David Michael Huffman

David Michael Huffman, 52, of Charlottesville, died March 14, 2007, in Key West, Florida.

Born July 26, 1955, in Charlottesville, he was one of five children born to Leroy and Earline Huffman.

He is survived by his sisters Peggy Huffman-Dyer of Charlottesville and Donna Burrell of King George, Virginia and his soul mate, Mary Ellen "Mer" McLernon.

David's career as a scuba diving instructor led him to Key West, Florida, and although he permanently resided there for the last nine years, he has many extended family and friends who hold him close in their hearts and minds.

David was known for the warmth and kindness that he showed anyone who crossed his path. He respected all people, and was never judgmental.

He touched the lives of many students in his role as a motorcycle safety instructor for 10 years here in Charlottesville.

David's true love was being in the ocean. His life changed after a vacation to Cozumel, Mexico where he discovered his passion for scuba diving. The late Dan McGeehan commented, as David's instructor, that he never saw anyone take to diving the way David did. David also spent many years as a carpenter, both in his professional and personal life.

A memorial service was held by David's close friends the evening of March 31, 2006 in Key West, Florida.

There will be a gathering at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at Monticello Memory Gardens, meeting at the office at 6:45 p.m.