"It doesn't have a mother or a father, I can fix it" "What is the difference between Jam and Jelly?" "Act like a civilized *** human being"
SAVANNAH, GA, USA – David Grant Visser (62) died November 4, 2020, at Candler Hospital in the care of nurses and doctors of the ICU. At 10:08 pm, he peacefully passed in the loving arms of his wife, Elsie.
He was born on November 28, 1957, in Pretoria, South Africa. He grew up in Pretoria and Mooi River and graduated high school at Pretoria Central Technicon.
He finished his degree at the University of South Africa in Business Management Systems. He further completed his Aircraft Electrical Systems apprenticeship at Atlas Aviation. Although David didn't serve in the military, he served the military as a key civilian specialist and continued his career supporting various air vehicles for the South African Air force. He was one of the first flight test instrumentation engineers on the Rooivalk Attack Helicopter.
David and his family immigrated to Toronto, Canada in March 1998 to work for Bombardier in the flight test department. During this time, David and his family accepted the diversity visa to become citizens of the United States of America. In September 1999, he and his family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he was fortunate enough to continue his career working for the flight test center at Bombardier Learjet. During his 18-year career at Bombardier, he worked on various aircraft. David and Elsie then moved to Savannah to join the flight test team at Gulfstream in May 2016.
David is survived by his wife, Elsie Visser (64), of Savannah; his son Grant Visser (41), and his grandsons Collin Visser (11) and Mason Visser (8) of Dallas, Texas; his daughter and daughter-in-law, Genevieve (39) and Lynn Howitz (36), and his granddaughters Hannah Howitz (5) and Payton Howitz (11 months) of Cincinnati, Ohio.
David might have been a thorn in our side at times, but he left a hole in our hearts. His legacy will forever live on in all of us. We will never forget you or let your grandchildren forget the sacrifice you made for a brighter future for your family. We find peace knowing you are in your happy place with a drink in your hand, listening to music as loud as you can, eating chocolate, no outstanding little projects, no work, no worries, taking pictures, and reminding us to focus on the important things.
David's happiest times were when he was one with nature. As a living tribute, the family requests friends and loved ones plant flowers or trees in his memory. Due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the lockdown, the family selected to have a virtual memorial.
Also if you prefer to share private photos or stories please email the family at [email protected].
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Acerca de |
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| Nombre | David Grant Visser |
| Fecha de nacimiento | 28 noviembre, 1957 |
| Fecha de defunción | 4 noviembre, 2020 |
| Ciudad de origen | Pretoria, GP, ZA |
| Otra ciudad | Savannah, GA, US |
| Intereses | History, Hike, Science, Electornics, Tinker, Biltong, Boerewors, Baseball, Rum, Whisky, Gin, Brandy, Socializing |
| Frase favorita | "Oooi" "Boknaai" "Kak in die mielies" |
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Familia |
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| Significant Other | Elsie Visser |
| Hijos | Genevieve Howitz, Grant Visser, Stones Visser |
| Hermanos | Andre Henry Visser, Elaine Anne Dereham Kuhn, Roy Gideon Visser |
| Padres | Jessie Marie Louvain Nurse, Johannes Gideon Visser |
| Abuelos | Andries Francois Visser, Constance Getrude Hollingworth, Henry Nurse, Martha Susanna Roux Pienaar |
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Momentos importantes |
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| 1978 | Married to Elsie | ||
| 1978 | Grant Born | ||
| 1979 - 1998 | Flight Test Instrumentation, Denel Aviation | ||
| 1981 | Genevieve Born | ||
| 1981 - 1985 | University of South Africa, Computer Science - Data Matrix | ||
| 1998 | Moved to Toronto, Canada | ||
| 1998 - 2016 | Flight Test Instrumentation Designer, Bombardier Aerospace | ||
| 1999 | Moved to Wichita, Kansas, USA | ||
| 2016 | Moved to Savannah, Georgia, USA | ||
| 2016 - 2020 | Gulfstream Aerospace Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer, Gulfstream Aerospace | ||
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published a tribute .
