David was born on December 31, 1939, in Gardner, Massachusetts to Bronislaw and Agnes Dopkant, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 30, 2013, in Pflugerville, Texas. He lived life to its fullest with a smile on his face and a joke on his mind. He truly never met a stranger.
David graduated from Gardner High School in 1957. He played football and was a member of the 1955 Gardner High School State Championship team.
He worked for Simplex Time Recorder, as a Life Systems Safety Engineer. He retired from Tellabs in June 2002, as a technician.
David loved his country and proudly served in the United States Air Force for 6 years. He continued to dedicate his life to other veterans, as a VAVS driver for the Temple VA with over 10,000 miles. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #173. He was the chapter's chaplain 10 years plus and District III Commander for 2 years.
To David, each day was a blessing from God. His faith guided his every move. As a member of St. Elizabeth's Church, he faithfully attended Mass and shared his love of life with all who would listen. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, taught confirmation classes for 5 years plus, and worked in the church store.
David LOVED golf!!! He played 3 times a week at Point Venture. Despite his disabling handicap, he learned to adapt his swing and enjoyed the game even more. He was a member of the Point Venture Men's Golf Association. He always brought kolaches and shared his giving spirit with all of his golfing buddies.
David loved children, too. He kept himself busy with his wife's students at Pillow Elementary School. It made him feel young and like a "Dad" again.
David's greatest gift was a heart filled with love for others. He retired early to care for his ailing in-laws. This act of unselfish dedication and love forever made him a living angel to his wife, a gift and a blessing from God.
David was an avid sports fan, a love that was born as a child with his father. He LOVED his Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Longhorns, and Spurs!
The world was David's audience, and people loved him dearly. His smile and humor touched everyone he met. Just ask the people at HEB, Red Robin, Café Java, and IHOP. Everywhere David went, he left his footprint of love, joy, and humor. He was truly larger than life. David, we miss and love you!
From David's beloved wife Kristen:
David
You came into my life Brought my soul from the brink of death into the throes of life. Disease had ravaged my body and took from me my zest for living. One smile, one joke, one sweet caress, made life worth beginning again.
No one ever knew or understood how difficult my days were. I told you to wait…wait…. wait…maybe… perhaps…there is a chance. For I had no love to give, no trust within my heart, no hope for eternal love, no future filled with dreams.
But you went forward with your pursuit of my lost spirit. One day my answer turned to, "Yes!" The sparkle in your eye turned into an everlasting twinkle that never died; but only guided us into our journey of love, united in a bond that never could be broken.
God blessed me, my angel, the first day we met. Little did we know how many crosses we would carry together. With your support and love, we endured our hells and heavens together, learning together the lessons of life. The most precious of gifts being an abiding love that brought within me a realization that you were my "living angel" sent from God! You did for me more than most men – You did it unselfishly – just ask Mom and Dad.
You spread your wings around me and kept me going…kept me strong… kept me following that road to each beautiful, new day.
Then, one morning this all changed… for you were no more. God knew the lessons learned from your giving heart… would help me to live on without you. God said that our life together had accomplished its mission. I had the tools needed for my future. God knew best.
But I miss your enormous presence, the ever-flowing love, the beautiful smile of joy, the sense of humor, the encouragement of your spirit, the pride in our marriage, of our success, and of our future.
David, thank you for blessing me with those 23 years, 1 month, 20 days and 16 hours. I would do it again, in a heartbeat. It was that beat that took you away! Thank you for being my partner in the most exciting journey of my life.
David, I miss you and I will always love you!
Kristen Gholson-Dopkant May 5, 2013
********************************
David's survivors include: his loving wife of 23 years, Kristen; his children: Donald Dopkant, Daniel Dopkant, Jay Dopkant, Jahne Brown, and Denise Hill; 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
To share memories of David with his family, please visit his memorial page at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com
David graduated from Gardner High School in 1957. He played football and was a member of the 1955 Gardner High School State Championship team.
He worked for Simplex Time Recorder, as a Life Systems Safety Engineer. He retired from Tellabs in June 2002, as a technician.
David loved his country and proudly served in the United States Air Force for 6 years. He continued to dedicate his life to other veterans, as a VAVS driver for the Temple VA with over 10,000 miles. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #173. He was the chapter's chaplain 10 years plus and District III Commander for 2 years.
