Dave Baleria was not a member of this forum but anyone who has gone to Life on Wheels or a Gypsy Journal Rally or was interested in RV parking at Elks lodges, Moose lodges, Eagles lodges, Thousand Trails or Western Horizons Resorts would know the man. He and his wife Sandy put on seminars and sold personal safety devices like pepper spray and tasers to stay on the road. Dave was a Type A person and very passionate about his beliefs. In writing he could come across very strong, but in person I remember a big grin and a great enthusiasm for life. I don't think he made it to 60 years old but was a full-timer for many years. My point is don't wait to live your dreams, you might not have time to wait.
What little I know about Dave's passing comes from the February 29th entry for Nick Russell's blog - http://www.gypsyjournal.net/NicksBlog.htm.
Speedhitch said
10:00 AM Feb 29, 2008
Bill, you are so right. Life has no gurantees. We all need to hold on to our dreams and follow them through. As soon as Sherri and I can we are on the road without looking back.
Joe and Sherri
Roz said
05:29 PM Feb 29, 2008
Bill Joyce hit the nail precisely on the head. Passion exuded from every pore of Dave Baleria. No one ever slept during his sessions at Life On Wheels. Adding Sandy to the mix created the most energy in one room that is possible. If any couple virtually became one, Dave and Sandy did!
To say the Balerias were extreme in every facet of life falls short. It mattered not if the subject were water conservation, being ever on the alert for any form of personal danger or simply taking care of pets while traveling, Dave and Sandy were on top of their game 25/8!
The RV world has lost a true character and a purest. His absence from all of the stages Bill mentioned will be obvious to all who knew him. He shall be sorely missed.
Charles
-- Edited by Roz at 17:31, 2008-02-29
D and J said
06:07 PM Feb 29, 2008
I had the pleasure of knowing Dave on a more personal level. He and Sandy (mostly Dave) ran a virtual club for Excel owners that live fulltime in their Excel trailers.
Without a doubt, the nicest couple we have ever had the pleasure of knowing while we have been on the road.
Dave, you will be sorely missed! Our thoughts, prayers, and biggest hugs go out to Sandy and their families
I hope she continues on with the full time lifestyle. (heck, she did all the driving!)
Doug and Jutta
Jim01 said
08:43 AM Mar 1, 2008
We didn't know Dave or Sandy, but because they are part of the RVing family, our hearts go out to Sandy and the families.
RVers stick together, so I'm sure Sandy is in good hands. In fact I just read Nick Russell's post, (Gypsy Journal), for today and he and his wife are helping her as much as they can.
Like others have said, don't put things off. You never know if today is going to be the last day for you or your loved ones. Life can be great, but it can, and does, end at any time. It's easy to say, "We'll do it tomorrow", but will there be a tomorrow? No one knows.
What little I know about Dave's passing comes from the February 29th entry for Nick Russell's blog - http://www.gypsyjournal.net/NicksBlog.htm.
To say the Balerias were extreme in every facet of life falls short. It mattered not if the subject were water conservation, being ever on the alert for any form of personal danger or simply taking care of pets while traveling, Dave and Sandy were on top of their game 25/8!
The RV world has lost a true character and a purest. His absence from all of the stages Bill mentioned will be obvious to all who knew him. He shall be sorely missed.
Charles
-- Edited by Roz at 17:31, 2008-02-29
Without a doubt, the nicest couple we have ever had the pleasure of knowing while we have been on the road.
Dave, you will be sorely missed! Our thoughts, prayers, and biggest hugs go out to Sandy and their families
I hope she continues on with the full time lifestyle. (heck, she did all the driving!)
Doug and Jutta
RVers stick together, so I'm sure Sandy is in good hands. In fact I just read Nick Russell's post, (Gypsy Journal), for today and he and his wife are helping her as much as they can.
Like others have said, don't put things off. You never know if today is going to be the last day for you or your loved ones. Life can be great, but it can, and does, end at any time. It's easy to say, "We'll do it tomorrow", but will there be a tomorrow? No one knows.