Elsie, Grant and Gen. I just learned of Dave’s passing just yesterday. I am so saddened to learn of a loss of a friend. May he Rest In Peace May God be with you in these troubling times. I will always remember Dave’s wit, humor and stubbornness. That defined him and provided a legacy. Please let me know if I can do anything for your family. Miss ya dude!
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Please check out the "David and Elsie - 45 years of memories" Video on the Mementos section of the page. (or on youtube https://youtu.be/wHOcHAnloT4)
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published a tribute .
I've struggled trying to find the right words to best capture the spectrum of feelings I've experienced since learning of David's passing. I will do my best here to articulate all I'm feeling. I will inevitably fall short. To Dave's family: I am so very sorry. I hope these tributes help lift you up during this sad time. David was so proud to be a husband, a father, and a grandfather. I hope your sorrow today will give way to powerful and fond memories of his love for you. To my FTI colleagues and friends: the knowledge and wisdow Dave shared will forever influence us as professionals. David hated laziness! While this often created more dissonance than we wanted, Dave's passion for a job well-done was infectious. I know this loss impacts work during an already difficult year. Stay strong. You were Dave's work family, and he was so fond of us all. Yes, he struggled to show it sometimes :), but we learned his love language was hard work, commitment, and dedication to trying to make us all smarter and better. And last, to Dave: my heart is heavy, my Friend. I still remember the golf outing when you came without clubs, the softball game when you ran the wrong direction, and so many little examples that make me laugh. I mention those not to poke fun, but to point out a truth: you cared less about being the best and more about being part of a team. What I learned about you over the years is just how important it was for you to be present, to appreciate the fellowship, and to be a good human, I recall your first week when you introduced yourself and told me you were still growing, improving, and changing as a professional. It seemed so random! But I came to understand what you meant. You drove me nuts, Dave! Like, really. This, I told you often. What I didn't say is that you also touched my heart. The way you spoke of your children and grandchildren. The stories about Stones and the way you'd light up when you told them. The little things you did for me because you noticed it mattered to me- like a note on my desk or bringing me coffee just because. Your passing is a cutting loss, David. We are all better for having had you as part of our professional journey. Please know that while I fussed and fussed at you to be easier, gentler on everyone, I absolutely knew you'd be the first one should any of us need a hand. I'm sorry I didn't tell you this more often. Know this, Friend: I miss you already. Nancy
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published a tribute .
What a shock, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this, but then during brief conversation with Genevieve, Grant and Elsie and all the emotional turmoil I remind myself this was Dave.
To Elsie, Grant, Genevieve, family and friends our sincere condolences. “Farewell not Goodbye, gone from our sight but never from our memories” … the Visser way.
Dave will be dearly missed, he touched so many lives in as many differing ways – husband, father, grandfather, true friend, pier, mentor, pioneer, adventurer or just the guy that shot from the hip, always respectful and willing to go the extra mile.
David Visser, Jou Bliksem!
“Lang may yer lum reek” translated - Long may your chimney smoke
Fond Memories – My journey with Dave started in the mid 80’s, I took a position in the same department where Dave was a senior technologist in the aviation flight test environment working mainly on military aircraft. Oh my, little did I know that at that particular point in time, in all God’s creation, how my life was about to change. I am sure you have all had ‘Visser encounters’ … I mean memories. I dearly remember that from day one Dave never asserted himself as the ‘I’m in charge or I am the senior you need to do this or that kinda guy.’ Instead Dave was there to help and guide. His infectious nature was magnetizing and soon our families became friends and more Dave adventures were about to begin, never a dull moment in Dave’s company. Somehow our lives always stayed entwined, he moved his family to Canada and then to the US to which my family and I also immigrated in the late 90’s. We have remained friends for what seems forever, and I have been fortunate to continue Dave experiences all this time.
