Obituary
In memory of David Michael Upson, age 64, New Smyrna Beach, FL. Born on March 7th, 1955 at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, FL, he passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 29, 2019. A son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, artist, poet, writer, musician, fisherman, and lover of life and people. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.
David is preceded in death by many friends and family, most notably his mother, Barbara Sinclair Oates, and father, Luther Lee Upson. He leaves behind two brothers, Steve and Joby Upson; a sister, Keri Upson; his adult children, Blaid Upson and Erika Treadway; his adult grandchildren, Aryana Lundy, James Hamblin, and Dalton Downs; his great-granddaughters, Blake and Leighton Lundy; and friends too numerous to list.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at River Breeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill, FL, on Saturday October 19th, 2019 at 1:00 PM. Family and friends will enjoy food, play some music, pass a bottle, and share memories and funny stories of a life well lived and a man well loved. Open to any and all who knew and loved him! Feel free to bring a covered dish and/or your spirits of choice, the park requests no glass containers. As always, please be responsible or bring a designated driver!!!
To Know You Still
By David Upson
You told me once we never really mourn
For what we’ve had and loved but fate withdrew
‘Tis heartache for the times left still unborn
Hence yearning for those things we never knew
So when that fiery orb which grief eschews
From ‘neath the murky clouds begins to peek
It lacks your soothing warmth, but I will use
The sun to dry the tears upon my cheek
Through fountains’ peal or shower from aloft
The flow of water’s calm will ease my pain
Its touch not near as comforting or soft
Yet solace still from warm and gentle rain
And I will cast my dreams upon the air
To twirl and dance with undulating wind
Whose gusty breath is free beyond compare
Save claiming your expansive wit within
With terra’s fertile might to shore me up
Its dusty knowledge proven long ago
But still its strength may fail to fill my cup
Since power of your wisdom I now know
For this will make my mark upon this place
My spirit spilling forth from every hill
Our passage here is not without a trace
So listen close and you will know me still
With battles for beleaguered often fought
The path you pushed through life effacing fear
Each day remembers you with whispered thought
So when my crushing sorrow wants you near
I’ll look to sun to find that special smile
Or wade beside serene, inspiring spring
To reason with its placid pool awhile
And sense again the insight that you bring
Then turn my face into the busty breeze
To listen for the laughter we would share
It sparkled in your eyes and came with ease
On joyous days that passed without a care
At times when all seems lost then I will seek
To find your aid in steadfast, stalwart earth
New growth replacing old in life’s mystique
Rekindled hope resounding from rebirth
For you have made your mark upon this place
Your spirit spilling forth from every hill
Your passage here was not without a trace
So I will listen close and know you still
Love is deep in our souls