David Nicholas Vogan

David Nicholas Vogan, beloved brother and friend, passed from this life on September 23, 2023. Born in Norfolk, Virginia on December 17, 1951. David was the son of the late Dr. Charles E. and Frieda O. Vogan.

David's early years, growing up in Riverview, were full of culture and adventure. His musically gifted parents frequently took their children to concerts and entertained musicians in the home. Family vacations were enjoyed every year, and David was actively involved in his home church, Royster Memorial Presbyterian.

A move to Lakewood led to further adventures with friends through sports, Boy Scout activities, and rafting on the river.

David was a 1970 graduate of Granby High School. During his high school years, he participated in the storied Granby wrestling program and achieved the level of Eagle Scout. A cello student of Janet Kriner, David was the recipient of the Hermitage Foundation award and Bland music scholarship.

David went on to attend the College of William and Mary where he earned a B.A. in Art History. From there, he went on to a four year program in Architecture at the University of Minnesota which he completed in 1979.

David returned to Williamsburg where he worked at various architecture firms. During these years, he served as the architect on the Architectural Review Board, sang in the choir of Bruton Parish, and played cello in a string quartet working with musicians who became cherished friends.

One of David's most rewarding experiences was teaching architectural design at Hampton University. From there, he went on to work at Langley Air Force Base where he managed and oversaw housing renovations.

An offer from the engineering firm, Parsons Brinkerhoff, took David to Washington D.C. where he spent the next twenty years. This position offered extensive travel opportunities throughout the United States as well as Asia. David loved Washington for all that it offered as an international city. He explored every museum, attended concerts, films and plays, frequented embassy parties and concerts, and enjoyed meeting people from all over the world.

David was one of a kind and anyone who really knew him would describe him as such. He was fiercely independent, fearless, and always in pursuit of "seeing what else is out there". He loved travel and particularly enjoyed time in Eastern Europe and Russia following the Cold War. David enjoyed the company of people from other cultures, visiting in their homes and seeking understanding. His aspiration was to be a "citizen of the world".

David lived modestly by choice, but was generous. He was kind and gracious and has been described as not having a "mean bone in his body".

A lover of animals and nature, he was also passionate about historic preservation, sustainability of the planet, humanizing politics, and social justice. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed offbeat antics such as hopping a freight train from Minneapolis to California in celebration of completing graduate school.

The endless stream of friends, from near and far, for whom it was important to visit during the last few weeks of his life, as well as outstanding care from Amedisys Hospice, was deeply gratifying to him and very impressive to those who witnessed it. Particularly touching was a visit from four fellow Eagle Scout friends, two of whom came from out of state.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Joe G. Boone III. Left to cherish his memory are his brother Charles E. (Chip) Vogan Jr. and his wife, Barbara, sister, Judy Vogan Boone, nephew, William V. Vogan, special family friend, Jack Levick, and many cherished friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday , October 14 at 3:00 PM at H. D. Oliver chapel, 1501 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, followed by a reception at the parish house of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 201 St. Paul's Boulevard, Norfolk.

Memorial donations can be made to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Humane Society of the United States, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com