"I did not know David for very long, but I enjoyed visiting with him on occasion when I went into his office. He was always offering goodies and he was pleasant to talk to. I enjoyed his sense of humor and we could laugh together. He was always ready to help me if I had a question. He is the type of person that makes an impression on you when you first meet him that will last.  He will be very much missed by everyone.  My prayers go out to his family and friends."
- Dena Wagner

"During my graduate studies at the UT Aerospace Department, David and some other folks who worked in the department used to invite me to their Friday Happy Hour at Jaime's Spanish Village, an old Mexican cantina here in Austin that has since closed. The invitation was an honor and the event a privilege, one that I always looked forward to during the week. These Friday gatherings offered me an opportunity to de-compress with intriguing conversation (and a margarita), to let my mind drift from the science that consumed my week to topics within the world of art, culture, and politics, topics that David was intimately acquainted with and only too willing to discuss. I am so glad to have had an opportunity to unwind with David during Friday Happy Hours. He definitely helped to educate this engineer on the humanities, and I enjoyed every minute of the education. I will miss him."

Rest in Peace,
- Jeremy J
BS ASE '95, PhD ASE 2008

"David was a great guy! He was always so patient with me, a TA who could never remember the pass code to the copier, and he was happy (perhaps even enthusiastic) to teach me ways to copy and scan more efficiently. I appreciated that he always shared his sarcastic humor with me, and happily obliged my humble attempts to return the laughs. In the limited capacity I knew him, David was a good person, and a very positive presence in the department. I am very sorry he left so young...He will be missed!"
- Drew Jones

"He was a fun curmudgeon. You could talk to him for a long time due to his variety of interests and passions. A true old Austinite and hippy. Like the Dude in the Big Lebowski, he was laid back and frustrated at the fast pace of the world. They both wore Ray Ban hipster glasses which is not a coincidence. He had a big smile for those that were privileged to see it. We have lost a true soul."
- Will Wise

"When I first started working with David 3 ½ years ago, he seemed to be a yellow onion; rough yet firm and had a crackly outer skin. In fact, I was a little intimidated by him because of that. But as I got to know him, his layers peeled back, until I reached the heart of the onion,  which has brought me to tears. We all worked in the garden of David’s life, which will never bloom the same again. He will be sorely missed."
- Sara Ricke

"David was a friend in the Aerospace Department. He represented Austin to me - his free spirit, his quick wit, his good humor. Many times I asked David to do something special. He would always give me a look that said, “What do you want this time?” and then his expression would break into a big smile. He understood the university and he knew how to get things done. The Aerospace Department is diminished by David’s loss. Rest well, my friend."
- Glenn Lightsey

"David was more than just a coworker to me. We enjoyed many meaningful conversations over our favorite freshly ground coffee throughout the years. He introduced me to a wide variety of great music, and I was fortunate enough to join him for many Austin shows. Although curmudgeonly at times, I always knew he cared for me in a special way. Thank you, Uncle Dave – I’ll always have fond memories of our long talks, your fatherly wisdom and last, but not least, the delicious chocolates you so generously shared. I’ll miss you dearly."
- Kendra Harris

"You will be missed."
- Travis Crooks

"David was my friend. Through our mutual love of movies, he got me to join the Austin Film Society and over the years we saw hundreds of movies. We also saw more live music than I can remember. I’m sorry we never made our trip to Placencia. I’ll miss him."
- Scott Messec

"David was only 3 days younger than me. We had so many good talks and shared so many 'ol time' memories. We believed that we lived in the best of times. One of which was an all time and never to be forgotten concert with the Rolling Stones, Zilker Park, Oct 2006. We laughed at parties, and enjoyed days just 'hanging out' talking about nostalgia, likes and dislikes. Our love for plants was another favorite past time. I will miss David, and so glad we had our talk the night before he crossed over. I let him know, when you're "free" we'll talk again. Peace be with you, David."
- Erica

"I will truly miss David with his quick wit and joy of all things Austin. Life was always interesting with David around. So, here’s to David – truly an Austin original. I will miss 'Critter'."
- Margaret Ledbetter Trainer

"David’s passing came as a surprise to me. He was a very good and important member of our staff. All of my dealings with him were successful and friendly. I will miss him and mourn him."
- Hans Mark

"I always enjoyed banter with David in the mailroom. He was encouraging in his gruff way and always had something interesting to say. As a purchaser, he was accurate and efficient. You'll be missed, David."
- Todd Humphreys