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David Goff Obituary
Born in Sacramento on November 16, 1963, David passed away on June 15, 2002 following a courageous and hard-fought battle with leukemia for more than one year. A resident of Sacramento for most of his life, he attended local schools, including Encina High School. He then attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where he developed a keen and long-lasting interest in computer science and ultimately majored in that subject. Following his graduation from Hope in 1985, David was employed as a computer programmer and analyst for various firms in the Sacramento area and in Denver, Colorado. He returned to Sacramento from Denver and founded his own computer consulting firm, "The Data Retrievers," which he successfully operated and directed over 10 years until prevented from doing so by the leukemia. Although he devoted many long hours and great effort to The Data Retrievers' business, he also was able to make time for numerous other interests, including, in particular, his love of horses and other animals. He was a skillful equestrian and participated in polo matches, horse shows and trail riding. His patience, together with a warm and loving nature, enabled him to communicate with the animals in a unique way. While pursuing these equestrian interests, David first met his greatly beloved wife, Shelby, who shared his interest and love for animals, including a passion for the equestrian activities. Together they rode their horses throughout Northern California and cared for their animals until the leukemia restricted David's activities. A favorite ride of David's was along the beaches in the Monterey area, and he expressed the desire to have his remains scattered there over the Pacific Ocean. David's warmth, sincerity and love of his family and friends, together with his infectious sense of humor and wit, always made life more pleasurable when he was present. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife Shelby, David is survived by his mother, Gay Goff; his father, Barlow Goff; his sister, Susan Timmer; his brother, Stephen Goff; his sister-in-law, Marcia Augsburger; nieces, Caroline Timmer and Lara Kincanon, and nephew, John Timmer; mother-in-law, Joanne Bratcher; father-in-law, Gary Bratcher; brother-in-law Shawn Bratcher, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, dogs, cats and horses.
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Memories and Condolences
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Bud Long
December 3, 2020
Hello Dear Friend!
You've been on my mind lately. I hope that means you've been popping in to say "Hello". This past year I entered into a serious relationship. You have come up many times as a major influence in my life. I have so much to thank you for.
I enjoy coming onto this page from time to time and reading the stories and outpouring of love for you from everyone. You touched so many lives and were such a light in everyone's world. Thank you!
With much love,
Bud
Dave Reinhardt
November 11, 2020
Chaya’s dream earlier this year, pre-pandemic, and what a year it has been, reminds me when you picked me up from LAX (when visiting you at Ronald Reagan UCLA Memorial) in the jag blasting Hootie. Oh, do know how much I could use your spirit, humor and wisdom during this chaotic and surreal time.
As we, the living and loving approach the memorial of your passing I once again recount sitting side by side at Ronald Reagan UCLA Memorial talking about our future kids playing together. I could really see it, and you need to me. I miss that conversation and the chance to realize it together. I wanted you to know that my family and I will be staying at the beach house, which is frequent as of late, for Thanksgiving and I will be thinking of you. I hope you can see me playing with my daughters on the beach, and when the horseback riders come by, and they look up in awe, I feel you there with your salty smile and bridle in hand. We have G&Ts together from the deck and watch the waves crash, laughing at it all.
I miss you my brother. Please know there’s always a chair for you on deck.
Chaya Doss
January 22, 2020
Wow! I had a dream about you and Dave R. last night. I heard your laughter, saw your face & felt your presence. We were listening to Hootie & the Blowfish and dancing in the old apartment at Davis...I'm in awe at how real this dream felt and man I hope you are watching over all of us...missing you deeply today...was so disappointed when I woke up, I tried to fall asleep again so I could see you...I hope you come again.
-cHaYa
Dave Reinhardt
August 12, 2017
It is again time to honor your life and the appreciation for mine with an annual triathlon near one of your favorite places, Monterey. It's been 15 years of these and the intensity is still there. I look out to the ocean from the deck of our family beach house where we shared so many great times with friends and family (horses included). Your ashes are out there but you are here with me as well. Cheers my friend, my brother.