It was during this previous life and our hectic work schedule which unintentionally influenced our personal and home lives that Dave decided to adapt a “modified living style” that would bring back some sanity, meaning and calmness to his family and those around him. Call it what you want but basically, he would come home on a Friday night and they would be permitted to do nothing but relax in each other’s company. I really mean nothing but family time – No TV, No Lights, NO NOTHING but family time and if you were fortunate to visit with them on these Friday nights you would have to endure. Ultimately I think he was recovering from a hangover, because during our crazy work schedule we would go to the aviation club / pub on Thursday after work and have a hell of a good time and have to be at work early Friday not having enough time to recover, you know what I mean.
Dave also lived a “Karma” like life approach and would always share with anyone who would listen to the philosophy that ‘the result of a person's actions as well as the actions themselves is about the sequence of cause and effect, what happens to a person happens because they caused it with their actions, it is not about punishment or reward’
Dave lived his life by this principle and to me that portrays David Visser, he will always be remembered by his actions.
A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to his happy place, enjoy the walkabout!
Visser,
We are going to miss you …
Cheers,
Marc and Elsabe
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published a tribute .
David. It's been many years since we saw you last, most likely on the sidelines at baseball. We are shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. Love to you and your family x
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published a tribute .
David admired and adored you, Elsie, Genevieve, Grant and his 4 grandchildren. Every time I spoke to him (he always insisted to speak to me in my mother tongue, Afrikaans), he was in awe about the huge blessing he received in his family. He loved to see his grandchildren become human beings with curiosities, sayings and exploring the world around them. He had a wicked sense of humor, right? I loved it when he would laugh ahead when thinking of how he will tell his funny story or joke. He was a consistent caring male figure for a lot of persons, me and my kids included. I am so immensely grateful for it. I am heartbroken that we will not receive any more check ins from him, it meant so much to us, and I always looked forward talking with David. Elsie, Grant and Genevieve, our hearts are broken with you all, and mourning the loss of a great human being, that was so much more for you all. Thank you for sharing David with us. I am so grateful that I knew him. He always told me that he believed in karma, he was so humble, and frequently expressed that he did not think he deserved to get it this good in life. He would tell how something terrible happened to him (or his family), and somehow it turned into a good thing. I don’t know how to explain it, it seems like he was pessimistic, or realistic, but his thought, story or idea would have a great and good ending (and would be very meaningful, carefully thought through), and funny all the way! He had the best stories and sayings from his army days too. He genuinely admired the little lives (grandchildren) you all gave him, and he loved seeing and talking about Elsie as grandmother and his kids as amazing parents and detail the joy the grandchildren brought him. We are so sorry for your loss, and pray that somehow you all will find comfort and peace in this difficult time. David truly touched a lot of lives in the way only he could, we are sending you all our love and sincere condolences and appreciation for his life, and appreciation for the joy you all brought him. Elbet, Olivia and Carpenter
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Please check out the "David Cheers" Video on the Mementos section of the page. (or on youtube https://youtu.be/pG7gKFlx0Y4)
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publicó un comentario .
Hi Grant, Elsie & Gen! My condolences on Dave’s passing, what a legend, true gentleman he was ........
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published a tribute .
Here is a link to a video as a tribute to Dave and the work Dave an I shared. It’s a 5-minute video and Dave are in the video at about 1-minute 47s in. A small peak of all the interesting a challenging work Dave was involved. Thank you Dave for what you did for all of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYpgmgAmHZ4&feature=share
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published a tribute .
"Dad" David...
What a beautiful legacy you leave behind. I have been reading through the comments on this page, Facebook, messages between Grant, Mom Elsie and myself over the past few days.
I hope that one day, I will be as loved and cherished as you are.
There is a big empty hole in my heart and no other person I know could ever fill that special place.
So for now, I will keep on holding onto the memories of the special moments when we could see each other, and the WhatsApp and email talks we had.
Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life, not only as a friend of Grant's, but like a father figure. That is why I called you dad.
So many of us looked up to you, and still do, to mom Elsie.
What a beautiful journey you shared, what a superb figure you have been in so many lives. An inspiration to so many of us.
Will miss you forever and love you until the end of time.
Here is some Pink Floyd, as we sometimes shared with each other.
https://youtu.be/7Tc6RM7ZkWQ
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published a tribute .
Dave, what can we say? Your passing was such a shock. We still had to finish some conversations we started. We heard about you and Elsie through our son Alwyn and we will always be greatfull that you have formed a great friendship. It was a great comfort to know that you were there for him. You had a great talent to connect with people. We finally got to meet you at his wedding. We learned how protective you and Elsie were towards your children and grand children, and we loved that. We spend good times together and will always treasure that. We admired your spirit and that you were able to see all the blessings that surrounded you and keep on focusing on the best blessings - Elsie, the children and grandchildren and make the best of every opportunity. Our deepest condolences to you all. God be with your loved ones.
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published a tribute .
My friend Dave
I have no words to describe how much we will miss you. We all know what a unique person Dave was but what I will always remember is how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. He always talked about how well Grant and Genevieve are raising “his grand kids”. He also had endless stories about how well Elsie took care of him. My deepest condolences to the family. We will miss you David.
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published a tribute .
There are no words... My deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Dave at Bombardier and Gulfstream and enjoyed his humor and the way he just loved what he did. What a great guy, the world has lost another fantastic character. All I can think of to say is boknaai, I'm going to miss him.
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publicó un comentario .
We knew each other for all my families life eventhough the family moved so far. My mom Brenda and my Dad Johan van Dyk always told us Dave and Elsie stories that I couldn't even remember. It was always nice to get a facebook like and just know that we were still remembered. Dave will always have a place in my and my families heart. We have all of you in our thoughts. I know this is a difficult time.
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published a tribute .
My Dear Friend Dave – One of a kind, No one and I mean NO-ONE is like David Visser. He is the most caring loving man I ever met. He was not afraid of anything and would stand up to anyone… anyone. He had strong beliefs and held others accountable and let them know it if they slacked. One of the worse things you could be was a “slacker”. Dave used this term a lot.
Dave was a man of many interest, as in… he was interested in everything, bowling, kayaking, geo-caching, if someone at work had a new hobby, Dave was in. He wanted to be involved when others were excited about something and he would join in. If you needed help, Dave was the first one there, with anything and for anyone. He was the best friend you could have. He was the BEST.
Above all else, Dave loved his wife Elsie, his son Grant and his Daughter Gen. He cherished his grandchildren and couldn’t wait for retirement so he could spend all his time with his family. I have been forced to look at several hundred photos of his family vacations and grandchildren, hundreds!!! He loved them all so, so much. I could share anything with Dave, we talked about everything, I confided in him and I trusted him… and I loved him. I’ll miss him everyday…
Meeting Dave – Learjet – Do I know a Hitman (True Story, family only)
My Interview for Engineering – Dave always looked for ways to send messages to others and especially management that would not get him fired. He must have been having issues with his current manager and some of his co-workers and Dave was part of the panel interview team. When it came to Dave’s question, he looked around the room and asked me, “Do you work well in a team that is continually trying to stab you in the back and your manager doesn’t have the courage to back you up?” Dave caught me a little off guard with that one and before I could answer his manager quickly spoke up and replied, “Thanks Dave, but I’m not really sure that was a question…” Dave got a small smile on his face. Message received!
Dave Taking Me Under His Wing – When I transitioned from technician to engineer, Dave requested to mentor me. He seen any change as an opportunity and quickly jumped at the chance to train someone to perform engineering tasks the way he wanted things done. With attention to detail and zero mistakes. Dave spent countless hours with me, not only showing me the basics, but spending the time to go over every single detail that would make me a good engineer. I will forever be in his debt. I owe him so much.
