David Brooks

RIP great man, great conrade.

Dearest David, thank you for hanging out with me after so many years of you moving on. Your family and friends still remember you! I would give anything to listen to your thoughts about what is going on in the US and worldwide. The kids are doing great as well as our granddaughters; Josephine and Lucia Rocky. Fernando and Katy have done a fantastic job. Finally, last year they moved to their new house. A beautiful piece of architecture and art. Be proud of Fernando. He built all the cabinets. Jack at 29 bought a beautiful stand alone house. He works for 1st Bank of America and his girlfriend Allyson for a hedge fund. They adopted two cats. Jack, Allyson and I went to Poland last August. We had a great time.
Elisabeth completed her Masters and graduated from Cambridge University, UK. She lives in Montlong, Colorado with her boyfriend Luke and her cat Papa. She has a great job with Boulder County. Me, I am just here in PR enjoying this part of my life. I have a lot of friends and family. However, I miss you to pieces and sometimes I ask myself how would it have been with you here. Please feel free to come and visit my dreams. Love you forever! Nancy

Hi Dave,
Our 45th Reunion at Trinity is this June. You will still be there in spirit, because we will remember you. You will be missed.
Your friend,
Robert

Can't believe it has been 11 years. He would have plenty to say and great insights on the State of our country

Often in my thoughts even after a decade but the world and my life have radically changed. The conversations and emails we would have shared are fascinating though they won't take place. Maybe at some point, somewhere, we'll have the chance to catch up.
Your friend as always,
Fernando Gonzalez

Dearest David! Ten years since you moved beyond this realm. As always, I miss you. Wish you were here with us. 2023 was and interesting year for this family. Below update on what have happened to the family.

Fernando is 41 but looking 30. Katy, Josephine and Lucia Rocky are doing great. The house is finally almost done. Moving day May 1st. It is so beautiful and the view of the San Gabriel mountains is spectacular. Fernando outdid himself by building all the cabinets throughout the house and other furniture such as a music console and the dinning table for 8 people. I am impressed with his professional building skills. I spent my birthday with them this past February. Lucia Rocky (2) has become Fernando´s cooking assistant. She will either will become a barista or a chef. She is so cute and quite a clear speaker. Josephine (5) is such a great thinker. We were having breakfast and she looked at me as asked, "Mima what is your story and how does it ends". I wasn´t expecting that type of grown up ?. I told her about you and I became emotional. She hugged me and told me I am sorry Mima. I told her she did not hv to be sad. Fernando who was listening stated, Josephine is ok to be sad. Katy and Fernando are doing a great job with the kids. I am proud of them all.

Jack 29 ( I met you when you were that age) is doing great. Allyson and Jack are both in the financial sector. Jack is working for Bank of America and is loving his job in the loan department. Who knew that Jack like his great grandfather John aka Jack was going into the banking industry. Jack found his niche. He and Allyson are researching 5 states to see which one meets their financial expectations and needs. Both of their jobs allow them to relocate. I am proud of what both of them are accomplishing.

Elisabeth 25 is graduating with her Masters from Clark College, Cambridge University on 18 July. This month she is working for a company, I believe a Think Tank organization as part of her degree requirements. She joined the Clark College crew team last year and her team ended up in 2nd place during the finals. She will soon go for a competition with other colleges. Last year I mentioned that was going to Oxford but at the end she opted to go to Cambridge since the college offered a great scholarship. Her cat Papa went to college with her but we had to go through France because England does not allow cats in the cabin of the airplane. It was and adventure. Uber pet picked us up and crossed us via tren under the Channel Tunnel. Quite the trip. Papa is a world traveler cat. I am very proud of Elisabeth. England is granting her a 2 year work visa. She has decided to take advantage of it.

I am doing well. I did solo travel to many countries and cities. I love learning about new places. After leaving Elisabeth settle in Cambridge, I went to Edinburgh, Scotland and then to Aberdeen on my way to Pennan to see the aurora borealis. You might remember the movie, "The Local Hero 1984". It was filmed there. I was not able to see the aurora borealis due to the bad weather. I however visited 10 villages and experience whisky for the 1st time, not for me. After went to Mayorca, Valencia and Madrid. In December in one of my visits to Elisabeth, we went to Prague. Unfortunately, my trip was cut short when I learned that Jack Granahan was in the ICU. Jack passed away on Dec 18. I stayed with Kathy until mid January supporting her through the hard time. I hope that you and Jack have met and are enjoying.

