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DAVID TOKOPH Obituary

Mr. David Paul Tokoph, 64, took his final flight to God's Kingdom on the evening of Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 20:13 p.m. He was a citizen of the world, resident of South Africa, loving and devoted husband and father, grandfather, brother and faithful friend to many across the globe. David entered into the world on June 21, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, the 5th son of Richard Adrian Tokoph and Margaret Florence Falzone, stepmother Lynne Tokoph and stepfather Edward Rootes. As a child, David developed an affinity for airplanes that ultimately spanned into a 46 year-long career, as a well- known and highly respected Global Aviation Entrepreneur. David first obtained his pilot's license at the age of 18. He held his Airline Transport Pilot License and was proficient in many types of aircraft, including propeller and jet aircraft. He was an aviation fanatic that traveled the world doing what he loved. In 2009, he set a world record for speed over a recognized course. Having been the first and only to fly from Russia to El Paso, former Mayor John Cook proclaimed March 10, 2009 as "Captain David Tokoph Day." David was a charitable man with a strong belief in paying it forward. He funded many improvement projects in villages across Africa. In 1974, David married Carolyn Denise Ortega of Albuquerque, New Mexico and together they shared 41 loving years of marriage; traveling the world and raising their children. For David, family was paramount. He is survived by his children; Gina Marie and husband Hector Maldonado, Flor de Daniela and husband Jason Roberts, Alejandra Carolyn, David Paul Jr. and wife Anne, Haleea Lindsey. Additionally, David served as the guardian of Robert Daniel. He was the loving and guiding grandfather to eight grandchildren; Christopher ("#1 Grandson"), Hector ("Junior"), Andrew ("Drew"), Liam ("Boris"), Max ("Maximiliano"), Liliana ("Liliana"), David Paul III ("Davidcito") and Chloe ("Coco"). David was also the loving brother of Richard, Thomas, Dana, Gary, Deborah, Cynthia, Dennis, David and Angel. In addition to having a successful career in Aviation, flying was David's passion and hobby. He often said, "some people golf, I fly planes." His family finds solace knowing that he passed doing what he loved. His passion for flying and tremendous skill resulted in the survival of his passenger and friend, Angelo Cossi. Visitation will be held Monday, August 24, 2015 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home-West. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 400 W. Sunset Road. Inurnment will be held at a later date by family. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr. Please visit our online guestbook at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by El Paso Times from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID TOKOPH

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Not sure what to say?





Buchizya Mseteka

August 17, 2024

David, gone but always in our hearts. Sadly missed, but we find comfort in the great times and memories shared together across the globe. Buchizya and Cecilia Mseteka.

Tony Chica

August 16, 2024

Miss you every day Boss

Tony Chica

August 16, 2023

Hi Boss, We miss you everyday

Rahema Dean

June 20, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Anthony Victor Chica

June 2, 2023

Still missing you Boss.

Ivy Kabwe-Watts

August 13, 2022

I had a chance to get into aviation through you-Aero Zambia and now I´m back in the airline industry in your country. Thank you David. May you continue resting in peace

Tony

August 16, 2021

Never a day passes Boss when we don´t hear your voice in the back of head. Always the same thing. What´s new? What are you doing?

Michael Pope

February 6, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Anthony Chica

February 5, 2021

We all still miss you Boss

June 2005

Mark Weyer

June 1, 2019

Back in 2005

Mark Weyer

June 1, 2019

Anthony Chica

May 31, 2019

Not a day passes that I don't miss you Boss.

Bene Stein

January 14, 2018

Am speechless RIP David. Am I what am today because of you

Tony Chica

November 27, 2017

No A day passes that I don't miss you Boss.

michael edwards

November 26, 2017

aim very sorry denise to heahrthat david is gone

November 16, 2016

miss you boss

Chitalu Kabalika

January 7, 2016

In loving memory to a dear friend

Michael and Maureen Pope

November 28, 2015

To the Tokoph family. Dave was one of the most unique people I have ever met! We were friends in our teens and later in life! We shared some of the most memorable times of our lives together. I still share some of our adventures with friends and family. They are memories that I will never forget!
God bless David and those he loved. He was always a person that cherished family!

Sincerely
Michael and Maureen Pope

Pamela Madden

September 12, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Tokoph family. He will be fondly remembered for his kindness, warm smile and hard work ethic.

