David was born on March 16, 1955, in Lexington and was the eldest of three. In his childhood, he loved working on his grandfather’s farm. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1973. He went on to be a “double graduate” of the University of Richmond, first receiving an undergraduate degree in chemistry in 1977 and then a Master of Business in 1988.

He started working for Honeywell, then known as Allied Signal, in 1981 and completed a 42-year career with them. He loved working because it gave him a chance to sharpen his incredible intellect, use his amazing problem-solving skills, and meet some of his closest friends.

David was a devoted father and husband and being a part of his family brought him such profound joy. He supported his wife of 40 years, Candy, whether she was at home with the children or working fulltime as a teacher. He loved their time spent watching murder mysteries, working in the yard, and walking around the UR lake. Together, David and Candy were best friends, equal partners, and remarkable parents.

David thrived as a father of his three children. He taught them how to be wise, generous, and kind. He spent countless hours supporting their hobbies, guiding them through car and house repairs, and teaching them the wonder of good music. He was in awe of the adults they became and so grateful to both witness their weddings and know that they were all becoming parents too. They were his biggest blessing, and he was their north star.

David’s colleagues and friends were spread out all over the world. He loved sail boating with them, learning about their passions and interests, and keeping up with their families. They could always count on him as a source of stability, knowledge, compassion, and humor. He was also a faithful disciple and life-long Presbyterian, an advocate for the environment and all living things, and a supporter of Richmond’s Folk Festival.

Until we can all be restored and together again, we will remember David in every owl we see, every tree frog we hear, every cold cup of coffee we drink, and every early morning fog that rolls over House Mountain.

David is preceded in death by his father and mother, Vernon and Mary Jane, and his brother, Philip.

He is survived by his wife, Candy; his three children and their spouses, Houston (Chelsea), Graham (Kristen), and Ann Kilpen (Blake); and his three grandchildren, Finley, Rex, and one on the way; as well as his sister, Margaret, and her family.

A service will be held on his birthday, Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Road, Richmond. A burial will take place at Oxford Presbyterian Church in Rockbridge County.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honor to WNRN, the independent music station, or Hitting Cancer Below the Belt, a Richmond organization providing colorectal cancer screening and prevention services.