R.I.P. Dave Hatfield

[ChrisTaylor]

Very sad news.

[Lisa Shock]

My condolences, Dave always wrote with insight, wit and clarity. His writing helped us all join in as part of his life. He will definitely be missed.

[Maison Rustique]

Many condolences. May he rest peacefully.

[Shelby]

I can't believe it! We just went on the loveliest food adventure with Dave and Linda and Rupert, and now he's gone --too soon I might add.

I, too, have tears in my eyes Pierogi.

Linda, big hugs from me to you and Rupert.

[eldereno]

Just read this...so shocked. My condolences to all of his family and friends. He will be missed!

[judiu]

"To everything there is a time, and a purpose to every season under heaven..." Linda, you and Rupert are in my thoughts.

[djyee100]

How I will remember Dave...he was thoughtful and generous to volunteer for a blog here when members and mgmt needed something to help heal the rift between them. Wherever you are, thanks, Dave.

[Chris Amirault]

Dear Linda,

Thank you for your reaching out to us in what must be a busy and difficult time. From your timely and heartfelt note, it's clear that you recognized just how important Dave was to our eGullet community. Indeed, in many ways, he was an exemplar of what the Society is at its best, and those of us who served as eG Forums volunteers appreciated each and every contribution.

Of course, he was committed to considered, articulate, and, shall we say, energetic discussion about food and drink in all its forms! But the outpouring of appreciation for him in this topic -- which will continue to grow for days or more -- is a testament to the relationships he built with his contributions (such as his "autofoodography"!) here in our strange, wonderful online world.

The depth of those relationships makes me sad that I was not able to meet him over wine and cheese, but so grateful for his virtual presence. I'm similarly grateful to you for sharing his final days with us.

Tonight, I'll drink to him, to you, and to a life well-lived and well-loved, wandering the vineyards, markets, and hillsides with Rupert at his side. With condolences and appreciation both.

Sincerely,

Chris Amirault

[SylviaLovegren]

Say it isn't so! I had just caught up reading his recent food blog and was so enjoying his posts. Very sorry to hear this. He will be greatly missed here. Heartfelt condolences to you.

[haresfur]

My thanks to Dave for his contributions and my condolences to his family and friends.

[JoNorvelleWalker]

This is not a place in the forum that I often visit, and I just noticed the sad news. I had much enjoyed the recent blog, wishing that it, like Dave's time here, could have been far longer. I am very sorry for Linda and all Dave's family and friends, four footed and otherwise.

[Smithy]

I am terribly sorry to hear the news. I thoroughly enjoyed Dave's voice, wit and thoughtful posts on eGullet. His last food blog gave a glimpse of an interesting life, very well-lived, with good family and friends. I know that he'll be keenly missed in our virtual world, and I know that the loss will be even keener for those in his real world.

Linda, it was very gracious of you to tell us what happened. Thank you for taking the time to think of us. I take a lot of comfort in knowing that he lived a full life, right up to the end, and died peacefully without pain.

Godspeed and comfort to Dave. Condolences and comfort and blessings to Linda, Rupert, and your extended circle of friends and family.

[MelissaH]

Noooo! I am sorry to hear this, and glad that I can still go back and remember Dave via his foodblogs and other writings.

[Simon_S]

Such sad news. Dave was one of those forum characters I almost felt I "knew", such was the personality in his writing. My thoughts go out to all his family and friends.

[KatieLoeb]

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Those who knew him personally are fortunate indeed. His wit and enthusiasm will be missed here in our little virtual corner. I know we shall feel his loss as well. Know how loved and respected he was, even by those who'd never had the pleasure of meeting him. That speaks volumes about the passion he could share with his words. I am sorry to never have had the pleasure to raise a glass in person. I shall raise one in his honor instead. Cheers to to you, good Sir. And Godspeed Mr. Hatfield.

[Kim Shook]

I am so, so sorry to read this sad news. I have enjoyed Dave's posts and blogs so much over the years and he was always so generous with his responses. He will be very much missed.

[Franci]

My condolences to Linda. I've immensely enjoyed reading Dave's posts on Egullet, so I'm sure many others. He will be missed on the board.

[hsm]

I extend my deepest condolences to Dave's family and friends. His posts were a treat and his recent blog was a lovely look into a wonderful life.

[CKatCook]

I have not posted here in a while and I found this thread. I so very sorry to hear this, much love and condolences to his family. I have enjoyed reading his writings, he will be missed. 

[kayb]

Likewise, I've been absent from the site for a while and did not know. My deepest sympathies. I admired his writing and his food. May his family and loved ones find peace.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Another loss that I missed while I've been away from the forum. I always admired the lively sense that Dave conveyed in rich detail, of a life immersed in the traditions of French country cuisine.