Sylvana K. Rafiou

September 9, 2015

My deepest condolences to Mrs TOKOPH and the family
Chairman rest in peace.

George Mwase

September 7, 2015

He was a really fine man, who was honest and kept to his word no matter what. He will be missed by many people who relied on him for survival. My sincere condolence to his family. He will be greatly missed.

John McNulty

September 2, 2015

My sincere condolences to the entire Tokoph family

David Rendall Sr

August 31, 2015

I just heard the sad news of of David's passing away. I remember him as a kind man. In the summer, 2003, I went to South Africa to attend the funeral of my mother. David insisted that I not pay for a flight from Johannesburg,SA to Ndola, Zambia. InterAir was as comfortable as any of the US carriers. I remember him and Denise sending me my favorite South African tea.
My condolences to Denise and the family. May you experience God's comfort at this time.

David Rendall Sr

August 31, 2015

I just heard the news of of David's passing away. I remember him as a kind man. In the summer, 2003, I went to South Africa to attend the funeral of my mother. David insisted that I not pay for a flight from Johannesburg,SA to Ndola, Zambia. InterAir was as comfortable as any of the US carriers. I remember him and Denise sending me my favorite South African tea.
My condolences to Denise and the family. May you experience God's comfort at this time.

August 31, 2015

The world has lost a fine and loving man. Our hearts are sad.
The Agin Family

Kim Roche

August 30, 2015

I'm so struck by this news. My prayers are for all his family. I worked for David in 2002 at the hanger in El Paso Tx.
David took me up in the F-100 one day. I've been in a wheelchair since 1983 and for me this one Awesome event.
Thank you David !!
YOU will be missed by many around the world.
God Bless !!!

michelle Booysen

August 29, 2015

May you rest in Peace Mr Tokoph

Michelle Cumming

August 29, 2015

Very sad to hear of your passing
Mr T. It doesn't seem real. You were always larger than life. Mrs Tokoph, family and friends you are in my thoughts.

Bob Bolier

August 29, 2015

I will miss you, Cousin. We were very close, growing up. I always admired your street-smarts, and the fearless way you went after what you wanted. You were a "Do-er," you always made things happen. And you treated all your family so well, over the years. You will be missed by so many. God Bless You, Rest in Peace.

Patricia Kapijimpanga

August 29, 2015

May you rest in peace Mr. Tokoph

Erika

August 28, 2015

Rest in peace boss. It was an honor to have worked for you in 2000 in El Paso Tx. My heart is heavy right now. My condolences to your family.

Patricia Kapijimpanga

August 28, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the Tokoph family over the demise of their loved one. Sympathy is also extended to my former colleagues at Interair, Ndola Office - Zambia. May you all draw strength from God the giver of life and all that we have.

Edmund Makona

August 28, 2015

Air Zimbabwe Team will always remember him for his passion for aviation and his positive contribution and participation at various aviation programs and events. As a member of the Executive Committee of AFRAA representing Southern Airlines, I would like to further say that our Region is no longer the same without David.

Paige Ehrlich - de Bruyn

August 27, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of your great loss..... He was a wonderful person! Please know, I am praying for your family's strength to get through this difficult time. May happy memories carry your family through this sorrowful time. I am here for you, if you need to talk.
Love Always,
Paige

August 27, 2015

A loving friend, comrade and dear brother. We shared lots of fun in travels across the world. Rest in Eternal Peace. Buchi and Cecilia Mseteka, Johannesburg. South Africa.

Albert Edward Holt

August 27, 2015

To the Tokoph family
Condolences may you find peace with GOD

Lydia Mpeta

August 26, 2015

He was a great person, known also in a small country LESOTHO in Southern Africa.
My deepest condolances to the family and excollegues at Interair South Africa.
Lydia Mpeta
Maseru Ls

August 26, 2015

MHSRIEP

Roselyne Mbugua

August 26, 2015

RIP

Debbie Jacobs

August 25, 2015

May God watch over the Tokoph family during this difficult time and give them strength. Mr D.T you will forever be in the hearts of so many people, for you have touched a million lives throughout your life. Rest in peace

Willetta Betts

August 25, 2015

My Thoughts and Prayers are with all the Tokoph family during this difficult time.

Ralph Wigzell

August 25, 2015

R.I.P. Sir it was a pleasure and an honor to work for you. You will always be remembered as a true gentleman.

