"As I was out there swimming and getting battered by waves and cold water I kept thinking about the 500 people in this room who battle for their lives every day. And I figured my battle to swim through a few waves wasn't as hard" "People will present me with certificates and awards, that that's not the important thing; I don't need that.When someone with cancer comes up to me and says, 'we really appreciate what you do for us,' that beats all that."
It is a sad time for the Madison Jaycees as we have lost one of our own. Dave Parcells, two-term Madison Jaycee President passed away suddenly while doing what he loved; swimming. Dave was an accomplished athlete and raised hundred of thousands of dollars through swimming and other athletic events to give to local charities. Besides being the oldest person (and one of a handful) to swim the English Channel both ways & competed in two Iron man competitions, Dave accomplished so much more in his short life. He was a loving and extremely involved father to his two children. Dave was a successful CFO of Garrity Industries located in Madison. He also was in charge of many fundraising activities. Dave Parcells was an asset to the Madison Jaycees. Not only did he give us tremendous leadership; but he was an inspiration to everyone. Dave worked relentlessly to raise awareness for people in need. He never backed away from a challenge; that actually intrigued him. What makes Dave even more of a champion is the fact that he accomplished all these things with a smile on his face. After being diagnosed last year with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Dave continued to move forward without slowing down. He knew people depended on him. He led by example till the end. Dave touched and inspired the lives of everyone he knew. He will be deeply missed.
The Madison Jaycees are proud to dedicate their annual Triathlon in Dave's Memory