Dave Mistriel passed away on January 18, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with chronic end-stage emphysema and COPD. His passing has left his family and friends heartbroken, marking the loss of a man who was deeply loved and profoundly appreciated by all who knew him.
Though his health challenges were significant, Dave faced them with remarkable strength and determination, showing resilience that inspired those closest to him.
Dave was a beloved stepfather, a role he embraced with care, loyalty, and genuine love. To his family, he was a steady presence someone who offered guidance, support, and reassurance through both life’s challenges and its quieter moments.
He built meaningful bonds rooted in trust and compassion, and those relationships remain a testament to the kind of person he was. His family was the center of his world, and his devotion to them never wavered, even during the most difficult periods of his illness.
Friends remember Dave as a warm and dependable individual, someone who could be counted on when it mattered most. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and understood, often through simple conversation, shared memories, or just being there.
Dave valued connection and loyalty, and these qualities earned him deep respect and affection from those around him. His presence brought a sense of familiarity and comfort that will be sorely missed.
Living with chronic end-stage emphysema and COPD was not easy, and Dave’s journey was marked by many physical and emotional challenges. Yet he met these struggles with bravery and quiet dignity.
He fought hard, not only for himself but for the people he loved, determined to spend as much meaningful time with them as possible. His strength in the face of ongoing illness left a lasting impression on his family, who witnessed firsthand his perseverance and courage.
Dave was deeply loved, and his absence is felt every day. The grief his family carries is heavy, but it is intertwined with gratitude—for the time they shared, the memories created, and the love that continues beyond his passing. Each memory serves as a reminder of his kindness, his character, and the impact he had on their lives.
In honoring Dave’s wishes and memory, his family is now in the process of arranging his cremation and bringing him home. This act reflects their deep affection and respect, and their desire to keep him close, even in death. It is a meaningful way for them to honor the man he was and the role he played in their lives.
Dave Mistriel’s life was defined not by illness, but by love, resilience, and connection. Though his journey has come to an end, his legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be remembered always, missed deeply, and loved forever by those who were fortunate enough to share their lives with him.
