Rockstars sailed-on: Dave "Charles" Rideout

 

Dave was an awesome Fat Bottom Girl Rockstar. We were High School friends in the 80's and our adventures were absolutely epic! He was the best wing-man ever and we never had a bad time. We reconnected in the early 90's when I moved back to Hampton after the Navy. He would sail with me from time to time but really got into the Rockstar lifestyle around 2006. 

One of my favorite memories with Dave sailing was a Wednesday evening when the wind was a little sporty. My daughter, Olivia, was 8 and in those days she loved riding the leeward rail. This particular evening, Olivia and her cousin Lyndsay, were getting splashed on the low side when a big puff and wave hit. As Olivia is getting washed down the boat, Dave casually reaches over, grabs Olivia by the lifejacket and puts her back on her station. I don't believe Olivia even noticed she was getting washed away. She's a good kid so thanks Dave! 

Dave worked with Darbo at the beginning of the Fat Bottom Girl old school race bottom project. Sadly, neither of them made it to the projects completion. When I splashed her in 2011 I though it only fitting to remember them. 

I'm asked from time to time about the "with us in sprit", and it's always with a smile and a little bit of wet eye that I remember my good friends Dave and Darbo. 

Dave "Sailed On" July 25th 2011. From his obituary:

 "David was so full of life, love, and sense of humor, that everyone who met him would be immediately touched by these gifts. The sudden loss of David has had a profound effect on all who knew and loved him. He loved art, traveling, shooting pool, tennis, sailing, the beach and just being with his friends."

See you in the next life friend!