Jeffrey Aronson
Who would drive to Grafton, VT, from all corners of New York and New England just to sit in a field and eat a hot dog? Hundreds would — and did — attend the annual Vermont Rovers Weenie Roast weekends because the invitation came from Dave Sweetapple.
Tragically, Dave died suddenly at his home in Brattleboro, VT, on August 8, 2024. Rovers North lost a close member of its family; when that happens, it’s time to pause and reflect.
Dave demanded only Genuine Parts for his Land Rovers. Equally, he insisted that his friend, Brattleboro restauranteur Zack Corbin, source the best hot dogs (Pearl’s) for the club’s Weenie Roasts. Dave’s humility, brilliant sense of humor (he could impersonate anyone) and considerable intelligence enabled him to dazzle the international music world as a performer, producer and record label distributor. He brought those same qualities to the Land Rover community. Who else would fly 25 hours from an Australian tour with his band, Witch, to arrive at the ANARC Diamond Jubilee in Cortland, NY, in 2023?
You learned quickly that you did not need to live in Vermont to become a member of Vermont Rovers; like Dave, it reached across borders. Through his social media posts (@vermontrovers, @roversmag), Dave shared his infectious enthusiasm for the marque with aficionados worldwide.
Dave began his entertaining, beguiling Vermont Rovers column in 2019 at the request of Mark Letorney, as a way to share his adventures with the Rovers Magazine readership. Dave had owned his Series III pickup for over 25 years, eventually adding an LR4 and Defender 130 Hi Cap to his Land Rover family. He seemed as much at home in his shop as he did on a rehearsal or performance stage; Dave shared his passions online and in his Vermont Rovers columns.
We owe it to his family and friends to carry forward Dave’s enthusiasm and positive spirit. We consider, and will always consider, Dave Sweetapple to be Fabulously British.
