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KENNEWICK -- Dave Parmeter admits he was the ultimate Ebenezer Scrooge when it came to the bling of Christmas.
"My wife has always loved all the decorations and lights that surround Christmas, but I really was a scrooge about it all and would never decorate the house for her," Parmeter said. "She had to put them up herself."
That all changed last year.
"I really can't remember what happened that made me change my mind," he said. "I'm sure it had something to do with seeing her face light up whenever she saw holiday decorations."
Deb Parmeter remembers the story a little differently.
"Last year I decided to show him what a (Scrooge's) Christmas was really like," she said. "I didn't put up any decorations, no tree, no kids around, nothing so he would see what it was like. I think that really made an impact on him."
So Parmeter, 55, started buying up discounted decorations after Christmas last year so that he could make this Christmas extra special for his wife.
Then he got some sobering news: Cancer had attacked his esophagus, then metastasized to his liver.
Chemotherapy at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center has sapped his strength, leaving him with an uncertain future and a broken promise to his beloved wife. Or so he thought.
A slew of friends and acquaintances, numbering nearly 200, got together Saturday at the Parmeters' Kennewick home in Rancho Reata and put up a plethora of decorations.
By day's end, there was holiday bling on the front porch, back porch, around the trim of the house, along the border of the property, as well as lights, decorated trees and wreaths all over the inside of the home.
Parmeter had to stay indoors and rest in his easy chair while the workers did their thing. He was overwhelmed by the generosity and wished more than anything he could have been a part of the decorating party.
"With a constitution of friends like this, what more do I need?" he said.
Deb Parmeter couldn't hide tears as she watched friends adorn her home in holiday cheer. They were tears of joy for the festive spirit the decorations evoked. But there was a sadness in those tears as well because of the unknown future her husband faces.
He has started a blog, www.davestory.org, chronicling what he calls "a journey with cancer."
Friends also plan a tribute and fundraiser for him at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Country Gentleman Restaurant, 9221 W. Clearwater, Kennewick. Those interested in attending "Dave's Duck Roast" are asked to RSVP by Thursday; more information is available by contacting Claude Oliver at claudeoliver@aol.com. An account for Parmeter also has been set up at Washington Trust Bank.
Parmeter moved to the Tri-Cities nine years ago. He owns Autobahn Auto Care Center and Car Wash in Kennewick and has long been involved in local civic organizations, including Rotary. He also is vice president of the Benton-Franklin Humane Society Board of Trustees.
"Dave loves the Tri-Cities," said friend and Rotarian Skip Novakovich of Kennewick.
Novakovich and his wife Shannon were part of the decorating crew Saturday.
"Dave told me once he was called to the Tri-Cities and wanted to make an impact while he was here," Novakovich said. "Well, I can tell you that he certainly has made an impact. He's simply a great guy with a good heart."
The Parmeters planned to take a ride after the sun went down Saturday, eager to return to their home at the corner of Bermuda and Clover roads to see the lights on.
"It's like magic has been happening all through the house today," Deb Parmeter said. "And tonight we're going to see that magic all lit up. I can't wait."
-- Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com