Ralph Wigzell

My deepest condolences to the family.My prayers are with you.Fly high Mr Tokoph.May Your Soul Rest in Peace

Dinisia Muxinga

August 25, 2015

Eugenie Deguenon Nobre

August 25, 2015

When I asked my son Angelo to tell me something about his late boss, he said : Mr Tokoph used to say "good to laugh, isn't it?". And I thought that man was surely a happy man.

May Almighty God provide Peace and strenght to all his family through these hard times.

My sincere sympathy to all Mr Tokoph's relatives and friends.

August 25, 2015

DAVID TOKOPH WAS A GOOD MAN AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED! RIP JULIET INDETIE

Sue Zulu Arevshatian

August 25, 2015

My deepest heartfelt condolences to the Tokoph family on the loss of a kind & generous man David Tokoph..may The good Lord give you the comfort you so deserve during this trying & difficult time. So tragic! Sue Zulu Arevshatian. Former Z9 since inception...

Tony Tyler, Director General IATA

August 25, 2015

On behalf of all of us at the International Air Transport Association, I offer my deepest condolences to David's family and friends. InterAir is a longstanding and loyal member of IATA, and David was always an active and enthusiastic participant in our programs and events. We will miss him very much. May he rest in peace.

August 25, 2015

WE WILL MISS YOU OUR FATHER. DANIEL MTONGA AND ALL NDOLA CREW R.I.P

Harrison Musonda

August 25, 2015

He stood tall, hair curled behind his head, walked with speed yet with a soft voice. His vision was matchless. A man whose heart was large to embrace and forgive and willing to give people a second chance. In his own words, "I give you a second chance because I was given a second chance, but don't screw up." Traveled the world with him,learnt lots from him but when the sunset of life came, I could not believe that he was gone. I shall forever cherish your tutelage. Rest in peace Mr.T.

Interair

August 25, 2015

Dear Tokoph family,

Our heartfelt condolences on your great loss. We, at Interair, share your grief and pain at this difficult time.
Mr Tokoph was an inspiration to us all, and his memory will be cherished forever. He was a leader , a colleague, a friend... and he will be greatly missed.

RIP boss... from all your friends at Interair

Namulinda

August 25, 2015

With David Tokoph, everyday was like a new page in a text book.....lots to learn from. You taught me more than you'll ever know.
To Mrs Tokoph and the family, we are with you in spirit and prayer.
...and to the only boss I've ever had... Rest In Peace.
Namulinda

Chris Zweigenthal

August 25, 2015

Dear Denise, Gary, the Interair Team and all David's family and friends. On behalf of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) team and its Members, please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the tragic loss of David. We knew him as a man passionate about his family, his friends, aviation which includes Interair South Africa, a valued Member of AASA. We will always remember his entrepreneurial spirit and care for everyone he came into contact with. May his should rest in peace. God Bless you all. Chris Zweigenthal, CEO, AASA.

Sam Munda

August 25, 2015

RIP David! We will miss you dearly in the aviation world!
Sam Munda, SITA, Nairobi, Kenya

Valerie Van der Vyver

August 25, 2015

I remember when I started with Interair for the second time like yesterday. Mr Tokoph had a way of convincing people.Over the years, our relationship developed from boss and employee to mentor and mentee. I'm going to miss receiving your afternoon calls asking what's new..what are you working on ... Not having you around to ask questions and get guidance will be very hard for all of us but you taught us well . Our prayers are with your family from all the Interair Reservations offices and staff ... time to rest now . Valerie

charlie Kabeya LUAULA

August 25, 2015

I Will always remember the day I first meet you I your office for an employment interview. What a great privilege I had to work for you. Thank you Boss and Rest in Peace.

Deon Kruger

August 25, 2015

Our thoughts are with you Mrs. Tokoph, with your family. May he rest in peace, forever.

A Wonderful day and with Family and Friends

Mark Weyer

August 24, 2015

To the Tokoph family I offer my sincere condolences and may God give you all peace and strength through these times. David Tokoph was a inspiration to many and a man with a vision that he lived and enjoyed every day, David it was an honour and a privilege to have worked for you and with you, you will be sorely missed, Denise may God give you strength and may God bless you.

