David Elder

1947 - 2023

David Elder
April 19, 1947 - April 12, 2023
David Lindsay Elder, entrepreneur, musician, poet, and humorist, passed away at age 75 on
April 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was a creative leader from the start. As a teenager, he merged his love of music and entrepreneurship by booking bands for parties and performing in bands himself with his brothers and friends.
After graduating from Oklahoma State and marrying his high school sweetheart, Karlene Alt, in 1969, he served in the Army and later attended Stanford Graduate School of Business. While there, he helped to start the Stanford Concert Network, bringing acts like Aretha Franklin and Van Morrison to Stanford for the first time. Upon graduating, he managed bands and opened the Music Annex, a recording studio. After, Dave began his 30+ year career in commercial real estate and specialty finance. In the 1990s, Dave co-founded and was CEO of Atherton Capital, a specialty finance firm.
During his retirement, when he wasn't on the golf course, he served on the local Boy Scouts of America board in Palo Alto. His love of music was ever present, constantly discovering new music and artists until he fell ill with Lewy Body Dementia.
Dave's family was the pride and joy of his life. He leaves behind his wife, Karlene, his daughter, Lorri Elder Dyner, and his son, Benjamin Elder, and their spouses Alex Dyner and Emily Elder. Also his beloved grandchildren, Asa Elder, Norah Elder, Benjamin Elder, Charlie Dyner and Caroline Dyner.