Give my best to Grayce, Harvey, my grandma Arcadia, Margarita, and the rest of the gang. Thank you for visiting me through my dreams. Love you from here and beyond.

Hard to believe it's been 10 years, amigo. Your passing left such a big hole in so many people's lives, mine included. Hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I still have your notebooks & papers & books & such on Nicaragua, in my file cabinets & in boxes & on my shelves. The other day I pulled a volume off my shelf to check on something and saw all the autographs of your friends at the UNAN in Managua who'd co-authored the book. I imagine the occasion was a book publication party -- the autographs say 2002, and the book was published in May 2002. I bet you hoofed it over to the UNAN to help your friends celebrate. You've left behind so many positive ripple effects in the world. Miss you big guy!

Last summer, an e-mail went around to Trinity wrestling alumni. It said that the team was updating the banners in the Wrestling Room and was compiling a list of Scholar All Americans. I suggested that Dave´s name should be on the list for1980 because he was Phi Beta Kappa and undefeated that year. They said they would get back to me on that, but I have not heard anything. Maybe that honor did not exist then.
RIP Dave.

Rest in Peace my friend. God keep your soul.

Today is your 66th birthday. Enjoy wherever you are. I am thinking of you and remembering the good times we had together. Love you forever!

Querido David, this 9th year of your passing has taken a toll on me. It continues to hurt. I just wish you here with me. I was in England on 4/2/23. Actually, I left the day of your bday 3/28. Let me tell you about the kids.

Fernando (40 yrs old, believed or not) and his beautiful family are doing well and hoping to move to their incredible beautiful house in July 2022. I will be helping them during the move and that is exciting news. Josephine and Lucia are wonderful kids, so smart and wonderful. I deeply love them. I spent last Christmas with them and that was a lot of fun. It looks like next Christmas for our family will happen in LA. I am excited about it.
Jack (28) and his girlfriend Allyson moved in together and they make a beautiful couple. They are so good to each other. I am happy for them. They are in search of a new state to live in, type of an adventure. They and her parents are visiting me in May. I met them last Thanksgiving and I love them. Great people and now family.
Elisabeth (25) recently moved in with Manoj and Zamba (his cat) and her cat Papa. You will be happy to know that Elisabeth was accepted in Cambridge and Oxford for a Masters in Political science. Please feel like a peacock and raise your feathers because she did it on her own. She told me she will be attending Oxford got full scholarship and she liked their program better but she love Cambridge campus more.
For me, everyday is Saturday. I still missing you to pieces. Please give my love to your parents and grandparents. I hope you are watching over us and up-to-day on our lives. Love you forever. Nancy

Dearest David! Thank you for visiting my dreams! Missing you as always. I hope your mother is happy with you there. We are having Grayce´s interment on 4/23/22. Elisabeth is attending when her sweetheart nd so is Jack. The kids are doing well. You are proud grandfather of Josephine and Lucia Rocky ( Rocky after your fav movie). I am doing ok. Many of our friends are visiting me in PR.
Loving you forever. Nancy

Dearest David! Today you would have been 63! Missing you and wishing you were still here. The world is upside down, the pandemic continues devastating communities worldwide. The family is doing well. Fernando and Kati are expecting their 2nd child. Jack still in FL studying and working. Elisabeth moved to Oregon and is working. She has a grey taby cat named Papa. I am in PR had my 1st shot of the Pfizer vaccine, getting 2nd shot 4/6. Planing to visit Grayce 1st week of May. She is ok but getting old. Retirement under a pandemic has not been that enjoyable but you know me, so I have been going to the beach with my friend Jenny. Elisabeth stayed with me for 5 months after graduating from college. We had a great time together. Loving you from earth, yours truly Nancy.

Dearest David, Elisabeth did it! She virtually graduated. Look at her awards and medal. She made us proud. Loving you from Earth.

I am so sorry to hear that David died. He grew up next door to me on High Street in Deep River. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Remembering this intelligent and kind friend, never completely out of my thoughts.

