Dave “Music Man” Calhoun passed peacefully on October 10, leaving behind a wake of wonderful memories, friendships, and music that will continue to play in the hearts of all who knew him.
For years, Dave was the soundtrack to life on the water for the Brethren of the Sound and the Lats & Atts Cruiser Parties throughout the Pacific Northwest. With his Trop Rock covers and catchy original songs, Dave knew how to bring a gathering to life. Whether the boats were at anchor, the dock was filled with friends, or cruisers had come together to celebrate another day on the water, Dave was ready to provide the tunes and set the mood.
But Dave’s music was about more than keeping the party going. He had a gift for helping people leave their worries ashore, if only for a little while. A familiar melody, a clever lyric, and a few hours spent among friends could make the cares of the world seem a long way off. That was part of Dave’s magic. He brought people together, lifted spirits, and reminded everyone that life was meant to be enjoyed, especially when shared with good friends and a great song.
Those who sailed, sang, laughed, and celebrated alongside Dave will remember his ever-present smile and his unmistakable enthusiasm for the cruising life. He was always looking forward to the next adventure, the next gathering, and, of course, the next sail on the Salish Sea. For Dave, the water offered a special kind of freedom, and the cruising community offered something just as precious: friendship, belonging, and a shared love of life on the water.
Dave leaves behind his son, Jonathan, and daughter, Alison, as well as a wide circle of friends who will miss his music, his smile, and the good times they shared. His absence will surely be felt at future gatherings, where there will be an empty spot in the lineup and a little less music in the air. But anyone who has spent time in a cruising community knows that some people never really leave. They become part of the stories retold at the dock, the songs remembered at sunset, and the laughter shared when old friends gather.
So here’s to Dave: May the winds be fair, the seas be gentle, the sunsets be spectacular, and the next anchorage be filled with welcoming friends. May there always be a guitar within reach, a song waiting to be sung, and a good reason to smile.
And when the Brethren of the Sound and the Lats & Atts crowd gather again, perhaps someone will play one of Dave’s songs, raise a glass in his honor, and let the music carry his memory across the water.
Fair winds and following seas, Music Man.
Sail on, Dave. We’ll keep the music playing.