Our Welcome Guest
Dan Van Malsen
April 29, 2017
What a blessing it has been to read these stories about Dave and the people in his life. I attended Hope College with Dave and he became a fixture in my home. I've often used our friendship as a reminder to my children to not let go of their friendships no matter how many miles come between them.
Bud Long
January 2, 2016
Hello friend! I had the best dream I've had in a while. I dreamt that you were alive and well. We were catching up and reminiscing old times. You even had a son. He was the spitting image of you! I hope this dream means you were paying me a visit last night. Thanks for stopping by. I miss you!
Dave Reinhardt
December 16, 2015
Thanks for adding your note Daryn. I remember when Dave was doing work at Willitts. It makes me happy to know he reached far and wide with his spirit and meticulous humor, even after all of these years. Take care and have a wonderful holiday.
daryn reif
December 15, 2015
I am shocked. It's been 20 years since we last saw each other when you did some contract work for us at Willitts Designs. I was driving through Elk Grove this weekend and randomly thought of you (and your famous impression of Mrs. Howell on Gilligan's island). I thought I would look you up and touch base for old time's sake. David - you left us too early.
Dave Reinhardt
June 15, 2014
Somehow the anniversary of your departure landed on Father's Day this year, and it happens to be my first as one. I think it's your way of sending me a Father's Day wish :)
I remember you and I talking about our kids playing together at the beach in Monterey someday. I'm sorry that didn't happen, but your spirit is well anchored there and each time we go down as a family I know you are there smiling, making your signature jokes and watching over my daughter and us. Cheers my friend. You are missed and still alive in our hearts.
May 24, 2012
Dave,
I've been thinking of you lately. I miss you. I regret not reaching out and finding you sooner. You are always in my heart.
Bud
Dave Reinhardt
September 11, 2011
Dave,
I completed my 8th Pacific Grove triathlon in honor of you. It was an extra special one since it was the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Even with the tragedy of that event, it doesn't overshadow the purpose of coming down to one of your favorite places every year – to celebrate life. It's because of you that I work harder to enjoy my time here, and appreciate the extra time I have had since I saw you last. Thank you my friend. Oh, and I'm also getting married (finally), and hope that you will be there in spirit.
Your friend,
Dave
Shelby Goff
September 14, 2010
You are thought about, missed, and loved everyday. Cheers to Dave R. for keeping your memory alive.
Shelby
Bud Long
July 23, 2009
Dav,
I was going through some boxes today and I found a stack of pictures. One one of them was from our first trip to the Nut Tree with the rocking horses out front.
I am grateful every day for you having been part of my life. I often reflect back on experiences we had and different things you showed and taught me.
I am, of course, still very much horse crazy. I've been working with some really good trainers in the area and have learned quite a bit. I miss riding with you, Pocket and Moony, I hope they are okay.
I wish you were still with us, there is so much I'd like to tell you I can't possibly put it all here.
My thoughts remain with you and your family,
Bud
Dave Reinhardt
November 26, 2008
Yo!
Kristen and I went to Symposium last week, as we do every year, for your birthday. As you probably know, we had the usual delicious Nikko's Special and the traditional accompanying beer, Anchor Steam. They have two others on tap now but you can't mess with tradition. And no, we didn't forget the Symposium salad. I still like how you use to divide up the salad but I'm getting use to the duty. I took a few slices of Nikko's home and had them last night with some wine and toasted you once again. I'm sure you miss the pizza as much as we miss you!
Happy Birthday.
Peace,
Dave
Chaya Doss
October 9, 2007
Hi Friend,
It sure has been a long time....I was thinking about you today and wondering where you are and if you know what I've been up to....in case you don't and need to hear it from me, I just celebrated my 2 year wedding anniversary and am expecting a baby girl in january 2008 -- I wish you were here so I could tell you in person, but I know this message will reach you.