Christmas at the Mall - Dave and his friend Tim Evans always spent a day at the Mall during the Christmas season. They invited me with them one year and I thought it was a great idea and we could all get some shopping done for our wives and family… Wrong, Dave and Tim would sneak booze into the mall and grab a convenient seat were they would get drunk and watch people. Giggling like small kids the entire trip…
Illegal Wire Taps at Work – Dave would consistently fight with the IT department and their policies on internet access and xm satellite. He would come in on weekends, place antennas and wiring in the ceiling and have access to whatever he wanted… Working with Dave was like watching an episode of “The Office”. Never a dull moment.
Breaking the Code of Anonymous Surveys – Dave lived for anonymous surveys issued by management. He would quickly inform all co-workers that the survey was never anonymous and we needed a way to prove that we knew what they were up to
Other Dave Stories, best told in the privacy of family and over a cold drink…
Fighting IT
Fighting HR
Fighting Other Groups
Geo Caching
Elsie
Genevieve
Grant
Payday Friday Fish Fights
Mulberry Tree/Silkworms
Stones
Gulfstream
Wichita
Guyton
Toilet Paper System
Jerky
Helping and Giving
Beating Cancer
Texas Cabin
Team Activities
The Bus
Cancelling Xmas
Reenacting Xmas
I hope to share these stories with Dave's children and grandchildren in the coming years, please call me anytime to talk about Dave, he was my dearest friend. I will always remember him, and I will miss him everyday!
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published a tribute .
David was my Friend, a real friend. Words cannot describe our relationship. We learned and grew from each other.. Piece be with you my friend in the ALL
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publicó un comentario .
An annual chat with David was always a highlight of the Potjie for me. David will be sorely missed throughout our community.
publicó un comentario .
He was a lover of life. I am so glad that our paths crossed. I think of all the people you come in contact with through your life and I have a richer life knowing that our paths crossed. Good memories I will treasure—visits at Jeri/Liisa’s ,crazy beach weekend at Tybee with a house full of people and dogs, gin tasting party and out to eat seafood in Pooler. David had a Huge personality and an even bigger heart for all people and dogs.
I will miss you but treasure the time I got to know you .
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Oom David, Ek het nie woorde nie… Ek is nog so in skok. Die eerste keer wat ek van Oom gehoor het was Oom wat my boetie wat nie aan rou vleis raak nie geleer om biltong en droewors te maak. Ek het nooit ‘n happie gekry nie, maar ek weet dit was lekker. Net om jare later Dallas toe te trek, en per toeval oom se seun en familie te ontmoet by ‘n braai. Daarna het ek Oom en Tannie Elsie by my boetie se troue uit eindelik ontmoet. Ek onthou die lekker lag en grappies wat ons buite die hotel gehad het. Die troue het vroeg ge-eindig so ongewoon vir ‘n SA troue, so ons het na die tyd na Oom hulle se huis gegaan vir die ‘res’ van die troue. Oom was so trots op oom se huis, veral Oom se badkamer, maar ons het daai aand so lekker gelag, en Oom het nooit besef waste balsam dit was vir die seer met wat gebeur het daai week nie. Die kere wat Oom in Texas kom kuier het, het ons altyd mekaar iewers raak geloop gedurende die tyd. Die familie boom Oom was so excited dat ek begin speel het my julle boom, Oom het met groot trots alles gedeel wat oom in die laaste weke voor julle uit SA uit is bymekaar gemaak het. Ek was so geskok met alles wat Oom kon uitvind en bymekaar maak in so kort tyd. Ek sukkel nogsteeds om Oom se Visser kant klaar te maak, maar kon soveel op Oom se Ma se kant vind. Ek onthou toe ek Oom se ma se boedel gevind het, ek was so bang om dit te deel want ek weet hoe pynvol dit was. Maar Oom was dankbaar vir dit want dit het Oom ‘n paar antwoorde gegee. Ek sal nie die dag by Sneaky Pete’s vergeet nie, Mei 2019 Oom het vir my ‘n paar goed gese en met trots vir my verduidelik van Oom se ‘Lag’ theory met mense verhoudings. Oom het nog ‘n paar ander dinge vir my gese wat ek nie verwag het nie, maar tot vandag