To the Dave Portman family,I remember being new in the business and being sent to Dave’s home for some paperwork. We had talked on the phone, but this was the first time I would met Dave in person. Instead of handing over what I had come for and dismissing me, he invited me to sit and talk.He sat at his desk puffing a cigarette, gazing toward the ceiling with every exhale and then adjusting his glasses to refocus on the newbie across from him. I don’t remember what we talked about. I just remember watching him. Seeing his less than organized desk that matched his less than organized appearance. It was a desk in action. He was a man at work. He seemed important, busy. I remember sitting there feeling humbled to be given his attention. He was a big man with big glasses and I thought to myself; Who is this guy? He’s not really an appraiser, he’s a gumshoe, a regular private eye.Dave would of made a great private eye. No nonsense, direct, matter-of-fact approach, a sense of care without involvement, but that was an act. Our meeting was Dave taking the time to meet a kid and make him feel welcome. I thought that was kind. He cared about someone he’d never met. Dave and I never became close friends, but I always considered him one of mine. I respected him.The experience of my first meeting Dave, which was over thirty years ago, has never left me. Dave made an impact on me and made my life matter. I never thanked him. I never thought of thanking him. But I can tell you what a wonderful, kind man Dave was to a young kid looking to learn the business.May you be comforted in your time of need by having the memories of your husband and father to share with one another and others who knew and loved this kind and caring man, colleague and friend.Dean Fallis
