DAVID JUDY OBITUARY

David V. Judy
December 11, 1954 - October 9, 2012

David V. Judy died October 9, 2012, surrounded by loved ones at the Veterans' Hospital in Boise after a brave and feisty battle with cancer. Dave was born Milton Kimberly John on December 11, 1954, in Spirit Lake, Idaho, to a mother who could not care for him. He spent the first eight years of his life moving between foster homes, which affected him deeply. Ultimately, Dave was welcomed into the home and hearts of his adoptive parents, Victor and LaVerne Judy, and six adoptive siblings, who gladly and wholeheartedly provided him with stability and security, and loved him unconditionally through all the ups and downs of his life.

Most of Dave's youth was spent growing up in Roy, Utah. He loved teasing his brothers and sisters, roaming the neighborhood, playing in the canal, shooting rabbits, and attending yearly family reunions where he could spend time with his many cousins and explore nature.

Dave Judy attended Roy High School from 1969-1972, then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine, Dave trained in California and was stationed on Okinawa. Upon discharge, Dave returned to Idaho and settled in Boise, where his family had moved. Dave's friends recall how much he loved Idaho. When he traveled, Dave always let folks know he was proud to be from a state with the best land, people, mountains, lakes and scenery in the country. He would often share gifts of Idaho jam, fruit, or bags of potatoes.
Dave enjoyed working in the hospitality industry and his considerable skills were appreciated at family gatherings. While he was the head waiter at the Gamekeeper Restaurant, he suffered a debilitating head injury which nearly took his life. His family rallied around him and with their love and support, and a great deal of courage and determination on his part, Dave regained the ability to speak and began a new chapter in life.

First among Dave's loves was a passion for the natural world and all its creatures. Whether running his small landscaping company; observing wildlife in his garden (tomato worms were a favorite); caring for his pets (various reptiles, a parrot, the mink he rescued and set free, and of course his beloved cats, Sammy and Seven of Nine); or making a new friend (which he literally did practically every day), Dave was at home in the world and truly in love with life.

Dave's many friends remember his patience, compassion, authenticity and genuine concern for others. He never took anything for granted in his friendships, always tried to give more than he got, and never failed to graciously express his appreciation for anything he received from another. He loved fighting for the underdog. Dave had a wonderful sense of humor and he knew no strangers. He was delighted to have appeared with Tony Park in a production of Camelot at the Morrison Center, and he enjoyed collecting Star Trek memorabilia, including an impressive collection of lithographs. He was often seen at political and social events in downtown Boise where he enjoyed meeting people from every avenue of life. He treasured those friendships. He volunteered tirelessly for the ACLU and was recently honored for his record number of service hours. He was an honorary member of Boise's African Community Development and an enthusiastic supporter of the North End Community Garden. The positive impact of his numerous contributions to our community is immeasurable. Dave showed all of us that regardless of the obstacles in one's life, each of us can give to others and work to make our world a kinder, more beautiful place.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother, LaVerne Judy, and his sisters, Grace Judy and Ann Judy. He is survived by his father, Victor Judy (Donna) of Boise; brother Gregg (Pamela) Judy of Boise; brother Kent Judy of Spokane; sister Vicki (Larry) Hobbs of Boise; sister Michele (Bryan) Storer, also of Boise; and the many friends he called family.

A remembrance of Dave Judy's life will be held Saturday, October 27, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the Shenandoah Estates Community Clubhouse, 7950 Rapidan, Boise, Idaho 83714. If you have a story about Dave, be sure to attend and join us in remembering our dear friend who had such a big heart, kind soul, and loving attitude of absolute acceptance of every person and living thing.

Please consider honoring Dave's memory by donating time or money to one of the many causes to which he committed his heart, voice and innumerable hours of service.

The Judy family is grateful to Ellen and Harry Hall, Mike and Sharon Burkett, Courtney Verbanac, Kelsey Verbanac, and Tamara Hatcher for their unwavering love and support of Dave, especially during his last illness; to Travis, Dave's VA nurse who provided exceptionally dedicated care; and to the staff and physicians of the Boise and Portland VA Hospitals, who never failed to cheer and comfort Dave.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Oct. 25, 2012.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/idahostatesman/name/david-judy-obituary?id=13011399