David Holder, 1972-2008
David Holder won’t be posting on his blog anymore. He died this morning.
He was 35.
David started the blog last year, after being diagnosed with lymphoma. He named it Dave Getting Stronger, because he knew this chapter of his life was going to have a happy ending.
I met David through my wife in the mid-1990s. There was no way to not like him. He’d rally crowds to play football at holidays and throw dance parties in the basement of his AU Park home at an age most people — well, me anyway — felt way too old to do either.
But for the last 14 months, the bad news just kept coming. He got the best medical care and had the best attitude — just read his posts. The guy was like a superhero of positivity. If cancer whipped David, it can win any fight it wants to.
Many of the times I saw David before the illness took over or read his blog after, I came away wishing I was more like him. I bet a lot of folks who knew him felt the same way.
14 Responses to “David Holder, 1972-2008”
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September 12th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
The world lost a great human being today. People like David change the lives of others forever.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I didn’t have the opportunity to meet David, but heard about his ordeal though my friend. I wish I had a fraction of his courage. Rest in Peace David.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Missing you terribly, DH. RIP.
September 12th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
David was not only a loving husband, wonderful dad and a terrific person…he was a warrior. He did EVERYTHING that was available medically to extend his life with his family and paid a terrible price in the process. He was truely an inspiration and my hero! I am very proud to say he was my son-in-law.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
love you DH. laurie and i will be biking and running hard for you tomorrow. RIP brother.
September 13th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
David,
I wish I had more time to know you better. In the short time I knew you, I was struck by your ease with people, your interest in others, your love of life, and your humble nature. You will be in my thoughts whenever and whereever I go fishing.
TY
September 14th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Wow, such a powerful person…So much to say.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Thoughts of healing and peace are with your family from mine.
Carla L. Perry-Paisley
September 16th, 2008 at 4:12 am
I have known Dave for the better part of two decades, and this is truly a terrible loss. A terrible, terrible loss
Dave was a beautiful spirit, kind and warm, friendly and adventuresome, and truly one of the good guys we need more of in this world.
I didn’t make the service today, but I know it was overflowing with love, admiration, and of course, sadness.
Dave would want all of us to take a valuable lesson from his life: be joyful and love the ones dear to you. I will honor Dave’s memory by doing just that. Where I have fallen short in the past, I will do a much better job at loving, laughing, and being positive. Thank you Dave for being that role model.
I wish his family the very best during these difficult times.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I love you David. You are and will be my forever hero. Your boys are in good hands. You are always with us. LOVE YOU.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Although i did not know Dave or his family, i learned of this story through a friend of Dave’s sister-in-law. this story has really touched me. i read Dave’s entire blog and most of the posts accompanying the entries. i have never seen such conviction in a person (and i see a lot of conviction everyday at work)! every time Dave got beaten down with bad news, he fought back harder. What an incredible gift of fortitude and strength he had. it really teaches you to appreciate every day and the people in your life. And his story really teaches you perspective. I wish his family and friends comfort during this time of sorrow.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
David was the most amazing young man. I feel privileged that I knew him. Liza and the boys will get through this with the help of a wonderful family and amazing friends. I know they will find strength through David’s memory.
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I thank the Washington City Paper for the wonderful blurb about David. Robin Wexler, David’s father-in-law, said it all.
David has always filled our hearts with warmth, love, and humor. I am grateful to have had him in my life.
November 26th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
From one David Holder to you David Holder Go to GOD and R.I.P.