Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
David Para Obituary
David "Dave" George Para was born July 29, 1976 in Chicago, IL. He moved to Boulder, CO in 1979 where he was raised. Dave attended Eisenhower and Crestview Elementary Schools, Centennial Junior High, Boulder High and graduated from September School in 1994. Whether it was flying, hitchhiking or bicycling, Dave traveled extensively in his life. His travels took him to South Central and South America, Tazmania and New Zealand.
Dave had worked as a bicycle courier for a number of years in Boulder, Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. He even worked as a peddle cab in Seattle. Dave also developed a knack for organic farming in California.
Most recently Dave was a tow pilot for Mile High Gliding in Boulder for the past two summers. Flying was his true passion. The treetop flyer had received his commercial pilot's license as well as his pilot certification. He turned 30 years old on Saturday and died in an airplane crash on Sunday, doing what he loved, flying.
Dave was a maverick, gonzo, beatnik, flower child to all who knew him. He really enjoyed being outdoors whether flying, climbing, snowboarding or hiking.
"Dave was there for his friends and strangers just the same. He made it a point to be friendly with everyone. Dave, we will all miss you," his family wrote.
Dave was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Joseph Para. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Paul Para and Jean Fortier of Boulder; mother and step-father, Kathy Zanetti and Martin Stuckenschneider of Louisville; brother, Dan Para; brother Chris Stuckenschneider and sister-in-law, Ronya; his sisters Cordelia and Miranda Para-Fortier.
A celebration of Dave’s life was held 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 4, 2006 at the Scott Carpenter Park in Boulder. The sun was shining as Dave’s family and friends united to share the love that he had shared with so many in his lifetime. As family and friends spoke of all the great memories, Mile High Gliding honored Dave by flying over the park with the three of the same planes that Dave had flown. Everyone who attended wrote something to Dave on paper and attached it to rainbow colored helium balloons and released the balloons together. A reception immediately followed at September School Community House and Dave’s friends continued to the Mariposa house.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Dave's memory to Mile High Gliding Tow Scholarship Fund, 5534 Independence Rd., Boulder, CO 80301 or to the September School, 1902 Walnut St Boulder, CO 80302, www.septemberschool.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patty Ferreira
July 30, 2008
Today is the 2 year anniversary. We had a wonderful hike to the crash site with Dave's family and friends (mom, dan, marty, bre, wakinda, hailey, chris, myself and schmitt). As usual the cookies were wonderful (coconut, choco chip - dave's favorite - and this time zanetti actually saved some for David). We cried, prayed, and scratched our mosquito bites together. Prayer flags made it through the winter. We brought new colorful one's. The site is as beautiful as ever. Dave's presence could be felt before we even got to the parking lot. The hike was wonderful, hot start but then a cold finish with a few rain drops. After lots of snacks and many many hugs, we got into our cars and drove the 14 miles out through the rocky terrain. Happy 32nd Birthday David. xo
Ryan Mills
May 27, 2007
Dave was my climbing, hiking, biking bro. I grew up into this adult world with him. Of course, this world would be much funner if we could be young our whole lives. We can keep that feeling of being young in a safe place. These are some of the memories that keep me going. I think about those times we had and I still dream about those times. Dave is with all of us, I dont know about anyone else but I feel his presence all the time. Its so hard when someone leaves our lives prematurely. Im happy that I have the memories of such a great person. Its sad but you know sometimes you just got to think about Dave's smile and share a little bit of happiness as Dave would and know that its going to be allright. I miss Dave and want everyone who loved him to know that he will always be with us in everything we do.
Kathy Zanetti
November 23, 2006
It's Thanksgiving Day 2006,and I made Dave's favorite cinnamon rolls.
Tho we miss him so, let us all be thankful that we had 30 wonderful years with Dave in our lives.
He will never be gone from our hearts.
Much love to all,
We love you so much Dave....
Mom
Ryan Mills
September 17, 2006
On behalf of Dave and his family, I would like to encourage anyone and everyone to share a memory of Dave here. I hope this web page and guest book allows everyone an oportunity to visit Dave and "you can do it" whenever and wherever you want. It would be good of family and friends to stay in touch always. We miss you Dave!
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dave the Pilot
August 26, 2006
go away...
August 17, 2006
it's contagious
August 17, 2006
when Seitan smiles
August 17, 2006
Davey in the sky with bumble
August 17, 2006
those eyes!