August 24, 2015

It was an honor and privilege to have known Mr Tokoph. I can not even begin to express what an impact he made in my life by giving me opportunities I never believed possible and having the confidence in me to do what I did. He had an amazing heart! He will forever be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Denise and family.
Keep flying high Mr T.!
Dimple

David Tokoph with Co-pilot Gulfstream 2015

Dr. Alan L. Carpenter

August 24, 2015

Closeup David Tokoph in Cockpit Gulfstream 2015

Dr. Alan L. Carpenter

August 24, 2015

Trip to Albuquerque 2015

Dr. Alan Carpenter

August 24, 2015

Fly on to our father's place David....and to his family, please feel free to let me know if you need me.
Dr. Alan L. Carpenter

COSSI Nanette

August 24, 2015

David Tokoph... Dave, comme je me permettais de l'appeler lors de nos conversations, Angelo et moi, tellement il était présent dans notre vie.
Il demeure présent dans coeurs...
Toutes mes sincères condoléances à la famille Tokoph.

Mark Ludwikowski

August 24, 2015

Dear Tokoph family and friends, I was deeply saddened to hear about David's passing. Please except my heartfelt condolences in this difficult time. It was an honor and privilege to serve as David's counsel. He taught me so much over the years, most of all the resolve and optimism with which he approached everything in his life. There truly never was a dull moment working with him. He was larger than life and lived it to the fullest. I will miss our talks about politics, business and world affairs. Farewell and may you rest in peace.

August 24, 2015

We are deeply saddened at your passing on. You stood with our family at a crucial time when your dear friend HRH Mwata Kazembe XVIII passed on. Denise, kindly accept our deepest condolences.
Mwadi and children.

Stewart Gilmore

August 24, 2015

My condolences to the entire Tokoph family on David's sudden passing.

Carrie and Franke Thomas

August 24, 2015

Dear Denise and family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of David. We will always have fond memories of our time in South Africa with the Tokoph family. We will remember David for his kindness and generosity, and his love for his family. Our Love, Franke and Carrie Thomas

Jacob Chisela

August 24, 2015

Owner of Seagreen, Aero Zambia, Aero Africa, El Greco etc etc. He gave so much to so many. Yet he was loved and feared. He was my boss and yet my friend. In 1996 he called me to get to El Paso pronto to show off his new Acquisition a 1957 New Mexico Air Guard F100 which we lovingly services and repainted in original speed stripes. Farewell David. From Jacob Chisela, Lusaka, Zambia.

August 24, 2015

To David and Anne and all the Tokoph family, Chris and I would like to extend our condolences at this very sad time. Please know that you all are in our hearts and prayers. Chris and Linda Beck

Dorothy Armijo McCoy

August 24, 2015

My heart breaks for you Denise, all your children, grandchildren and all of David's family. I have you all in my prayers. I wish I could be there to celebrate David's life, hugs to all of you as you go through this sad and difficult time in your life.

celebrating his birthday with the Interair team

Kavitha Moodley

August 24, 2015

Ali Rasheed

August 24, 2015

Brad Donner

August 24, 2015

To Denise, the Tokoph family, and all his friends: It was with the greatest sorrow and sense of loss that I learned of David's passing. He was a great friend, a role model, and an outstanding aviator. The condolences coming from every corner of the globe are a testament to David's character and the extent of his travels. May the kind words from his friends of every conceivable background grant you comfort in your time of grief.

Delome Cossi

August 24, 2015

As a boss and mentor of my younger brother Angelo Cossi, Mr Tokoph was present in all our conversations and thoughts. He was part of the family. All my deeepest sympathies to the family

zinzindohoue stephane

August 24, 2015

Toutes mes condoléances à la famille de David et à tout son personnel. Il a marqué son temps, à vous de continuer son uvre en sa mémoire.
Union de prières!

Kavitha Moodley

August 24, 2015

Mr Tokoph...It was an honor and priviledge to be a part of your Interair team and I will be forever grateful for the knowledge, experiences and words of wisdom that you so generously imparted.
You were a great leader,and your teachings will never be forgotten.
Thank you Sir... you will be sorely missed!
May you rest in peace.
My condolences to Mrs Tokoph and family, you are all in my prayers.

Jemima Vermaak

August 24, 2015

My condolence to the family..may you find peace and comfort! May you rest in peace Mr Tokoph! You will be missed and we will treasure the memories!

