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Conway Breeden Obituary
Born May 29, 1938, in Fairfax, Virginia, he was the son of the late I.J. and Jennie Thelma Breeden. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Hilda Breeden; two brothers, and two of his sisters.
David is survived by his first wife, Barbara Ann Breeden; his second wife, Elizabeth Lancaster Breeden; seven children, Peyton Walz and her husband, David, Andrew Breeden and his wife, Melanie, Christian Breeden, Eric Breeden, Jennie Breeden, Skyler Breeden, and Summer Breeden; his sister, Jennie Sue Minor; and three grandchildren, Kate Walz, Lindon Walz and Maggie Breeden.
David grew up in Manassas, Virginia and attended Greenbriar Military School in Lewisburg, West Virginia and Carnegie-Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh. He lived in Brazil and Botswana before coming to Charlottesville in 1974, where he became a well-known figure in the local arts scene. Biscuit Run, his studio and house, just south of town, held the longest running potluck supper every Wednesday night for more than 30 years.
His monumental pieces of sculpture stand on the streets of several American cities and Caribbean Islands, including seven soapstone pieces in Charlottesville. By his count, he produced 89,200 signed original works of art in his lifetime.
Services will be held at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church at noon on Wednesday, September 20, 2006. The last Wednesday night potluck open house will be held that evening in funky formal attire.
In lieu of flowers please bring a small piece of original art to contribute to the ceremonial fire.
Friends may sign the guest book at www.hillandwood.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Conway Breeden
Linda Graham
September 23, 2006
It is just so very hard to believe that this wonderful human being has departed for his next big adventure. I knew David in Manassas, Virginia!I was a new teacher in town and he was my apartment manager who always had the fun parties where everyone was welcome! The atmosphere was always filled with warmth and love and great food. Once my boyfiend(now husband of 37 years) complimented David on a beautiful belt he was wearing. David promptly took it off and gave it to him!! We have so many special memories of David. We send our love to his beautiful family.
We will miss knowing that he is still on the earth. I can see that smile of his and I say, "Enjoy your next adventure as you did this one ole'friend from Manassas!"
With love and sympathy,
Linda Beasley Graham and
David Graham
Janet Goldwater
September 21, 2006
It is safe to say that when we moved to C'ville and David and Busy were our closest (only) neighbors, it changed the course of our lives. We are long gone from the Blue Ridge but the memory of David and BR hospitality live on. Janet & Branch
Michael Miller
September 19, 2006
Charlottesville just won't be the same for me knowing that David is not in our midst. His presence and joie de vivre however, was one of the reasons Charlottesville is such a diverse and very interesting city. He touched Charlottesville, and certainly me. I feel grateful to have known him...I will miss him very much. I send my best wishes to Busy and family. Mike
Jimbo Carroll
September 18, 2006
I was in shock to hear of David's passing. I will always remember him as being the life of the party and many childhood nights spent out at Biscuit Run
Amber Smoot
September 18, 2006
On behalf of my mother -
"Dear Sue & family,
I was saddened to read about David's passing.
I remember with fondness his sense of humor and artistic talent.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sandra McGlothlin"
Beverly Ball
September 18, 2006
'Rest in Peace', Dear David; your Work (& Stories about You!) will be 'Immortal'. Thank you, for 'Being You'. "Blessings" upon, & Appreciation to, your precious Elizabeth, & your Family.
Karen and Phil Collins
September 17, 2006
David was an icon and his spirit will live on in the hearts of so many of us who knew him. Deepest sympathy to Elizabeth and the children. We have many fond memories of music and commraderie at the early pot-luck days at Biscuit Run. David's scultures, including one in our house, will keep his memory alive for us.
Wilkie Smith Leith
September 16, 2006
On behalf of my brother, Pete Smith and my sister-in-law, Janet Miller Smith (and my long-time friend, Nancy Hersch-Ingram), I send our condolences to all the Breeden family on the loss of this wonderful, creative person.
I remember how, in high school (quite awhile ago!), the great stories of David's adventures always thrilled us. Pete and Jan are away, as is Nancy; I will let them know of this loss as soon as possible. And Sue, I know that Janet and Pete will be thinking of you, too.
With love and fond memories,
Elissa Parks
September 15, 2006
Regardless of how far away in time and distance we always care and fondly remember. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all the family.
Elissa Parks
Karen and Jennifer Blackwood
Pete Armetta
September 15, 2006
I'm sad that we have lost David at a time when I was just getting to know him. The world is an emptier place without his BIG self. My thoughts and prayers are with you Elizabeth and with your family.
David Wellbeloved
September 15, 2006
I'm sorry to hear of his passing...
I will always remember his smile and warm spirit.
Peace to all and my best to everyone in the Breeden family.
Sylvia and Wallace Hook
September 14, 2006
David was a good neighbor to us during our early married years in Manassas. He had a delightful sense of humor and was very creative. We were very proud to read about all his fine accomplishments in the art world. We send our sympathy to his family.
Roger Voisinet
September 14, 2006
What a wonderful man and spirit; always generous and accepting. He was the luckiest guy to have Elizabeth in his life and he cherished his time on earth. His legacy will live on in his art which is in the hands of so many.I will really miss you, Dave.
Mary Huey
September 13, 2006
I was sad to read of David's death; the loss of a glad and gracious spirit is always to be mourned. However, with Elizabeth and Christian and Eric and Jennie and Skyler and Summer to carry on, the inimitable Breedens will go right on amazing and amusing us and making us glad we know them.
Cyane Williams
September 13, 2006
My prayers are with your family - I had such a wonderful time meeting and getting to know David -he was such a great inspiration to artists everywhere! His spirit lives on through his family, his work, and all the memories of those Wednesday nights!
Nicole & Philip Chambers
September 13, 2006
Our prayers are with your family. Your father was a very good man.
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