I still have a voicemail you left me in April of 2002, which I listen to once in a while, so I can hear your voice....I miss you and put the song "anna begins" on our wedding CD in your memory...I think of you often....
hope you are doing well....
big hugs & love,
-chaya
Dave Reinhardt
August 10, 2007
Every so often I look at the second hand on my watch and am grateful for the time I have had since your departure. Thank you for helping me value the time I have left. I again honor you in my Pacific Grove triathlon to fight Leukemia this September – year five. Peace brother.
Bud Long
April 2, 2006
To those survived by one of the MOST influential people in my life:
You may or maynot know who I am. My name is Bud. I was just 8 years old when I met David. He and I were introduce to each other through the Big Brothers - Big Sisters program almost 13 years ago. David and I were the best of friends for almost 10 years. Our lives enevitably took different paths and we lost touch. I am very grief-strucken with this sad news. Over the past couple of years I have been trying to track down Dave until I met this saddness. My heart goes out to all of you who knew and loved Dave. He was a very important part of my life and helped shape me into the person I am today. I owe him many thanks for everything he did for me. We are all very lucky to have had him in our lives.
With much regret,
Bud Long
Dave Reinhardt
February 10, 2006
You are not forgotten my friend. Every time I am in Monterey I think of you and the great times we had together. I miss you and hope somehow you know that. Cheers Dave!
John Angell
August 25, 2002
It took a while for the words to come and in the end, the words were yours... Fly and be free, my friend.
Craig Falk
July 2, 2002
David,
Thanks for being my friend. You were a strong support for me during a very challenging period in my life. I could have never completed that Waco HP Conversion project without you and it certainly wouldn't have been as much fun! I'm happy you met such an incredible woman, Shelby, and made her your wife. I was very moved by your courage, strength, and grace during this past year. I will always have great memories of our friendship. Your spirit will live on in the hearts of your family and friends.
Melissa Pitkin
July 1, 2002
Dave, thank you for being a part of my life. From the first time I spoke with you at the barn in Davis when you were blasting 10,000 maniacs while brushing the ponies I knew my life would be brightened through our friendship. I will always remember coming back into the house on the Farallon Islands one rainy El Nino winter morning hearing that there was a message from a friend who had gone through great lengths to find out how to communicate with his crazy biologist friend who was spending 3 months on a small island in the middle of one of the worst winters in the last 10 years. I was so touched Thanks for always caring and giving me the confidence to do anything I wanted to. I enjoyed our trail rides, phone calls and visits. I will miss you greatly. I will always remember you.
Shelby, I am so glad you came into Dave's life. He told me in a recent conversation that this last year had been the best of his life. What an amazing effect you have had on his life.
Thanks Dave R for putting this site together, it really helps read all the wonderful stories about Dave.
Kevin Bloomgren
July 1, 2002
Dave - our time together - lunches, working on projects, conf-erence room "Y", flooding the parking lot, planning events - was always fun! You bring the joy to everyone you come in contact with - with your quips, accents, and wit! You always stood tall as a professional and did excellent work, too. I am so impressed with your family values and caring for others - it's no surprise you would choose someone like yourself, Shelby, to be your wife. God bless you - we love you dearly - Kevin (Rat Pack)
Kristen Adams
June 28, 2002
Greetings Dog Boy!
Thank you for so many years of wonderful memories. I will always remember you for your kindness, your amazing sense of humor, and your extremely quick wit. Remember when you crashed Nancy's bachelorette party at Popeye's? It drove you crazy to know that you were going to miss out on all of the fun with the girls. So what did you do? You donned your best wig and dress (I really must talk to your stylist) and came in drag. You were more entertaining than the stripper!
I consider myself extremely blessed to have known you, and will sincerely miss you my friend.
Keep "yucking" it up, and I look forward to sharing our next G&T.
Love,
Kristen
David and Shelby at Sutter Hosptial. January 2002.
Gary and Joanne Bratcher
June 28, 2002
You will always be a part of our lives. Thank you for all the joy and happiness you gave to Shelby.
