David Stewart Coleman

David Stewart Coleman

David Stewart Coleman passed on April 27, 2021 from our loving arms into the arms of His Lord at the age of 89. He was Husband to Dorothy, Dad to their precious five daughters--Debbie (Ronald who welcomed him), Susan (Tim), Barbara (Craig), Lynn (Mike), and Kimi, Grandfather to 23, Great Grandfather to 14, Brother of Robb (Diana), Uncle to Robin (Rick), Skip (Deb), Jenni (Ray), David the 2nd (Kathe), and blessed by so many friends.

Dave earned: a bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine; a master's degree from The University of Chicago having been awarded a Carnegie Fellowship; and a doctoral degree from The University of Wisconsin having been awarded a project assistantship. During his four years at Bowdoin, he was enrolled in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Upon graduation he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army serving as a company commander and battalion personnel officer. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1956.

Upon completion of his Ph.D., while living in the Orlando area, he was a senior management consultant, traveling extensively in the United States, Canada, South America, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and England. During this period, he was also associate director of the Conference Program, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL.

In 1972, Dave formed a business partnership "G & C Learning", a publishing/seminar business with a focus on real estate education for the learner. Their Principal and Practices book quickly became one of the top two real estate textbooks in Florida. The business was sold to an International Publisher with consulting continuing until retirement in 1995. After 30 years in Florida, we moved to Asheville in 1998.

Dave often received professional praise but the following was especially cherished by him … "There is one more measure beyond the dollars and cents value. That involves the set of PERSONAL values - openness, frankness, integrity, and commitment—which you have obviously interwoven into your lifestyle. People believe in what YOU ARE as well as in what you say; this then results in a greater confidence and belief in themselves. Best wishes to you Dave."

Dave suffered from Lewy Body Dementia and had been a resident of Brookdale Walden Ridge for a year and a half. The disease could not touch his love for His God, his wife, his family and his friends. In 2004, Dave had written: "This I know: I was baptized as a 14-month infant in the arms of my beloved parents. I know that I publicly declared, when I was 'confirmed' at age 14, that Christ was and would remain at the center of my life. I know that Jesus lived, died and arose. I know that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I know that I am a sinner and have been unsteady in my walk with Him. And, I know that I need Jesus in my life and that he answers prayer." Throughout his lifetime, Christ would remain centered in Dave's life as he strengthened his walk through his church, Sunday School, Bible Study and serving as a tutor. He was a board member with several nonprofit organizations as well as a hospital volunteer with 2500 hours. A prayer of his was -"Help us to smile often, to speak kind words and to offer help where needed."

Our family's deepest gratitude to the extraordinary staff of Brookdale Walden Ridge and Michelle & Alice of Four Seasons Hospice, Katelyn of SOS Dental, and Dr. Meg Word-Sims for their loving care and many kindnesses.

A Memorial Service will be held July 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm in the Givens Estates Chapel, Asheville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation (note Coleman Memorial) to Crossfire Ministries, 22C New Leicester Hwy, PMB #145, Asheville, NC 28806 (www.crossfireministry.com).

"God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings." 1 Peter 4:10 (The Living Bible)