Fernando Gonzalez de Leon

Dave-

This June will be our 40th Reunion at Trinity, Coronavirus permitting. You will be missed.

Robert

Dearest David happy birthday,
You are missed very much. I have a job for you, Please protect us from this pandemic that is everywhere. What is going also with the diplomatic corps is unbelievable. Embassies are overworked trying to get thousands of Americans citizens who retired abroad to come back to the US. As you and I would hv agreed, it does not make sense to bring the riskiest group exposing them to hundreds on the plane. Best solution, on my humble opinion was to have them shelter in place isolated in their residencies abroad. Sometimes, what people may think is he best option, may be the wrong solution with many regrets. You have heard me asking you what are you thoughts on this crisis. We have gone through many. You dont want to know about he stock market. Remember what happened to us 2008 we became quite poor after the crash but we recuperated. This should all pass. Love you Nancy

I saw guest book while doing an internet search for a few old teachers and was saddened to learn of David's passing.

I was a student of his at Kingswood in the late 80's. I was a shy kid, but he was extraordinarily kind and encouraging and was a strong mentor for me. He was a guest at our house for dinner on more than one occasion. Later, when I was a student at Connecticut College, he appeared again and our conversations and mentorship continued.

We lost contact after that, but I never forgot the teacher who helped a shy kid in a new school feel welcome and accepted. Please accept my belated condolences for the loss of someone I admired very much

God be with this nice man

Dave:

I went up to Trinity twice this year to give motivational talks to the wrestling team. They are a serious group and their coach is quite committed. I told them about your undefeated senior season. Your legacy is part of the history and fabric of the team.

Peace be upon him.

Dearest David...Happy birthday my love. I still missing you. You are always in my heart and mind. The kids are doing fine and Josephine our beautiful granddaughter is growing fast. It is so nice to watch how active and beautiful she is becoming.
Politics worldwide have gone crazy. I hope you are watching over our friends in Venezuela and Nicaragua hard time ahead two both country.

With lots of love

David we are all missing you deeply. We all connected with your Mom Grayce during your b-day and passing day. We all were sad and wishing that we could be better off with you than without you.

I will not be going to Havana bc some type of crazy bug or virus that are getting people sick. I opted to go to DC and do a six months tour and then retire in Feb 2019. Very much looking forward to that. I wish you were here...Loving you. Nancy

Hey David lot has changed since I visited the side. Fernando purchased a piece of land where he and Katie will build a house. The design is already done they are working on the certificates to build. Fernando got a promotion on his job and Katie began a very successful flower business. There are talks about having a child. I am very much looking forward to that.

Jack is studying at Sta Fe College in Gainesville. He is doing well. Jack is also into fitness and is taking good care of himself. He worked during the Holiday, so we all ended up celebrating Christmas in Gainesville. We had a good visit and decided that next Christmas will be in Havana.

Elisabeth is doing great at school. Last year, she did an Internship in Guatemala and one in Brazil. She is very involved with the school community. She went to DC in March 2017 to participate in the women march. She cowrote a piece that is now a play and she will be performing it in LA and Canada. She is also applying to all type of grants. Elisabeth is planing a one year study abroad; 6 mos in Unive of Cape Town and 6 in Univ of Sao Paulo.

Me, I am almost done Caracas and heading next to Cuba. I am really looking forward to that assignment. We all miss you.
Love. Nancy

Interestedly I lost the previous message. I was telling you about Fernando buying a piece of land in LA to build a house, Jack joining the Marines, Elisabeth working on two majors at UF and me bidding to stay in Caracas for the next tour--in total I have 27 months to retire.

Happy b-day, your 59. Well back here more interesting things are happening within the political atmosphere. Kind of crazy stuff in the US and Venezuela where I reside.

The WH is trapped in an incredible issue between Russia and close friends/nominated friends of the Trump administrate.

In Venezuela the parliament was dissolved and Maduro is now power of the land. Protests expected by the opposition.

Stay tune.

Wooo I meant 2016; Trump is our president and you would not believe how hard the past 40ish something days have been for him and for us...tough times ahead of both of us. Major cuts to DOS are coming the unknown is ahead of us.