Shirlee Gibhard

August 24, 2015

To the entire Tokoph family I send my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies. May God give you all strength and comfort during this time. Mr Tokoph will be sorely missed.

Jacob Chisela

August 24, 2015

We made Aero Zambia together in Lusaka, Zambia 1994/5 with Yewondwossen Mengist u, Fred Ngulube, Tom Ngenda. Did B707 in El Paso. Serviced, Repainted F100 and flew Twin Otter in DRC and Angola. Made Aero Africa, went to Orange city Australia, Saana Yemen in search of aircraft. What a man. Farewell David. Jacob Chisela

Danielle Engelbrecht

August 24, 2015

Mr Tokoph was always will to help those no one else were willing to help. I am great full to have had to chance to work for him. He gave me a chance to prove myself, and a few wise words along the way. I will always miss our long conversations in his office. To Mr Tokoph's family I am greatly sorry for your loss. Family is irreplaceable so treasure each other the way he treasured you.

John de Villiers

August 24, 2015

R.I.P. David you will be missed. Condolences to the family, he loved you guys a stack. From John de Villiers and family of RSA

David in Dakar with the Interair Team at my mom's house

Oulimata Sarr

August 24, 2015

Oulimata Sarr

August 24, 2015

He was a great friend and mentor. He believed in me more than I could believe in myself. I worked for him for 8 years great years. He took me to most African countries, all the way to Timbuktu. He was a maverick who loved his family dearly.

Jocelyn Choo

August 23, 2015

To Mrs. Tokoph, Daniela, Ale, David, and the rest of the family and loved ones: my heartfelt condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Beto Acosta

August 23, 2015

To David's family: He was as proud of you as you are of him. Blessings and comfort.

August 23, 2015

So sorry for your loss, Denise. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Laura Fox and Carl Boaz

Zinzindohoue Stephane

August 23, 2015

It's a real reappointment to me when I heard the news and I don't believe, its too crual. But I know that mighty God decide for him and we have to pray for his soul, his family and for all he cherish.
May there will be good for you. Be blessed.

August 23, 2015

Denise and Family,

Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. You all have your own personal angel watching over you. God Bless you all.

Rudy, Cindy & Jessica Buckner
Albuquerque, NM

August 23, 2015

Denise and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless and keep you all in the palm of his hand.

Rudy, Cindy and Jessica Buckner

August 23, 2015

We are devastated by this huge loss. Our thoughts are with you and we hold you close in our hearts. All our love, John & Susan Black and Family

Chimmie

August 23, 2015

Rest In Peace Boss, it was a privileged to have worked for you, you believed in me, gave me a chance to learn from you. Above all you were a father I never had, I will forever be grateful. I still can hear your voice as we spoke just before you went flying, as usual it was talk to you later without realising it will be the last time. Sir you will forever be in my heart. Sleep well.. To your family; my deepest condolence , I pray you find comfort in The Lord .

Enroute to the Canary Islands

Tom Ferguson

August 23, 2015

This is what proud looks like

Tom Ferguson

August 23, 2015

August 23, 2015

Although I did not know him personally I can tell the good in him through Marissa, his niece. My condolences to all and may faith sustain you. Nubia Restrepo Collaros

Martin Sons

August 23, 2015

A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept our condolences, Mr. Tokoph will not be forgotten.

August 23, 2015

It is with heartfelt sadness that we learned of David's sudden passing. We've always kept contact and I've valued and respected David's industry advice but more so the contact our families have had over the past twenty years. We will sorely miss you David and will ensure the contact between our families continues in the years ahead. May God Bless and provide strength to Denise and your family at this time. Sincerely Hugh, Mary, Garreth, Warren and Family.

Mike Bolier

August 22, 2015

I will miss his hearty laugh, his zest for life and his love for all in his family. He was a giving human being who never quit helping those in need. A better friend you will never find. May our Lord welcome one of the best business negotiators he ever created. Godspeed David Paul Tokoph. Cousin Mike

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Memorial Events
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Aug

24

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sunset Funeral Homes - West - El Paso

480 North Resler, El Paso, TX 79912

Aug

24

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Sunset Funeral Homes - West - El Paso

480 North Resler, El Paso, TX 79912

Aug

25

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Matthew's Catholic Church

400 W. Sunset Road., TX

Funeral services provided by:

Sunset Funeral Homes - West - El Paso

480 North Resler, El Paso, TX 79912

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