Whitefish special

On Sunday, Jan. 13, we lost our dear friend Dave Gogolak in the Canyon Creek avalanche. Dave's love for his family, his passion for Whitefish and his larger-than-life personality were unmatched. This huge loss has devastated us.

On Monday, Jan. 14, we walked into McGough and Co. on Central Avenue to purchase a gold chain. We explained to Sam McGough that the chain needed to be delicate enough for a little girl, yet strong enough to hold a very special ring.

The chain was for Dave's 5-year-old daughter, Graylin, who asked to wear the anniversary band that Dave gave to Nicole recently.

Sam showed us many chains that morning and finally we found the perfect one. As we were handing Sam a credit card for the $110 gold chain, he stopped us.

"Take it. I want to help," he said.

Thank you, Sam, for your extreme kindness. Your generosity moved us.

Since Dave's death, we have seen our community open its arms to support his family and friends. Whitefish is truly a special place and we feel privileged to call it home.

Kristen Nix and

Jennifer Cronin