It is with a very heavy heart that I post this. One of our most enthusiastic local members, Dave Mericle, Sr. has passed away. Dave was diagnosed in February with throat cancer and despite a valiant effort, lost his battle with the disease yesterday. I have been told that he passed peacefully in his sleep. He has gone to join his fellow Alfisti at the finish line. Rest in peace, Dave.

In Loving Memory
February 1, 1935 to April 21, 2009 LCDR USN Ret.
An Officer and A Gentleman Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Dave came from hearty farmer stock. The United States Navy brought him out west and Dave's Naval Aviation career was spent at North Island Coronado, the Philippines and Point Loma. As a proud and deeply patriotic Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, Dave accomplished over 600 career carrier captures and was a member of the Tailhook Association. Dave's love for the California coast and his preference for always taking the "coastal route" drew him to settle in Leucadia, CA, with his soul mate and wife of 35 years, Terry. An exuberant member of the Vintage Auto Racing Association and proud Alfa Romeo enthusiast, Dave's love of racing formed many lifelong friendships within the racing community. A wonderful man with a very loving spirit, he deeply loved his family and friends, who admired him for his warm heart and kind soul. Dave is survived by his sister, three children, three step-children, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his loving dog Simba.
Funeral Services will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 553-2084, on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at 2 p.m.