Chaya Doss
June 27, 2002
My sweet friend (diggity-dave), What up G? :-)
It has been the truest honor to share the last 8 years in your bright light. I will never forget the impact you have made on my life with your brilliance, generosity, and immense heart. I have always thought of you as a mentor, leader and friend. Thanks for introducing me to good beer, gin and tonics, ben & jerry's ice cream, jaguars, horses, wine, Nat King Cole, Berkeley's, Peet's, Symposium, Morrison and most of all your beautiful wife Shelby, your friends & your family. Your sense of humor, smile and remarkable wit will ALWAYS bring smiles and laughter to my sometimes lonely heart. I miss you dearly my friend and hope that you and Bo are doing well, and dancing together in heaven. You will always be my 'hommie'! Until we meet again.....
-cHaYa-
mary Kelley-Metz
June 27, 2002
Dear Goff Family,
I was saddened to read about the loss of David....He was a dear little boy and I am sure he was a joy to all of you..May the joy he brought your family bring you peace. Much love, Mary (Roche)Kelley-Metz
Kimberly Lenon
June 27, 2002
A friend, mentor and confidante for many years. Like the James Taylor song, I always thought that I'd see you again. May heaven provide you with a roomful of people to entertain and an endless supply of Vermont's maple syrup, my friend. You are missed.
Steve Brown
June 27, 2002
David:
Having known each other since the 7th grade, we have been a part of each other's lives for over 21 years. You are one of the finest people I know and the truest friend. Thank you for allowing me to share part of your life. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to improve myself by following your lead. I will miss your presence and look forward to seeing you again.
Steve
Karrie Reis Sutton
June 26, 2002
Dear Shelby, I wanted to send my deepest sympathy for your loss. I worked at the Elk Grove school district in the early 90's and had one story I wanted to share. Dave knew that my heart was still in the midwest so he surprised me with tickets to a Willie Nelson concert, he rented a pick up truck, put a bale of hay in the back along with a picnic and we went to the concert. He had a big heart and wanted to help me feel more at home in California. My thoughts are with you.
Shelby Goff
June 25, 2002
My dear boy, I am sure you have a computer with DSL up in heaven, and I hope you have read these wonderful entries from your friends. You are the color in my life. And you will always have the legacy of making me the happiest girl in the world. You will live on in my heart forever.
SLG
Marnie Rosenstein
June 25, 2002
Dave,
I miss you and the fun, crazy, hysterical moments we used to have. I will always consider you a good friend. You are someone who made me laugh, even though you made me incredibly cranky at times. That is what good friends do. I wish I had been able to spend some time with you the last few years. Kristen and I had lunch at "Human" yesterday in honor of you. We shared lots of memories of you, and that felt good. I'm so glad you met Shelby and spent your last months with someone so special. Again, I will miss you, Friend.
Love,
Marnie
Jeff Hare
June 25, 2002
Dave, I will remember you fondly. The period of time we worked together was short, but you made a memorable impact on my life. You are considered a friend. I will remember discussions of the ponies, the occasional lunch with Mummy, and wild rides in your Merkur (not to mention that time you shifted a car in reverse while driving on the 55 in Newport Beach). You loved life, and you were loved. What more can any of us ask for?
Ginny Baker
June 25, 2002
I'll never forget Dave's impeccable wardrobe, great cars and terrific personality. I had the pleasure of working with Dave at EGUSD and he was always making us break out in laughter - he definitely had a gift of making people take the time to smile. My prayers are with his family and dear friends at this time.
David and Shelby in Monterey, sipping Sapphire & tonic - a favorite.
Dave Reinhardt
June 24, 2002
He was like a brother to me - my best friend. And, I will carry our friendship inside until I see him again.
I miss you David.
Anne Marie Miguel
June 24, 2002
I was so saddened to hear of David's passing. He was a very sweet man and my heart and prayers go out to his family.
Mary Poppingo
June 24, 2002
David always had a way of bringing smiles and laughter to anyone. He was a good friend and I will miss him.
Jackie Arnold
June 24, 2002
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I met David when I worked for EGUSD-Food Services Dept. He was always very cheerful, polite, and funny. I will never forget the talks we shared. May God provide you strength through your time of sorrow.
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