Elzie “Dave” Holbrooks left our presence but not our hearts on March 18, 2023 at the age of 58. Other than his brothers, Dave shared his childhood with many beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

He had a large close-knit family that spent many beautiful, fun filled summers together at the family’s shared summer home in Bridgeville. They passed the time playing in the dirt, swimming, fishing and playing pranks on each other and wrestling around and fighting a lot as rowdy kids are known to do.

Growing up, Dave, his brothers and cousins were always very protective of each other. Well, the adults in the family for that matter too. They could beat the crap out of each other and call each other names but if someone outside the family did … look out! His brothers fondly speak about him helping raise them and being like a second dad to them. Time was especially grateful to him for this.

Dave was always a charmer. Like most Holbrooks and Bartleys he definitely had the gift of gab and a great sense of humor to go along with it. He loved to laugh.

He was a great storyteller. Whether all his exciting and tall tales were all completely true or not … we will leave up to you and your judgement. Wink wink.

Back to charming: Dave was very friendly and could be very giving at times. He definitely was considered a ladies’ man. He always had a pretty girl or two by his side up until the end of his life, with his last life partner, Vanessa.

Dace was an outdoors person. In his younger adult years, he was an avid hunter. He was an amazing fisherman as well. His brothers and others used to say that he could tie a damn rock to a string and still catch a fish with it. He really could too. Everyone was jealous of his skill or just plain dumb luck when it came to fishing.

Dave was an avid movie-watcher, just like his parents and brothers. They all enjoyed lending, trading and giving movies to one another to watch together, discuss at great lengths and laugh about.

Even though he may not have been perfect with the way he showed love for his friends and family, we all know that he loved every one of us very much. No matter what he was doing, where he lived or what his life evolved at the time, he never missed a family reunion. Dave, even though you may have worried a lot of us a lot of the time, and drove us all crazy at times, you will be sorely missed. We all loved you and cherished you very much. We all will forever work hard to keep your love and light alive through our thoughts, memories and many future conversations with your crazy ass being the main topic.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Valerie “Val” and Elzie “J.R.” Holbrooks, his grandparents Lillie and Autry “Hap” Bartley, and his stepbrother Paul.

He lived on through his children: Andrew, Felicia, Autry “Audie,” Elzie, Billy Joe “E.B.”; step-sons: Jonathan and Michael; grandchildren Jonah and Evelyn; brothers Casey and Vick, Tim and wife Paula, Mike and wife Shasta; stepbrother Bobby, stepsister Shelly, stepmother Donna, stepfather Ray’ ex-wives Chis and Cheri; last life partner Vanessa; aunts Andrea, Vera and Anne; nieces and nephews Leta Tahina, Vernon, Charlie, James, Darrell, Gage and Chase; and many beloved cousins and friends, including his best friend Stephanie.

Please join us at his potluck memorial this Sunday, April 23 ar 1 p.m. at The Arcata Veterans Hall located at 1425 J Street Arcata. Bring your favorite dish if you like and are able. Although we will happily welcome just yourself with open arms. Please bring your loved memories and funny or fond anecdotes about Davey.

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