Rest in Peace, David Scott Priday, aka, Scarlet Begonia – (3/30/62 – 7/29/11).
Rest in Peace, master editor, Scarlet Begonia.
My longtime friend, master video editor, and business partner, was found dead last weekend. Survived by both mother, father and three brothers, Dave’s lifeless body was found floating in the water, next to his sailboat, at the Long Beach Marina. David, who was a pioneer in his field and edited all of my early movies such as “The Dirty Dancers”, “Bitchin”, “My Dad’s Dirty Movies”, “The Master’s Choice”, “Sex Across America”, “Amateur Angels” and the award winning, Fallen Angel series, “Internal Affairs”. Scarlet Begonia artistically edited, countless erotic videos for major companies including: Hustler – “Barely Legal”, Randy West Productions – “Up and Cummers”, Ed Powers – “The Dirty Debutantes”, Adam & Eve, Totally Tasteless Video, Zane Productions, and many others.
David’s family requested, that I say a few words at Scarlet Begonia’s funeral services. It was truly one of the hardest days of my life. His family was the epitome of strength and unity of a warm close knit, loving family. Awe inspiring is the best way to describe how they handled this sudden death and supported each other through out the process. They left no doubt as to why David was such a good, kind and trustworthy friend. Here is the eulogy I shared with Dave’s family:
”First, may I extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Priday, Robert, Steve, John and all of those who loved and cared for David; gathered here today. I am honored to have been asked to say a few words about our loss of a dear friend. Many of you may not know me, but David was family to me. He was a true, loyal and trustworthy friend, an impeccable business partner and a very talented editor.
David, who’s nom de plume is Scarlet Begonia, was one of those people you could always depend on. He was a master of his craft for over thirty years. Consistently on time, professional, Dave never failed to take a moment to return a phone call or help a friend in need. During the 18 years we worked together, David didn’t miss a single day of work. I never heard him raise his voice, a trait I am certainly envious of. He was a kind, considerate and gentle man who was rich in his number of friendships.David’s story ended too quickly, as great books often do. “This too shall pass” becomes a shocking reality when a loved one is taken away in such a sudden, and unexpected manner. The brighter side of the story is that David did not suffer in the end. He was not sick, spent no time in the hospital and will never know the aches and pains of growing older. We have only the good times to remember: Dave’s eternally youthful, impish grin, his warm friendship and his positive outlook on life even in these hard economic times.The great painter Marcel DuChamp, once wrote, “my life is my art”. This is certainly true of our brother David. He lived life to it’s fullest. Just look at his photos, of his family, his friends, sailboats, lobsters, pretty girls – what a beautiful portrait of life David leaves for us to remember him through. Let’s celebrate David’s life together with the words of his favorite song, Scarlet Begonia by The Grateful Dead:
“Seldom turns out the way it does in the song.
Once in a while you get shown the light,
in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”
My wife has a photo of Dave on which he signed, “You make me want to be a better man.” This is exactly how I feel about knowing Dave: He made me want to be a better man. Rest in Peace, my dear friend. We will love and miss you always.”
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