David Graeber

I did not know David had passed away until I looked him up today. I was the primary carpenter and foreman who built his glass rooved addition in 1983. I was 26 then. I worked closely with him on this for about 9 months. Most mornings, we would have a ten minute pow-wow where he would explain what he wanted, and we'd talk about the best way to achieve the crazy framing results that were needed. He taught me how to face building challenges, how to be a courageous framer, and later on,...

I was a young carpenter of 23 building a bar at the corner of 6th and Trinity (formerly Wiley's) in 1978 when David walked in and asked if anyone would would be interested in remodeling his house a couple of doors down. I had no idea anyone actually lived on 6th street at the time. I got my first contracting job from David and now, after 33 years, four kids and two grandkids, I am going back to school and working on a degree in architecture. I remember David as having a unique ability to...

David was my father 's cousin . I came to know him as an adult when I lived in Austin for a time. David was a wonderful human being. He and Jean lived an exceptional life and yet were humble and welcoming to us. I adored them and miss him immensely.

Jean,

I know this is a loss for you. David lived a very full life and a life with passion.

Being born a Californian, David was everything that I had envisioned a "Big Texan" would be. I think that sums up what David will always be to me.

Twenty five years ago as an intern architect, I was fortunate enough to work for, and with, a man who has proved to possess charisma, intellect, and values for his family, company, and city that I've not since encountered. I am certain that David was too humble to accept that he'd had such a profound impact on so many in his life. I am blessed to have known and learned from our friend whose indelible sense of humor, and joy of our shared profession, will long remain in our memories.

David was a giant of a man, tremendous intellect a superb story teller and a great ambassador for the State of Texas. His passion for its history and its people inspired us and started us on a lifetime journey which we will now continue with renewed vigour.
Colin and Pamela Prescott Faversham England

David was a delight to work with for a young Architect. Always had a great story to share and always up-beat. I will remember him fondly. The last thing I got from him was his treatise on Teachers which he sent several years ago and which I so appreciated.

But the thing I will never forget about David is the story of the house he built on the wrong lot and how it all turned out OK! What a David story.

Frank Douglas

Much has been said about David’s legendary storytelling prowess. But it wasn’t his affection for the past which I remember as much as his passionate embrace of the future, for new ideas, and his insatiable intellectual curiosity.

The small footprint David says he left behind is, for me, one of a long trail of footprints he left leading over the horizon to who knows where, one I could follow without ever reaching the end.

I owe him more than I can say. He was the real...