We’re not sure a pep club and a community handbell ensemble go together, but if they did, Dave Schade would have been the President of the BOC Pep Club. Earlier this year, Dave passed away and we wanted to let the bell world know what a super great guy he was and what an amazing friend he was to Bells of the Cascades.

Dave explored a number of interests later in life and one that he truly embraced was handbells. In the Portland metro area, he regularly rang in two groups, including his church’s handbell choir directed by his wife of 55 years, Candy Schade. Dave also joined a BOC-sponsored choir designed to develop advanced skills for ambitious ringers called the Rose City Ringers. If there was a handbell to be rung, Dave was ringing it. Many in BOC knew Dave well because he kept showing up around the community ready to ring.

Dave (along with his wife Candy) was an avid supporter of Bells of the Cascades as a long-time associate member. He was always there to lend a hand with equipment, lend an ear at our concerts, and lend a joke and a smile. Dave was always cheerful, kind, and ready with a warm hug. Dave also made our singing bell sticks, using dowels and wax for a big supply. Dave is instantly in our memories whenever we use them.

Dave and Candy sailed on numerous BOC Handbell Cruises over the years. Dave was also a member of the Cruise Committee for several of our cruises. Dave joined Candy in being very festive at our cruise sail-away parties, donning a thematic costume and making people smile. That was one of Dave’s most natural and biggest gifts. One year our cruise mascot was a seahorse, and Dave and Candy came in full seahorse regalia from head to toe. It remains a mystery exactly where those costumes came from, and it certainly makes for a wonderful memory.

In August, many BOC members were invited by Candy to play handbells at Dave’s memorial service. Candy was so touched as we rang Grazioso to the glory of Dave in heaven. We’re sure he’s already found his spot in heaven’s handbell choir. We miss you, Dave.