I miss you very much. This is the month and the beginning of the days you got sick a almost three years ago. Thank you for still coming to my dreams it means a lot to me.

Venezuela continues to be a challenge the people are really starving. There are no fat people here but more skinny people.

The kids are doing well, you should be proud.

Love you!

Dave, thinking of you here in Ukraine and of our talks on Eastern Europe and its future. I've remembered you often these last 2 years in New England and on my visits to this great and sad land. Always your friend and still profiting from your ideas,

Fernando

Dearest David,
1916 is about to end. If you don't know by now, Trump will be our next president--a wild card for the US. Venezuela is falling deeper into despair. The shortages of food, money, medicine, etc have quadruple. The lines to get food at the supermarket are getting longer. It is unbelievable.

Fernando continues to enjoy his marriage very much. He has been doing volunteer work and soon is to start a new job. He continues writing.

Jack is living in Quantico still and continues to work with Bruce on the Internship. He finished an economic class at NOVA. He is planing to take a semester off next year and would try to get an internship in Europe. He is enjoying very much his participation in Toastmasters. Jack continues to be a dreamer. Hopefully he soon will figure out. Meanwhile he is working in J Crew. He is fashionista who loves shoes and lately drawing clothing sketches.

Elisabeth is thriving at the Univ of FL. She continues to be an excellent student. She has decided not to work next semester but concentrate on her studies. For school year 2017-18, she and three of her friends have rented a house across the University. She will be closer to her building of studies, food and library. She traveled to CA to see Fernando for Thanksgiving.

After school ended last week, she went to DC and visited with Jack, Lily and Corey. Now, she is on her way to NY to see Mary and Francesca who are both studying in NY. Then she will head to CT to visit Grayce, Douglas will pick her up at the airport. After Grandma, she will head to Vermont with Douglas and Catherine and from there will fly to Curacao to meet Fernando, Katy and me. We will spend New Year there since Venezuela is not a choice.

Me, I am ok and looking forward to seeing the kids. This year went fast and I am looking forward to the next one. It will be my 60 and I am planning to take R&R and go to PR where a few girlfriends will come to celebrate with me. I was hoping to go to Cuba but I am changing my mind on that. Bidding season will come next year and that is story to be continued.

So, there you have it. Love you. Nancy

Dear David,
You continue to show up in my dreams and you look as great as usual. You don't have an idea as to how much you are missed. I am back in Venezuela after 17 years and unfortunately the country has taken a turn to the worse. If you were here, you would not approve. I was just reading this morning your notes about how you visualized the world in 2014 and you must know you were on target with your predictions.

Miss you! Your wife Nancy

Hi Dearest David,
One more b-day without you. I visited your mother this past weekend. She is ok but misses you a lot and I do too. It is amazing that it has been two years since you turned 56 and two years without you as of April 2nd. It seems like no long ago and unacceptable. We miss you like you would not believe.

Love you. Nancy

Dearest David,
Feeling it! Your b-day is approaching and the dark date as well. Missing you to pieces. Love. Nancy

Dearest David/love,
Jack is 21, Elisabeth is 18 and Fernando 33. Lots of things are happening here. Fernando is getting married to Katy (great gal) in June. Jack is doing well in college and will be moving to an apt on his own soon. Elisabeth is waiting to see where she would go to college; accepted already at Ohio State and University of FL. I am heading down to Caracas for my next assignment in July. While life continues going on here I just wanted to let you know that you are missed. Today, I read an article where you were quoted. It was great to read about your accomplishments
. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I just want to let you know that you are in my thoughts and greatly missed. Love you forever. Nancy

Thinking of you and missing you deeply. Nancy

See David's last act. This was done two weeks prior to passing. What a guy! Nancy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUM-kuMmCi8

I was a colleague of David Brooks in the early 1980's at Kingswood-Oxford. I distinctly remember his passion for history and in particular for Nicaragua and what was happening there. As others have observed, he was a pure intellectual, a man of action motivated by ideas. It pains me enormously to learn that he has died, suddenly and too young, but I am comforted to know that he finished his Ph.D, joined the Foreign Service, and served effectively for more than two decades. He had integrity, discipline, and patience with others who did not share his gifts or passion for politics. I extend my belated condolences to his family and friends. The world is better for all he contributed, but even after 30 years, learning of his passing saddens me greatly.

