David Nash Denham Unadilla Forks, NY December 11, 1946 - August 2, 2024 David Nash Denham died suddenly on August 2, 2024 from a tragic accident in Perry, New York when a tree fell on the rental house where he and his wife Linda were vacationing. Miraculously, Linda sustained only minor injuries. David was born on December 11, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late David Sherman Denham and Elizabeth Riley Denham. He received a BS in political science from Indiana University. He also attended the Art Students League and the School of Visual Arts in New York, New York. He served in the Vietnam War in the Third Surgical Hospital in the Mekong River Delta from November 19, 1969 to July 19, 1971. On August 15, 1977, he married Linda Oakley Foley in New York, New York. David was a portrait artist and opera singer, performing from Lincoln Center in New York to Moscow U.S.S.R. He worked for the Art Department of the American Broadcasting Corporation followed by the Acorn Group where he created graphics for litigation. He then became a National Park Ranger and worked at FDR's home in Hyde Park and the Statue of Liberty for many years. David was a member of The Federated Church in West Winfield. He loved to sit on his porch and watch the wildlife that lived by the river. He loved his zero-turn mower and he loved God and the message of grace. He loved history and theology and had a wonderful sense of humor bringing joy with him wherever he went. He is survived by his wife Linda Oakley Denham, two daughters and one son in law: Emily Denham and Lydia and Robert Norris, three grandchildren: Reid, Lillian and Wiley Norris, his brother-in-law Donald Oakley and wife Nell, one brother, three sisters and two brothers in law: Tom and Wendy Denham, Diane Koehler, Leanne and Bill Cahillane, and Jill and Mike Phillips as well as many nieces and nephews. David's family would like to thank all of the neighbors and the seventeen agencies that were involved in responding to the accident in amazing ways as well as the hospital staff at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, NY and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. A memorial service for David will be held at the Federated Church of West Winfield NY, on August 17th at 1 pm with Pastor Ken McKenzie, followed by a celebration of life reception at the West Winfield NY VFW. For online expressions of sympathy lease go to www.dimblebyfh.com In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial donation to the Federated Church, 452 East Main Street, West Winfield, NY 13491.

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Published by WKTV on Aug. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for David Denham

7 Entries

Wendy and Bob Gentile

August 16, 2024

It has taken well over the week, since Dave's passing to come up with the words for a memory, a message of condolence, thoughts to share, etc... May as well just let the fingers press the keys and forge ahead. Tomorrow so many of our loved ones, most especially Linda, Lydia and Emily, will be remembering David, and providing a path for some closure, sharing his life and celebrating the gift he was, with those who loved him so. Unfortunately time and distance preclude us from attending that. But we know, so many David stories, in our minds, we will share. We will feel like we are with you all. David Denham has always been and will forever be, one of the most stand up, loving, talented, and dedicated people Bob and I know. We met him and Linda, a few minutes before we met Lydia. I think that may have been 1992. They came to camp, to learn and see of the place, where their daughter may apply and work. Haha... to think of it. She never left. David and Linda had us at the word "hello" We were raising three daughters, we looked at them (Dave and LInda) and listened to them, that day at camp and thought to ourselves, " The depth of love for your children, is forever. These people are so smart, to spend this time with us, to assure themselves, Lydia would be fine." We loved them both, but we discuss David here. He was as genuine as they come, heart of his damn sleeve. Adorable, adoring. We loved him that day, and every day since. While time, distance and circumstances didn't have us crossing paths more than a few times a year, the crossing, was always a blessing. We looked forward to every visit, every meal, every catch up and hug. Boy, he will be missed. For those that loved him so, we hope the long list of BEAUTIFUL memories sustains you in the hard moments ahead. Here are a few memories, that bring instant joy and persistent smiles to our faces: The day we met, their visits to camp, helping them move to Peekskill, singing around the grand piano in Peekskill, Every grace we shared with his magnificent tenor voice, David stopping Bob in the camp driveway to "Ask about Rob, who this guy was, was he worthy of Lydia?" Lydia and Rob's wedding at camp (he was worthy of Lydia's hand, we would all agree!), floating in a boat with him off of Battery Park, heading to the Statue of Liberty, him in his ranger garb and kayaking with him on the Unadilla River on a quiet morning.

Life.... We are supposed to live it fully, use our God given gifts to bless others, have a positive countenance, share, be bold, be brave when we are not feeling courageous, and live with abandon, capturing moments all along the way. No doubt that David did all these things. Lived every moment. As far we know him, he wasted no time..... He is treasured to us, to all of you. We are all better people having shared in his life. AAAAAAMMMMMMMEEEEEENNNNNNN!

Jamie Keller

August 8, 2024

A warm heart, a kind soul, a sharp wit and a booming, beautiful voice.

Anthony Chu

August 7, 2024

David, it's been years since we last spoke and worked with one another at the Statue of Liberty as Rangers.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

Bill Maurer

August 6, 2024

Enjoyed working with Dave. Will be missed.

DENNIS MULLIGAN

August 6, 2024

Dear David and the Denham family, I was honorored to work with and beside Davis for several years at the Statue of Liberty NM. He was always professional and treated thousands of visitors he encountered daily with grace and understanding. I will never forget the first time I heard his beautiful operatic voice as he sang at the base of the iconic Statue, we both loved and treasured. I still climb those stairs and periodically recall how glorious his voice resonated inside the copper Goddess. I pray for all in his circle and hope his wondrous eyes, the majesty of his voice and his power of goodness helps ease the truly difficult times in your days ahead. Dear David, you are an inspiration. With heartfelt condolences. SING ON for us ALL! You will forever be a true joy and light in my heart.
Dennis Mulligan