toe saam my drae en my maak smile, Oom het soveel meer raak gesien en besef as wat enige iemand rondom Oom besef het. Die paar keer tussen deur wat Oom my sou bel en met my ditjies en datjies gedeel het, die keer toe Oom besig was om die brandblusser op te sit in Oom se workshop, en vi ramper meer as ‘n uur met my gesels het. Oom ek is so dankbaar vir Oom se insigte, raad en wysheid. Die jaar met potjie, het ons lank gepraat en baie lekker gekuier, daar is ‘n hele paar dinge wat verander het die jaar en Oom was so dankbaar vir dit. Oom ek kan Oom nie verduidelik wat daai woorde vir my beteken het nie, die ontbyt wat ek en Oom kon saam eet, en net kuier. Selfs daarna, daar was ‘n situasie wat my baie erg ontstel het, en Oom het so goed verstaan hoekom, en Oom se woorde aan my het so gehelp. Met my vinger Oom het elke kort kort ingecheck om te hoor hoe dit gaan, en elke keer by die Potjie wat iemand my gevra het moes Oom wegloop, Oom kon nie meer hanteer om elke keer dit te storie te hoor en die fotos te sien nie. Oom het my net ‘n paar weke terug gebel en gebabbel oor oom se ideas. Baie dankie vir alles Oom, baie dankie dat Oom vir my gese het watse verskil ek gemaak het, en dat Oom vir my Oom se blessing gegee het. Ek sal dit vir altyd saam my dra. Ek het so uitgesien na die toekomstige memories saam met Oom. Ek het nooit verwag om Oom so te sien nie, maar ek is so dankbaar ek kon. Baie baie baie dankie Oom. Rus in Vrede, Oom laat n amazing legacy agter. Mis Oom al klaar baie.
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publicó un comentario .
David was definitely a fun character, full of life and love for his family. He was always there for advice (whether you wanted it or not) but he always had the best of intentions
publicó un comentario .
It was an honor to have worked with you David and we’re going to miss you dearly.
publicó un comentario .
We were very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I was privileged to have a few conversations with Dave where I really enjoyed his wit and charm. Elsie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We’re so sorry for your loss.
publicó un comentario .
Sorry for your loss. Dave was a character and i enjoyed working with him over the years. AW
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published a tribute .
David fishing with his boys at Leon’s farm. His grandkids meant everything to him. I knew David for just a few short years but I count you as a good friend. Always smiling and always a great listener. I will miss your quick wit, your laugh, your generosity, and your insightful advice. Go well my friend
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published a tribute .
I loved that sense of humour....... and I will miss hearing and seeing photos of your and Elsies happy place and the music shares..... and your magic moments where you enjoyed being oupa.... Dearly missed my friend
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published a tribute .
Dave somehow managed to balance an attitude of carefree youth & being a very smart Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer.
He typically enjoyed time with down to earth people and was always very generous and thoughtful as well as being
highly organised and always willing to fix anything that was broken.
Dave embraced the South African culture and was equally proud to be an American. I was always drawn to his quirky sense of humour and eccentric non-conformity.
I know that he has touched many lives in a profound way.
We will always miss you Dave.
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published a tribute .
We had the honor of spending time with David at the Potjie in Texas this year. We camped next to them. The love for his grandchildren was so beautiful, he showed us pictures and told us stories about them. I really want them to know how much he loved them! Rest in peace David, The Lord gained a wonderful angel!!
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published a tribute .
Potjie was always a blast driving around with Oom Dave. We won’t forget the memories made making droewors and biltong and visiting together
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publicó un comentario .
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