I cannot believe that it has been almost a year. It seems like yesterday when you got home from Rodgers University and found me with a few friends celebrating women's day. You walked in and looked at all of us and said, "What a beautiful garden full of flowers." I love you for that. Missing you deeply. Where are you?

Sweet love, where are you? Missing you.

David was a good man. He always made me smile. So Sorry to hear about his passing.

Les deGraffenried

I too just read about Dave's passing in the Trinity Reporter and am stunned and saddened. We were both history majors, Phi Beta Kappa, and on the wrestling team, where he was Captain. What I remember most about Dave is that he also joined the cross country team to run in the Fall to get in shape for wrestling. He looked so out of place in his tank top next to all the skinny runners. I would see him in distant last, laboring as he lugged his giant body around the course and I admired him for his dedication and sacrifice. Please accept my condolences for someone so worthwhile taken way too soon.

I was greatly saddened to hear this news. Like Chuck Tiernan, I just read the Trinity Reporter. Dave and I were good friends for all four years at Trinity. We also beat each other up on the wrestling mats for those four years, serving as co-captains our last two years. We had many good times together, and I always had the utmost respect for Dave. He truly was a gentleman and a scholar. We reconnected last year by coincidence via LinkedIn and had a chance to catch up a little. I will keep your family in my prayers. John

Sorry to hear about David's passing. Just read about it in the Trinity Reporter. David and I were classmates at Trinity College. He had a great sense of humor and was a hell of a wrestler. My condolences go out to his family.

Nancy,

I am so sorry to hear about David's passing. I just picked up State magazine and saw the terrible news there and was stunned and very saddened. He was such a kind and open person with a great mind and ability to connect with people. I always looked forward to seeing David come rambling into the PA section because I knew a great conversation was soon to follow. My condolences to you and your family

I have you locked in my heart. You are here, there and everywhere. I feel you, smell you and I can hear your voice. Three nights ago, I had a dream that you were alive. Yes, you came back as yourself. The interesting thing was that everyone knew you were dead except you. It was a night full of surprises, going from place to place partying with our friends. Even beyond this life, you come back as my superhero to make me happy one more time. You are missed by us all! Love you my Conan the Barbarian.

I miss you, Pops

I am so terribly saddened to hear of Dave's passing. From graduate school at UCONN to occasional encounters in Lima, Peru, Dave was one of my oldest friends. I will always remember his sense of humor, his intellect, and his passion for life and for his family.

SO sorry to hear of David's passing. He had a wicked sense of humor. I only knew him through Tracey (aka Chump Lady). His words to all those who posted there were always uplifting and positive. He will be missed by all. Seems like the world got a little duller.

David was one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever known or I'm likely to meet. In character and intelligence, humor and originality, he stood as tall as his physical stature. Although I had not seen him in years, I will profoundly miss him, and always regret not having his perspectives on so many things, from current events, to history, to life in general. He represented the very best features of this country. A bitter loss to all of us who knew him, even for a while.

Fernando Gonzalez de Leon

David was a good friend for twenty years. I will miss him. Nancy, so sad for your loss.

Dear Nancy: I am so sorry for your loss. David was a great human being and his love and dedication to his job as a diplomat will be remembered by many people in many places specially in Nicaragua. Mis oraciones para sus hijos, con mucho cariño Carolina

My heartfelt condolences to David's family. David had a wonderful way with words--always finding the right one said in the right way. He touched thousands of lives and made them better.

Dear Nancy,

I am so sad to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. Best regards, Audrey Huon-Dumentat

David, you will be missed deeply, not only by your family, but by the many lives you touched with your compassionate, friendly, curious, and intelligent spirit. As a young Entry Level Officer in Lima, you inspired me to be creative, and not be afraid to reach out to America's friends and enemies with a compelling story of America's quest for freedom and equal rights for all. I will never forget our meeting with the father of Peru's current President, and how you challenged him to re-evaluate his views on the USA. You were a mentor, a friend, an inspiration and a model of the quintessential diplomat. Your devotion to family was also touching, and my heart and prayers go to them in their loss. You were a seeker after truth, and I hope you are with him now. Blessings, friend.

