Steve and I have so many good memories of Dave playing music. He always played with such enthusiasm, totally into it! His contribution(s) to the Iowa City music scene will live on in everyone's hearts.

Mary Delaney

I'm writing on behalf of the Hoover High class of 1971. Many, many people have expressed their sorrow at hearing about Dave's death. We held our 45th reunion just the weekend before his death -- and during the reunion, many wondered why he wasn't there. (Now, sadly, we know.)

Some of his old friends have asked to be notified about his wake when that is announced.

Again: Many sympathies from MANY people in his high school class. He was a VERY cool guy!

(oglemaureen@gmail.com)

Yes, we knew this loss was coming, but it stings nonetheless. I am so sorry. Please accept my wish for peace and healing for you Dave's huge, farflung friends, admirers, and awesome family, especially Jacque, Dillon, and Collin. Dave made it clear to everyone that you meant the world to him, for decades, even through an endgame that would discourage lesser humans. Thank you for your strength and for helping me spend some time -- too short but joyous -- with Dave. Best to all in this difficult time.

Brad and I send our sincere condolences to Dave’s family and good friends. We were fortunate to have gotten to know Dave over the years through his music with “Stones in the Field”. When we discovered the infamous “Fiddler’s Picnics” held at the fairgrounds, we were hooked on the music. The friendships that have evolved over the decades from these joyful celebrations each September are truly treasured by us. I have good memories of talking with Dave as we would “work” the t-shirt table at the picnics.

I also have many photos of Dave and other great local musicians who have shared the stage or played the parking lots there.

As I looked through them to find a nice picture of David to share with his family, I was struck by just how many “friends of old time music” we have lost over the last few years, both musicians and fans. The love of this music was our common bond. The last time I saw Dave was at the U of I hospital late last summer, he was walking in as I was leaving with my sister-in-law from her chemo treatment. I introduced them, he told us his cancer had come back too. We talked a bit, cursed cancer and then went our separate ways. We will miss his fiddling, his guitar pickin’, lovely flute playing and his unique voice on those wonderful old Irish songs.

David's dry wit, droll sense of humor, and keen sense of the absurd made for lively conversations over the years we worked together at ACT. His dedication and resourcefulness I remember especially well, too. Dave researched and designed the exhibit celebrating ACT's fiftieth anniversary that was displayed in the Old Capitol. His energy and creativity produced a portrait of the organization that vividly captured its history and conveyed it clearly and memorably. He brought enthusiasm and equanimity to every project, and kindness and generosity to all our talks. I am grateful for his example of professionalism and for his lively and thoughtful company.

Hi Jackie and Sons:

I am so sorry to learn of Dave's passing. You were always such good neighbors and friends over the years. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May Dave rest in peace.

Evelyn Bollinger and family

Dave's time with us was a unique gift, generously freely joyfully and skillfully shared--with his family, his friends and the community. What a glorious positive image he gave us in his obituary photograph. A tribute to Dave would not be complete without some music so imagine that fellow in the photo drains his mug and sings the verse of the traditional Irish song of parting:

Of all the comrades that e'er I had

They are sorry for my going away

And all the sweethearts that e'er I had

They would wish me one more day to stay

But since it falls unto my lot

That I should rise and you should not

I'll gently rise and I'll softly call

Good night and joy be with you all

I knew Dave through a love of Irish Music and as a fellow employee at ACT. He was a genuinely kind person, but his talent was what truly amazed me. The community of music in Iowa City has lost someone very,very special.

My sincere sympathy to the family and friends. May the fond memories and love in your hearts help to ease the pain of your loss.

We were taken by surprise when we saw the obit. Remember many good times. So glad I sent him the note when I did. At least he knew how much I admired him-and you. What a great love you had for each other. We're here if you need anything and will be thinking of you. Maybe cards/games when you're up for it.

I am so saddened by this news. My deepest sympathies go out to Jacque, Dillon, and Colin. I loved hearing Dave’s music and stories. He was a wonderful musician and songwriter, and encouraging as I learned the fiddle. I will play some reels for Dave. He will be missed!

