My husband Merrill and I first met David and Karen through a hiking group led by my brother, Rick. Before long, our weekends often found us together on the coast where we shared meals, conversations, and walks on the beach. We enjoyed the easy companionship of friends.
David was one of those people who made conversations engaging because he was knowledgeable, curious about the world and interested in others. I always admired hearing about his work helping people recover from post-traumatic stress. It reflected the compassion and commitment that seemed so much a part of who he was.
He also had a wonderfully playful spirit and a fun mischievousness about him sometimes too. When I suggested he and Karen join on a trip to Burning Man, it was an immediate “yes”. What could have been a logistical nightmare became an organized adventure thanks to David and Karen. He somehow found an RV for us to rent—a remarkable feat in itself—and tracked down burner bikes for everyone and even created gifts to bring and offer to others. His organizational skills made the trip possible, and his enthusiasm was so David.
Another special memory is a ski weekend at our cabin, where he happily joined us for a lovely tradition of the mountaintop champagne toast. It was a moment of celebrating life, friendship, and the joy of being outdoors.
When I think of David, I remember an engaging, thoughtful, capable, and fun-loving man whose curiosity enriched every gathering. I feel fortunate to have shared those adventures and conversations with him. He will be remembered with great fondness, and my heart goes out to Karen, Devon, Jenna, Kai and Max and all who loved him.
