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David Boorkman Obituary
On February 25th, 2014 we lost an amazing man named David Boorkman. After a short illness, David died in his home with its view of the magnificent Bay and San Francisco. Libby Dietrich, his wife, soul mate and love of his life, was by his side.
Born in Oregon in1943, David graduated from Wilson High School after which he attended Carleton College before receiving his law degree from Yale University. He passed both the New York and California Bars. David knew he wanted to live in San Francisco where he joined the planning firm of MKGK and was a founding partner of the consulting firm URSA and organized its non-profit arm, The URSA Institute. He led dozens of social planning, evaluation, training, advocacy and public health projects. He worked with federal, state and municipal government agencies, foundations, and Indian reservations and Native American communities across the country including the North Slope of Alaska.
It was while working that he met Libby. Enamored from the start, they soon became inseparable and had many shared interests. Shorty into their marriage, David suffered a major stroke which left him partially paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. However his great sense of humor, intelligence and compassion were still very much a part of David and apparent to all who knew him. His ability to communicate without words was truly inspiring. With Libby by his side, he was able to have countless adventures, setting out for trips in their little travel trailer and to their second home in Torrey, Utah as well as travels to the east coast, France, and Egypt. He is remembered and admired by all who came in contact with him and will be forever missed by his family and the many friends who loved him.
David is survived by his wife Libby Dietrich; by his brother Peter Boorkman and his wife Patti and their sons Philip and Patrick and granddaughter Milee; by his brother Tod Boorkman and his wife Sharon and their daughters Emily and Nic-e and son Logan; and by his sister-in-law Deborah Duffield and her son Miles.
In lieu of flowers Libby asks that donations be made in David's name to: Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, c/o Institutional & Planned Giving, Kaiser Vallejo Rehabilitation Center, 1800 Harrison Street, 25th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612; or to The Bay Institute (www.bay.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Boorkman
1 Entry
March 9, 2014
I was saddened to learn of David's death today. I have many wonderful memories of our time together at URSA. David provided me with wisdom, opportunities, and most of all laughter during those crazy days at Pier 1 1/2. Libby, my thoughts are with you.
Elsa Ten Broeck
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