We were saddened when we found out that Dave had passed. He was a big part of our son's life; he made the Irish flute he used in competition in Ireland. May God embrace your family during your time of grief. Many blessings, Julie, David, Daniel, Victoria, and Shannon Vaughn

Jacque, Collin, & Dillon--Joel and I are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and sending our love.

Dave was one of my favorite students from my favorite class in the journalism school. I enjoyed running into him around town and at his performances and catching up on his activities.

My sympathy goes out to Jacque, Dillon, and Colin.

I worked with Dave at ACT in Publications and Creative Services for all the years he worked there. He was a very talented designer, photographer, and graphic artist. And he wrote great memos. If we needed to figure out how to do something new, we would often go to Dave. After he retired I would occasionally see him walking in the mall. I always enjoyed our conversations. Dave will be missed.

Very sorry to hear about Dave's passing after a long struggle. He was an incredibly creative and inspiring man across a variety of arts. Truly a Renaissance man. RIP, Dave.

It was a great pleasure to know and work with Dave. What a great guy. He was a true Renaissance man—so talented in so many ways, and such a kind-hearted man. My condolences to Jackie, Dillon, Colin, and the rest of the family.

It was a joy to work with Dave at ACT for more than two decades. We also own a flute, music book, and children's books that he created and are even more treasured now. My sympathies to you, Jacque, the boys, and your family.

To Dave's family: I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dave at ACT for a few years, and I always got a kick out of him. He was quite a charming character, quick with a smile, and so kind-hearted. He was such a talented artist and musician. The world will miss his talents. I know you will all miss him dearly. I pray God's peace will surround you and give you strength during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Dave.

Jacque and family - We are so sorry for your loss. David was an original and we will all miss him. You are in our thoughts. --David and James

My condolences to you and your family Colin. Please let me know if you need anything.

I was very saddened to see the news of David's passing. I worked with David at ACT for many many years. He was a true pleasure in the workplace...extremely talented, paying attention to detail, creating beautiful designs, and always with a smile and hearty laugh. I missed him when he retired from ACT; I will continue to do so. Please accept my heartfelt wishes in this very sad time.

Janet Godwin

I had the honor of playing with Dave for several years in Stones in the Field. He was a great, versatile musician, and he had a deep quiet ocean of creativity. The time we spent playing with him in Stones in the Field were some of my favorite times- I loved to play his composition "The Shore where St. Brendan Stood" which is still one of my favorite songs. We will miss him incredibly and I am so grateful for the many gifts he gave us- from the great food he cooked in his kitchen and times spent playing and talking, the fresh eggs, the finch and the greek tragedy of her life that could rival Oedipus, the flute he gave my husband on our wedding, but most of all the music. Thank you so much Dave- we will miss you!

I did not know Dave for very long, but I will always remember how he in particular made me feel welcome when I moved to the area four years ago and started coming to Irish music sessions. It was a pleasure to have known him and played music with him. Condolences to all of the family from Pam and I.

It was an honor to know Dave, to play tunes with him and especially to play his wonderful compositions. He was sucha generous person in all respects. Cancer finally got him, but not until he had it beat for a number of years. It was great to see him a few weeks ago. When I came home I started writing a waltz in his honor, finished it too late to play it for him, but somehow I think he will hear it.

Frank

I'm so grateful that I had the privilege of playing music with Dave so many times through the years. I'll continue to be grateful for all the amazing music that he left us. It's so unfair that a life so full of love and joy and music be cut so short. Please accept my condolences.

It was an honor to get to know you Dave and your beautiful family. When I think of you I will remember your wonderful smile, great sense of humor and the love that you had for your wife and boys. Thank you for allowing me to help you during your journey... you taught me so much during the short time you was at the hospice home with me.... thank you Jackie for bring his cd because I will cherish being able to hear his wonderful singing voice.

-Halie at The Bird House