Dave Etheridge Obituary

Dave
Etheridge
July 3, 1966-
May 6, 2011
Newfoundland, CA- David "Dave" Thomas Etheridge died suddenly of heart failure on the evening of May 6, 2011 at the age of 44 with his wife, Kane, by his side. He was an accomplished sculptor, musician, educator, poet, author, athlete, carpenter, builder, outdoorsman, fisherman, gardener, photographer, environmentalist, chef, winemaker, world traveler, dreamer, visionary, and hero to all who knew and loved him; the true definition of a Renaissance Man.
A memorial service to honor his life is planned on May 21 in Falls Village, CT and on June 5 in Raleigh, NC.
Dave viewed the world with an open, adventurous, and respectful spirit. He was a pioneer of life; he stayed true to himself and he lived with gusto and bravura.
Dave and Kane traveled to many countries around the world. Never a tourist, Dave immersed himself in the cultures and the people. Citizens of the world, he and Kane bought a home in Newfoundland while visiting four years ago. The latest project of renovating the 117 year old house was in full swing with excitement and energy for the task.
Dave was born in Sewanee, Tennessee to Clyde Thomas and Gloria Tinsley Etheridge. He grew up in Columbus, Georgia where he attended Brookstone School and Shaw High School. He played basketball at Vanderbilt University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Georgia.
Dave had a curiosity about life and people and a creative approach to all his endeavors. He loved art for its own sake and invited audiences to ponder and consider other viewpoints with his music, art installations, set designs, blog posts and writings. Dave also inspired many with his athletic ability and energy to trek mountainous regions from Mt. Everest Base Camp, to the Andes; to lead whitewater and paddling expeditions; to facilitate ropes-course challenges and mountain-bike rides; and to complete a marathon. He lived his life fully and with complete exuberance - tasting all that it offered, with sensitivity and passion.
Dave is survived by his wife, Kane Clawson, of Massachusetts and Newfoundland; his sister, Amy Etheridge and her partner, Steve Rymers of Raleigh, NC. He was son-in-law to Sarah Nason Clawson of Falls Village, CT, and Robert Clawson and Betsyann Duval of Acton, MA. He was brother-in-law to Daniel Clawson, Robert Clawson, Jr., Lisa Flosznik and their families. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins including the Tinsley and Garner families of SC and the Etheridge and Pearson families of NC and VA; and those closest to him: Uncle Rich Tinsley of Nashville, TN; Cousin Nathan Etheridge of Raleigh, NC; Aunt Hazel and Uncle LB Doyle of Roanoke Rapids, NC; and hundreds of friends met along the journey from 6 continents and all 50 States.
Condolences and memories of Dave may be sent to his family at 105 Fenner Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.

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

Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on May 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Dave Etheridge

11 Entries

Braden Henry

June 5, 2011

I have always loved music, and one of my favorite things in life is to listen to, and sometimes be a part of, the music being made by people that I care about. I can honestly say that even in music Dave made it all a little bit better, brighter, more alive.

I am just one of the many lives touched by this beautiful person. Thank you, Dave, for the joy you added to my life. I will miss you greatly. Your life, the way you lived it, the way you loved the things that were important to you... it's inspirational. Thank you for the example.

I pray for the peace and healing of all who will miss you, especially your loving wife.

Love and Peace.

Arthur DeBenigno

May 28, 2011

Dear Dave, Well you gone and done it really big this time. Made the final exit from the grand and glorious play that was your life. Remember when NOC was talking about bull dozing that hill to make more parking? That was the first time I got to know much about you. You stepped right up and took a stand. As I recall your platform was no platform and we were impressed - it got my vote.
There seemed no limit to your creativity. Next thing I know I’m attending a play in Sylva written by none other than you. Who would of thought it? You are the first (and only) playwright I have had the pleasure to know.
Next thing I know we are playing music at Poplar Cove. How you and Kane converted a mountain shack into a living, breathing work of art still amazes me, but I remember well its many features. But that was nothing compared to the music and joy that came from the people that gathered around you. If it were not for you I never would have learned a mandolin chord, and absolutely would never have taken a “break” on a song. What excitement those days were.
My only regret is that we didn’t have a chance to play our songs at Jack of the Wood pub here in Asheville, but that will just have to wait. One thing is sure though - you are leading the Angel Band and they are loving it, with your high spirits and free style they are rocking out for sure.
See you there my friend! Love, Art D

Matt Lovejoy

May 27, 2011

Dave was truly an inspiration to all who knew him. A fine example of a free spirit and a loving soul. I am saddened by the news of his loss, and grateful to have shared many amazing moments with him. My thoughts are with Kane and Dave's family / friends.

Karl Budesa

May 22, 2011

To Kane and Amy and all the great friends Dave made along his life's journey. I am very sad, and it will take along time to get over , because at some point even though Dave and I had not seen each other, that we would meet again, talk of old time's in Whitefish Montana and to tell him how much I loved and respected him, but he knew that , I just wanted to say it to him. I think when he moved here I was the first friend he made , and we became fast friend's and spent alot of time shooting hoop's, and let me tell you that man was a star in my eye's. I will always remember his kind way and deep voice and the Gorrila suit, but most of all, I just loved to be around him and I will miss him as we all will.

Love to all who knew a truly Great Great man. God Speed Kane and Amy to heal, and know that there is another Angel above us who we all loved. I cant wait to see him in Heaven.

Jack and Kathy Gray

May 17, 2011

Kane and Family.
We are so sad to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

James Jackson

May 17, 2011

Dave was truly a giant not only in stature but in his love for adventure and his passion to explore what is over the horizon. I was saddened to hear of his loss, my condoloences go out to Dave and Kane's family and Friends.

Jeremy Gause

May 16, 2011

My condolences go out to Dave's family. David was alway's a great guy to be around, And i know he will be sorely missed by those who were in his life. Shs class of 85

Steve Murray

May 16, 2011

I am very saddened at David's passing. I regret that I hadn't seen him much since the early 90's. I am very pleased that David continued to follow his own path. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor that was the only thing larger than Dave himself. I am sure he will embrace the next leg of his adventure as much as the one before. - Steve Murray

Brigitte Anderson Cutshall

May 15, 2011

Gone to soon. I remember Dave's creativity and humor from high school. Wonderful to read all that he accomplished. Was sad to hear of this news and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. a Fellow Shaw Raider -

Kathleen Mason

May 15, 2011

So sad but glad to see how well he lived his life - another wonderful Shaw Raider, Kathleen Mullins Mason '83

Alicia Duncan Weitzel

May 15, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dave's family in their time of sorry. I had not been in touch with Dave for a long time (mid-80's) and was astounded to read that he had accomplished so much in his short life. I am sad that he is no longer with us.

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