and I will see you againone day ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Condolence: Dave I don't really know what to say man. You were one of my closest friends in the short year and a half that we knew each other. We had so much in common and had went through alot of the same struggles. You always shined brighter than everyone around you and had this special aura around you. I know you loved your daughters more than anything. All that I hope is that your story saves the life of at least one addict struggling with their addiction and I know that's what you would want as part of your legacy. Until we meet again in paradise, keep that beautiful smile on your face and watch over us all my friend. I love you man and I will see you againone day ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Condolence: Dave, I will always keep the memories close. It is an honor to have known you. May you rest in peace.

Condolence: Dave we had many good times together and you will be missed. You were always willing to lend a hand and kind.

Condolence: Hello Dave Buta as in Beautiful..as you always said..
I still can't believe you are gone..We have so many memories together and i will cherish them always.. We were inseparable for a long time..We were best friends and did everything together until i moved to the beach..The last time i saw you our girls were playing and we were just laughing and talking..If i knew that was going to be the last time i ever saw you i would have hugged you a lot longer..This is hard to think Im writing to you on your funeral page..Remember when we were driving around and you were playing ace ventura..yeah that didnt turn out to well huh..haha ..All the times at Double Rock Park..No matter what we did we always had fun..We had a special bond..I will be checking in on your grandmother..Well i will be there tomorrow to see you for the last time and say good bye until we meet again..I love you Dave ...Rest In Peace..gone but never forgotten 9/14/79-2/26/15

Condolence: Hello Dave Buta as in Beautiful..as you always said..
I still can't believe you are gone..We have so many memories together and i will cherish them always.. We were inseparable for a long time..We were best friends and did everything together until i moved to the beach..The last time i saw you our girls were playing and we were just laughing and talking..If i knew that was going to be the last time i ever saw you i would have hugged you a lot longer..This is hard to think Im writing to you on your funeral page..Remember when we were driving around and you were playing ace ventura..yeah that didnt turn out to well huh..haha ..All the times at Double Rock Park..No matter what we did we always had fun..We had a special bond..I will be checking in on your grandmother..Well i will be there tomorrow to see you for the last time and say good bye until we meet again..I love you Dave ...Rest In Peace..gone but never forgotten 9/14/79-2/26/15

Condolence: Dave, I'm at a loss for words. Its been a while since we have seen each other but thanks to Facebook it seems as though we all are still in each others lives. I remember the days back when you and Jess first got together. Back when we use to joke and say how we saw you newest video on TV that week....you know Pitbull....LoL. I'm so sorry we couldn't all get together and kick it one more time. You were a cool guy and I know a wonderful father. I'm sorry this evil had to win this battle but I know you will be looking over all of us with your best friend Jason and making sure it doesn't win again. Don't worry we will all pull together and be there for Jess. You know and we know she will be strong and pull through for your daughter. Love you man and rest in peace! XoXoXo always and forever! Never forgotten!

Condolence: Dave, I'm at a loss for words. Its been a while since we have seen each other but thanks to Facebook it seems as though we all are still in each others lives. I remember the days back when you and Jess first got together. Back when we use to joke and say how we saw you newest video on TV that week....you know Pitbull....LoL. I'm so sorry we couldn't all get together and kick it one more time. You were a cool guy and I know a wonderful father. I'm sorry this evil had to win this battle but I know you will be looking over all of us with your best friend Jason and making sure it doesn't win again. Don't worry we will all pull together and be there for Jess. You know and we know she will be strong and pull through for your daughter. Love you man and rest in peace! XoXoXo always and forever! Never forgotten!

Condolence: Hey Dave. I can't believe that I am writing on your funeral page. I will never forget the call from my mom or seeing you for the last time. The last time that i sooke to you, you were doing well & sounding positive. I know that you went through hard times lately but I prefer to remember you before those times. Dave, I have given you a few pep talks that never seemed to help but now you know that my advice for you was heartfelt and that I just truly wanted better for you, for you to be happy. I met you as my step cousin...the funny, happy, spoiled, tough big bruiser. ;) We had a lot of fun times...playing house (yes, dear & my buddy), summers swimming (you getting jealous & bossy when we played with other friends:), the times in your moms green junker car that she loved, the almost sleepovers (before I would get home sick or scared to death of aunt pat's glub glub fish stories and have to go home). Then, after your life changed forever with the loss of your mother, you became my stepbrother. We shared more memories from there...a trip to OC when I let u play a drinking game with soda, when we were older a real night out with deb, fun times at your dad & my moms house with our kids playing. Dave, you never gave yourself credit but I know you were a good guy, a great father, a little kid in a mans body with a lot of love & a soft heart. You had a good laugh...and we did that a lot...mostly at the expense of your dad & his ways. ;) I can still hear your laugh & see your smile. I wish things had been different for you, especially in this last year but I know that you are out of misery & pain. I believe that you are with your mother & happier than ever. Though, somehow, that doesn't make this any easier for those you left behind. I believe that you know & feel the depths of everyones love for you now. Still...you will be missed and never forgotten. May you rest in peace. Love you, Mel