DAVID PORTER RECTENWALD

DAVID PORTER RECTENWALD - WILLISTON - David Porter Rectenwald, 42, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2015. He transitioned to a place of serenity attended by his wife and the staff of the Vermont Respite House. He was born in St. Ignatius, Mont., on Oct. 8, 1972. From there he moved to many places across the country, shaping a flexible approach to the idiosyncrasies of life. Whether you knew him as David, Dave, or Cousin Dave, you knew that he was always in passionate pursuit of all things awesome and never approached anything from a place of ordinary. Dave was a consummate craftsman with a deep reverence for process, holding fast to the belief that newer was not always better. Whether it was classic or modern, Dave had a passion for learning how things work and the history of how they got that way. Once absorbed he was excited to share that information, greatly enriching the lives of those close to him. Perhaps the most endearing aspect of David's brilliance was how it was couched in such deep humility. David's primary trade was in metal work. He loved to teach his artistry at the Shelburne Museum in the blacksmithing forge, and he went on to do highend historical metal restoration and custom lighting at Conant in Burlington. The beautiful and ingenious results of David's labor are enjoyed in businesses and homes across the country. Dave's skill at taking raw natural material and transforming it was inspired by his love of the outdoors and nature, being well-versed in geology and mineralogy. To hike with David was to get a lesson about the ground we walked on and the summits we gazed from. Dave's wry humor and knack for summing up situations in hilariously rich anecdotes helped his friends make sense of this crazy world. David will forever be celebrated by his best friend and wife, Rebecca Rectenwald. His passion is emulated in his children, Max Ignatius, 8, and Miranda Nova, 5. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Patricia (Ryan) and Jack Hamilton; plus sisters, Sonya Rectenwald, Eileen Foster, and Megan Luce. Calling hours will be held May 1, 2015, at 3 p.m., at Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 71 So. Union St., in Burlington. There will be a celebration of his life immediately following at David's favorite gathering place, The 3 Needs Tap Room on Pearl Street in Burlington. It was David's explicit request that those who gather not wear black, as he was never one to dwell on sorrows. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495.