I was deeply saddened to hear about David's sudden and tragic passing. Though I have not seen or talked with him in over twenty years, I have very strong memories of him as a colleague at Kingswood-Oxford School where he always impressed me as a bona fide Renaissance Man. Effervescent, upbeat, always probing and always smiling, David had a keen intellect, an insatiable curiosity and a true passion for others, most especially those who were underserved and underrepresented. I remember wonderful conversations with him where I knew he was probably listening more than talking, but what he was saying was always deep and insightful. On the strength of what I knew of David back then, I can only imagine the impact that he has had on others over his long and, obviously, impressive career. I am sure his loss will be felt by many around the world. A fitting albeit bittersweet legacy I am sure. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Larry Roberts, former colleague at the Kingswood-Oxford School

I was fortunate to cooperate with David on numerous projects at the Foreign Service Institute. He was always willing to present to our public diplomacy classes on how to make connections with underserved populations. Although his area of expertise was Latin America, he inspired diplomats around the world with his creativity, whether amusing with comics or shocking with photos of the brutality of slavery. He presented the USA, warts and all, in a way like no other. My condolences to his family, loved ones, and friends.

This is very sad news for those who worked with David Brooks very closely! His spirit, patriotism, and energy to push the US History in Peru were tremendous. I learnt a lot from him and the US History he put together. My condolences to Nancy and children.

Nancy, so sad for your loss. Que Dios te ayude en tu dolor a ti, tus hijos, y familia.
Carla
FS OMS - FSI 2001 Class

David was an energetic and insightful colleague who was always willing to chat and share ideas. I met him at FSI and learned much from him on understanding anti-Americanism. His ability to dialogue with everyone no matter how critical of the U.S. was remarkable. So sorry for his loss; he will be missed.

I was tremendously saddened to learn of David's sudden and untimely death. The Foreign Service in general and Public Diplomacy in particular have lost one of our most thoughtful, innovative, and creative thinkers. A master of both style and substance, David was forever looking for new ways to communicate old ideas about freedom, democracy, and American values to neglected and hard-to-reach audiences. His passion for his work was infectious, and all who heard his presentations came away inspired. My condolences to his wife, children, family and friends. I share your grief.

I met David Brooks in Bolivia during a conference on trafficking in persons in 2000, and was deeply impressed by his energy, warmth and intellect. He spoke about trafficked women and children with great conviction and expertise. During our discussion on the margins of the conference, he was also a very kind colleague, offering me valuable advice about schools that could attend my child's special education needs. I am deeply sorry to hear of his family's great loss. I hope it is a comfort to his family and friends to know that David was greatly admired on the Foreign Service community. We will do our best to carry on our work the way David would have, and to honor the good example he set for the rest of us.

Dave was an amazing colleague and friend for us in Area Studies at FSI. My last encounter with him a few months back he invited me to give a talk at ECA. His praise for that talk, straight to my bosses, was typical of him: he went way out of his way to be supportive, generous, kind, even if the praise was more than I deserved! What a lovely human and somebody who, once you knew him, you would never, ever forget. Hugs to all of you, and gratitude for the bit of his life I got to share.
John I.

When Dave was in Brazil he change my life, Tahnk you Dave. God bless you.

When David was a teacher at Kingswood Oxford School here in West Hartford, CT, he asked me if he could sit in on one of my Spanish classes so he could learn the language. I was thrilled to have him as a "student" and the youngsters in the class were just as thrilled. We became good friends and I was sad when he left KO. We kept in touch while he was in Latin America. I am so sorry to hear the news. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Grace, Nancy, Fernando, Jack and Elisabeth – I was so saddened to learn of Dave's passing. We were young teachers together at Kingswood Oxford during the early 1980s and shared so many long and rich discussions – on politics, history, life – at my little apartment on Robin Road in West Hartford. I have never met someone whose intellectual passions were so sincere, deep and contagious. When Dave got a hold of an idea, he never let go. I'll never forget the many thoughtful and compelling opinion pieces he wrote for the Hartford Courant. He touched the lives of hundreds of KO students as a dynamic history teacher, inspiring coach and wise advisor. He was a deep and dear friend, and I will always remember his enthusiasm, energy and compassion. He always wanted to do the right thing – and he always did. I know that words cannot comfort you at this terrible time, but please know that all of us who knew him as a young man at Kingswood Oxford share your loss and we are holding you and him in our hearts and prayers. God bless.

