When HFHC planned its very first medical mission trip to Haiti in 1999, we reached out to Dr. Dave with just two weeks’ notice. Without hesitation, he said “yes!” That simple yet powerful yes led to a decades-long commitment to serving the people of Haiti, a mission that continued until our last trip in 2020, before the pandemic brought them to a halt. Over the years, his family was able to join him too—his wife, daughters, and even some of his grandchildren.
To serve alongside Dr. Dave was an honor. His heart was full of kindness, his hands worked tirelessly to diagnose, and his presence brought wisdom and warmth to every mission. Whether traveling by boat or bus to reach remote schools, he had a tradition—leading us all in an old folk song about the Titanic, our voices rising together in joy. No trip ever felt complete without it.
Dr. Dave had a way of making each child feel valued, treating them with gentle care and deep respect. His life was a testament to both hard work and faith, a legacy that will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Among them were two special girls, Julie and Flabie, whom he and Marsha sponsored as they grew up in the orphanage. Every year, as soon as they spotted him, they would run straight into his arms, soaking up his love, kindness, and security. Today, Julie is studying to become an attorney, and Flabie has become a nurse, now serving as the school nurse at Thomazeau Christian School, where 600 children learn and grow. As our orphanage mom so beautifully put it, “Dr. Dave planted those seeds, and they grew into wonderful and strong women.”
Dr. Dave’s impact will never fade. He gave so much of himself—for his family, for the people of Haiti, and for God. He will be deeply missed, but we find comfort knowing that one day, we will see him again—and when we do, we’ll sing our song together once more.
