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Date Deceased: 08-27-2008
Age at Death: 37
Classmate City: Houston
Classmate State: TX
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: wife Dana Key and children Harrison and Jordyn, parents Beverly and Norman Key, sisters Kathy Key and Suzanne Pagan
David attended school with many of us from kindergarten to graduation and is a part of so many happy childhood memories. David always graciously put his friends before himself. David loved sports and played the drums in the Westwood marching band. After college, he was very successful in his field of sports training. He worked with many programs including the Notre Dame football team, the Austin Ice Bats and most recently the Rice Owl Baseball team. David was the head trainer for the Rice Owls when they won the College World Series in 2003. David also completed an Iron man Triathlon in 2005. He loved his children, Harrison and Jordyn, and always put family first. He was a wonderful father and friend, was loved by many, and will be greatly missed. **Kelly Ditmore Mahmoud
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Michael Tompkins
I posted a few fond memories under "stories" in my profile. I only saw David twice in the last 3 years but no matter how long it'd been since we saw each other, I always felt like we were still next-door neighbors when we talked. I miss you, Dave!Grant Ruple
David and I became friends in elementary school. He was a wonderful guy to have around whenever we were playing pick-up games of basketball or football. Besides being one of the best players, he always played with true sportsmanship, and that is something I admired.My fondest school memories of David are from 8th grade, at Canyon Vista, the year before we went to Westwood. I remember a class assignment in which we were to present a personal “day in the life.” David and I decided to do ours via video tape, which was still a bit of a novelty at the time. He taped me, and then I taped him. When it came time to present, we were stars for a day. My folks still have that tape on a shelf somewhere.
I lost touch with David in the years that passed, but then I saw him in a shopping mall during our college years. I caught a glimpse of him, and it was like finding a $100 bill in the street. We talked for a few minutes; he was going to UTEP at the time. It was great to see him again after so long.
When I found out he was working with the Ice Bats, I decided to go to a game during a visit to Austin. I love watching live hockey, but my main reason for going was to see David “in action” and hopefully get a chance to talk to him. As the teams made their way to the dressing rooms after one of the periods, I stood in the front row near the exit and shouted his name. He looked up, recognized me, and smiled. We shook hands and talked for just a few seconds, but that really made my night.
The last time I saw David was at Mike Tompkins’ house over the Christmas holiday in 2003. David was working with the Rice University baseball team that had won the College World Series a few months earlier. But he never mentioned that; he was a very humble guy. It wasn’t until I brought it up that he opened up and I got to hear about “the road to a national championship.”
David, my friend, I know that you were loved and will be sorely missed.
John Akin
The news about David really hit me hard. He was one of my best friends waaay back at Spicewood Elementary and it seemed like our lives revolved around our recess sports games all through elementary school. He was one of the best players and it seemed like if he wasn't the first or second kid picked for teams it was because we had an odd number and he'd already been designated the "all-time quarterback". My mental picture of him will always be as about a nine-year-old kid throwing a Nerf football with precocious confidence and poise (and a tight spiral).He also always impressed in the school talent shows and plays back at Spicewood, and was a kick-a** drummer all the way through high school...
He was very talented, a fierce competitor but a good sport on the playground and he will be missed. I think his legacy will live on forever in the fields behind Spicewood Elementary...
Chris Tombari
Once again, I'm grateful for this website. I never would've known. My heart goes out to his family. I, too, remember him all the way back to Spicewood Elementary.Michael Duffee
David and his family lived two doors down from me, he was the first person who I met in Austin in August of 1979. Though I have seen him only a handfull of times in the last 20 years, the news of his passing has hit me very hard. His was a life of many gifts and talents and it is very sad that he is longer with us to share them. Surely, there is an unfillable void left for his family and friends and I will keep David and those left behind in my prayers.Bill Harris
I just signed onto this site and recently moved back to Austin. This is the first time I am learning about David. I am shocked to read of his passing. What a loss. David, along with several other of our classmates, were some of my closest friends when my twin brother and I moved to Texas in 1980. As we entered high school, we drifted apart. But there have been moments over the past many years that I have thought back on those days and the people that added to my life. David was one of those people, and he will be missed.Robert Harris
I'd like to echo my brother's comments and add my sincere sadness upon learning of David's passing. How tragic--it's hard to believe.David was a great friend and I have fond memories of our elementary years when we were much closer. I remember rather well the countless days of riding bikes around Balcones and Spicewood getting into some sort of trouble, the numerous sleep overs, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and who can forget football. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, and family. May God comfort them now and always. David--you will be missed dearly.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
Rodney Kirkpatrick
I remember David as my best friend growing up. I can relate to all of the comments I've read thus far and would only echo that he was a great friend that I wish I'd spent more time keeping in touch with after High School. Love and Miss him.Gregory Pitner
David was one of a few good friends within bicycle range of my house when we moved to Austin in 5th grade. I have great memories of driveway basketball and front yard football with David -- back when front yards were somehow large enough for 3-on-3 tackle football. It doesn't matter that we lost touch in later years; you never forget friends from that time, and I will miss David.