When the 2015 season begins in June, the familiar voice of public-address announcer Dave Weidner, which filled the air around Veterans Field whenever the Chatham Anglers played, will not be heard. The Ohio native who had made his home here since 1999 died Dec. 13 from complications relating to cancer. The following obituary was prepared for the 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 memorial service at the First Congregational Church of Chatham, 650 Main Street.

Take me out to the ballgame! Many summer evenings in Chatham have been filled with the charismatic voice of Dave Weidner over the PA system at the Chatham Angler’s games. On December 13, 2014, David Eugene Weidner died at Cape Cod Hospital from complications relating to esophageal cancer. He was only diagnosed just after Labor Day weekend.

Dave was born on October 22, 1942 in Middletown, Ohio to Charles and Ruby Weidner. He was the second son of five boys, Charlie, Don, Gary and Paul. He spent a great deal of his childhood reenacting beloved western movies with his brothers. After graduating high school in Middletown, Dave went on to get his diploma in education from Morehead State University and then his masters from Miami University. He worked in education most of his adult life. His first teaching job was in St. Thomas, USVI. He was also an elementary school principal for many years around Wyoming, Ohio, where his children, David and Lydia, were raised. He loved to tell stories of their childhood, particularly those that involved embarrassing them in their teens. Dave inherited his mother’s love of travel and adventure, and moved for some time to Saipan in the Northern Marianas Islands.

Dave was a gentle giant who never met a stranger. His generosity, kind nature and sense of humor were marked characteristics of his winning personality that made him so popular with people of all ages and walks of life. He got great joy out of the simple things in life – a baby’s smile, fudge from the Candy Manor, a good burger, a Bob Seger song on the radio, a crossword puzzle, an episode of the Lone Ranger or Perry Mason, time spent on the beach.

He was so happy to have discovered this piece of earth 15 years ago when his loving wife Linda introduced him to Chatham. He couldn’t believe that good, old- fashioned Americana still existed and fell in love with Chatham’s Main Street, band concerts, beaches and the baseball games that he would come to announce. Announcing for the Anglers was a particular joy for Dave. He loved everything about it – the crowds, the players, the staff – and being part of a great American pastime.

Nothing gave him greater pleasure, however, than time spent with his family. He and his wife, Linda Middleton, met twenty years ago in Vero Beach, Fla. Their first connection was realizing they shared the same birthday. They soon found they had a lot in common and many shared interests. What they really enjoyed most was making one another laugh. Neither felt they had ever truly “grown up”. It was their childlike spirits that bonded them so perfectly.

Dave loved time spent with his family in Ohio. He and his brother’s had a tremendous connection. They were devoted sons to their parents.

His close relationships with his children and grandchildren filled him with pride, laughter and love. He loved nothing more than sharing a funny anecdote about Zoe, Dylan, Jan, David, Christian, Cece, Trey and Eli. If you know Dave, you’ve surely heard one of these stories!

Dave was a true gentlemen in every sense of the word and one of the most sincere guys anyone had the pleasure of meeting. As his long time hero, John Wayne, put it, “I suppose my best attribute, if you want to call it that, is sincerity. I can sell sincerity because that’s the way I am.”

Dave is survived by his beloved Linda, his children, David Weidner, Lydia & Mike Lander and Amy Middleton & John Lapinski, his grandchildren, Dylan Lander, Zoe Ashcroft, Jan Lapinski, Christian Lapinski, Cece Lander, Trey Lapinski and Eli Ashcroft. He is also survived by his brothers and their families, his Cavalier King Charles, Margo and a host of friends and extended family near and far who will undoubtedly be able to share a story that is filled with laughter and love.

Massachusetts. Donations can be made in his memory to the Chatham Anglers or the First Congregational Church of Chatham.