August 17, 2006
Sweet young thing
August 17, 2006
Dave's Family
August 14, 2006
We come into this world crying
while all around us are smiling.
May we so live that we go
out of this world smiling
while everybody round us is weeping.
~Persian Proverb
Aunt Diane Andrea
August 13, 2006
God gave us all a gift when he gave us Dave. He clearly impacted all our lives and we are the better for knowing him. I remember how fun it was to babysit him and Dan and how uncomfortable he was when grandma made him wear a suit coat! Although it hurts so much since he is gone, he does live on in each of us. Things don't last, but people do. And David will live on in each of our hearts. We miss you terribly and love you.
Pat Kilcullen
August 13, 2006
I always admired my cousin David for the way he lived his life, growing up i always remember hearing about all the adventurous things he'd be doing, and I'd think about how that would be the best way to live. It makes me very happy to know that he didnt waste any of his time spent on earth, and he will always be a role model to me. A life as great as his can only lead him to something even better. I'll never forget you Dave.
Caitlin Kilcullen
August 11, 2006
Two winters ago, a friend and I visited Boulder and spent some time with Dave (my cousin). He was so willing to take us hiking, skiing, and in general show us a good time. When I told my friend about his passing, she was visibly upset. Although I already knew this about Dave, her reaction really drove it home for me: Dave was someone who made an impact on everyone, and everyone he met loved him. And more importantly, he loved everyone he met in return. I know we will all miss the kindness he brought into this world. We love you Dave.
Conor Kilcullen
August 11, 2006
David
You will live on in everyones hearts forever. We will all miss you so very much. Thank you for all the fun times we had together and i just wish we could have had more. Thanks for introducing me to chai tea, its one of my favorite drinks now.
Conor
Jackie Kilcullen
August 11, 2006
David
There is only one success-to be able to spend your life in your own way.
Thanks for showing us what's important in living.
We love you and miss you but you'll be in our hearts forever.
Aunt Jackie
Ryan Mills
August 6, 2006
David Para we will miss him so,
and though it hurts, we must let go.
Dave was and always will be
in our hearts and forever free
Free to roam the sky above
Remember him now, Remember the love.
Ken Legge
August 5, 2006
The first time I met Dave was aroung the time that Chris and Ronya were getting married. He was sitting on the couch at a family gathering between Kathy and Marty, so small in comparison, a tad hippie-ish but not unusual since I, too, grew up in Boulder, but also quiet like a mouse. He mentioned some kind of worldly travelling that he was either planning or had just returned from. I thought: "Cool, a world travelling guy much like myself. But those rainbow socks are a little freaky."
Dave, you are clearly the pot of gold at the end.
In my eyes, you earned your wings long before and I wish I had known you better.
Ken Legge
Heather Hosbach
Gwen Altepeter
Andrew Davis
August 4, 2006
I knew Dave during his high school years; he was a good friend of my brother, Adam Davis, who we lost at the end of 2001. I was very young when I knew him, but I definitely remember him vividly. He was like some sort of superhero to me. I'll never forget you, Dave.
Dan Para
August 3, 2006
David was my younger brother. I wish everyone could see where he lived - I was there for the first time just days after his passing, and it was a very humbling experience. Since this spring, he had been living in a shack aproximately 12' by 20' containing a matress, a wood-burning stove and his few cherished possessions.
My one-bedroom apartment is a mansion compared to my brother's home but he was the happiest person I've known.
Dave's life sure makes the 21st century rat-race that so many of us live trivial. Material possesions don't make you happy - doing what you love is what makes you happy.
Dave lived his life as he wanted - there was no stopping Dave from doing what he wanted. He flew tow planes for a living but it wasn't just job for him, it was his passion. He flew whenever he could; before work, after work - even on his days off. When he wasn't flying he was climbing in the summer or snowboarding in the winter. Dave loved the natural beauty of the world.
I think all of us have something we would like to do but haven't because we're worried about the finances, or our jobs, or are just scared to do something out of the range of our normal lives.
If you're reading this, take a lesson from Dave's life and do what you want - what makes you happy.
Dave only spent 30 years on this Earth, but he lived more in those 30 years than most could in 100.
Dave,
I love you. I miss you. I wish you were still here with us. You'll always be in my heart and memories...
Fly on Dave....
August 2, 2006
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in David Para's name
People and places connected with David
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Para's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored