Mr David Harry Colby

David Harry Colby Died on November 12, 2020 after a brief medical issue with his children by his side. He was born in Rochester NH June 14, 1947 to Harry N. Colby and Lucille (Dupont) Colby of Rochester. He attended St Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover NH, later attended Keene State College, and after years of study attained his MBA. He was recognized for his linguist abilities and selected to study Hungarian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey California during his time in the U.S. Army. His creativity, love of language and ability to tell a great story were instrumental in his choice of a career after the military. David spent his life in marketing and editing, even starting his first advertising agency in the 1970s where he was as equally proficient in sales and account management as he was in the creative side of the business. From there he held many positions throughout the country, which took him to offices in Hartford CT, New York City, and Cleveland OH, but no matter where he was located, he always made New Hampshire his home. Charming, eloquent, possessing a mercurial temperament, and a sharp mind, David was an accomplished guitar player, writer, chef, sailor and a Private Pilot. He was outgoing and a great conversationalist who loved spending time with friends entertaining, golfing, and especially sailing with his best friend of over 60 years, Anthony (Tony) Coraine of Rochester. At home after a round of golf, or at the mooring after a sail, he would often treat his golfing partners or his crew with a gourmet meal. David loved to cook and spent much of his time creating and sharing recipes with family and friends. He is survived by his children, Heather Colby of London England, Allison (Colby) Gerbrands of Raymond NH, and David Colby of Nottingham NH. His grandchildren Madison Colby of Saint Paul MN, Parker Colby of Fairbanks AK, and Lane Gerbrands of Raymond NH as well as his younger sister Susan (Colby) Keith of Milton NH and his sister-in-law Dianne Colby of New Jersey, his niece Cari (Colby) Magrino, and nephew Mark Colby of New Jersey, Michael Cormier and Matthew Cormier of New Hampshire. Both of his parents, as well as his younger brother Mark Colby of New Jersey predeceased him.