Dave's former colleagues in the Area Studies Division at the Foreign Service Institute are all in shock and disbelief at the loss of such a wonderful, dynamic friend and colleague. We recall Dave's wit; his willingness to do whatever was needed as Chair of Western Hemisphere Area Studies; his love of Latin America and of teaching; and his hope that perhaps after retirement, he might have the opportunity to return to a position in the Area Studies Division.

We will miss him and the joy and energy he brought to our office.

Our deepest condolences.

A warm, wonderful guy and great diplomat, we shared a love of public diplomacy.

David was so full of energy and enthusiasm. It is difficult for me to absorb that he has passed on. My prayers are with you. - Mindy Covington

I am so deeply saddened by the loss of a dear colleague of ours in the Foreign Service. David mentored me in public diplomacy, and powerfully taught me how to explain America through an honest, objective, and evocative presentation of America's history (all its highs and lows). He infected others with his enthusiasm, loved to interact with people, and possessed an unsurpassable sense of humor. He graciously accepted to appear on a digital video conference with Russian students in Vladivostok, Russia ... while he served in Lima, Peru. And, as I expected, he had an indelible impact on a very skeptical audience. That was quintessential David: there was no distance too far that he could not bridge when it came to respectfully analyzing the human condition. We'll miss him deeply. Go to God, now, Dave; we know you've already won him over as a fan!

David was exceptional in that whether you were in the workplace or outside of it, he would treat you the same: with respect, professionalism, kindness. His wicked sense of humor didn't hurt ;)

He will be sorely missed and his impact on public diplomacy will live on.

David loved big ideas. His eyes would light up when discussing a new project or something that worked well in the past. He was also a very approachable person. Despite being a newcomer to State he welcomed my opinions and ideas. He was an excellent mentor and his passing saddens me. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends. He had an amazing career and touched the lives of many people throughout the world.

A wonderful and kind man has died to young. Our sympathies to Nancy and the children.

His talent, vitality, and passion. We miss him very much.

So sad to hear about David's passing. His kindness, caring words, and insights have helped myself and many others. He will be very much missed. My condolences to his close family and friends.

Dave was a fabulous guy, whom I've had the privilege of knowing for 20 years. He had a passion for comic books and I recall the conversation and subsequent Internet dialogue he had with my late father, who drew for Marvel Comics in the 1960s. We send our deepest condolences to his family.

No fancy words...Just my love and prayers for your family in this time of deep sorrow...

(I know of your loss through Tracy, aka Chump Lady)

Grace,I was so sorry to read of David's death. You must be very proud as David was a brillant young man who accomplished so much in far too short of time.
Jeanne Shatzman (Ree's mother)

So saddened to hear of Dave's passing. My heartfelt condolences to Nancy and the children. He was a very good man.
Lee Klombers, Mohnton, PA

My heart grieves for you Nancy, Fernando, Jack and Elizabeth in the loss of your wonderful husband and father. Words are not enough at a time such as this. We will miss him at Virginia Advance Toastmasters and Speakeasy DC. Know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I just learned of Brooksie's passing and am heartbroken. He was a great track team pal and hilarious classmate. I was not surprised he became such an accomplished diplomat. I am thinking of his friends and family and will remember him well.

Oh Nancy- I don't even know what to say. David was such a great person. I always enjoyed listening to his history lessons at the office. He was so passionate about teaching and he always made me want to hear more. He will be missed. My payers are with you and your family. - Cody

Dave was a true diplomat. He was passionate, caring, and truly made a difference. I worked with Dave in Managua and we were the dynamic duo. We were a great team! I will miss Dave very much. I just moved to Washington, DC are a year ago and looked forward to spending more time with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and his kids. I will miss you buddy.

I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. What a shock. I didn't know David well, but he was an important part of my FSI classes as we beamed in to give the best possible sessions on human rights--one of his passions. What a loss for so many people. We had lunch at State once and I thought this is one of Foreign Service's treasures. My deepest condolences to his family. Corey