To David, each day was a blessing from God. His faith guided his every move. As a member of St. Elizabeth's Church, he faithfully attended Mass and shared his love of life with all who would listen. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, taught confirmation classes for 5 years plus, and worked in the church store.
David LOVED golf!!! He played 3 times a week at Point Venture. Despite his disabling handicap, he learned to adapt his swing and enjoyed the game even more. He was a member of the Point Venture Men's Golf Association. He always brought kolaches and shared his giving spirit with all of his golfing buddies.
David loved children, too. He kept himself busy with his wife's students at Pillow Elementary School. It made him feel young and like a "Dad" again.
David's greatest gift was a heart filled with love for others. He retired early to care for his ailing in-laws. This act of unselfish dedication and love forever made him a living angel to his wife, a gift and a blessing from God.
David was an avid sports fan, a love that was born as a child with his father. He LOVED his Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Longhorns, and Spurs!
The world was David's audience, and people loved him dearly. His smile and humor touched everyone he met. Just ask the people at HEB, Red Robin, Café Java, and IHOP. Everywhere David went, he left his footprint of love, joy, and humor. He was truly larger than life. David, we miss and love you!
From David's beloved wife Kristen:
David
You came into my life Brought my soul from the brink of death into the throes of life. Disease had ravaged my body and took from me my zest for living. One smile, one joke, one sweet caress, made life worth beginning again.
No one ever knew or understood how difficult my days were. I told you to wait…wait…. wait…maybe… perhaps…there is a chance. For I had no love to give, no trust within my heart, no hope for eternal love, no future filled with dreams.
But you went forward with your pursuit of my lost spirit. One day my answer turned to, "Yes!" The sparkle in your eye turned into an everlasting twinkle that never died; but only guided us into our journey of love, united in a bond that never could be broken.
God blessed me, my angel, the first day we met. Little did we know how many crosses we would carry together. With your support and love, we endured our hells and heavens together, learning together the lessons of life. The most precious of gifts being an abiding love that brought within me a realization that you were my "living angel" sent from God! You did for me more than most men – You did it unselfishly – just ask Mom and Dad.
You spread your wings around me and kept me going…kept me strong… kept me following that road to each beautiful, new day.
Then, one morning this all changed… for you were no more. God knew the lessons learned from your giving heart… would help me to live on without you. God said that our life together had accomplished its mission. I had the tools needed for my future. God knew best.
But I miss your enormous presence, the ever-flowing love, the beautiful smile of joy, the sense of humor, the encouragement of your spirit, the pride in our marriage, of our success, and of our future.
David, thank you for blessing me with those 23 years, 1 month, 20 days and 16 hours. I would do it again, in a heartbeat. It was that beat that took you away! Thank you for being my partner in the most exciting journey of my life.
David, I miss you and I will always love you!
Kristen Gholson-Dopkant May 5, 2013
********************************
David's survivors include: his loving wife of 23 years, Kristen; his children: Donald Dopkant, Daniel Dopkant, Jay Dopkant, Jahne Brown, and Denise Hill; 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
To share memories of David with his family, please visit his memorial page at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com
David was born on December 31, 1939, in Gardner, Massachusetts to Bronislaw and Agnes Dopkant, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 30, 2013, in Pflugerville, Texas. He lived life to its fullest with a smile on his face and a joke on his mind. He truly never met a stranger.
David graduated from Gardner High School in 1957. He played football and was a member of the 1955 Gardner High School State Championship team.
He worked for Simplex Time Recorder, as a Life Systems Safety Engineer. He retired from Tellabs in June 2002, as a technician.
David loved his country and proudly served in the United States Air Force for 6 years. He continued to dedicate his life to other veterans, as a VAVS driver for the Temple VA with over 10,000 miles. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #173. He was the chapter's chaplain 10 years plus and District III Commander for 2 years.
To David, each day was a blessing from God. His faith guided his every move. As a member of St. Elizabeth's Church, he faithfully attended Mass and shared his love of life with all who would listen. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, taught confirmation classes for 5 years plus, and worked in the church store.
David LOVED golf!!! He played 3 times a week at Point Venture. Despite his disabling handicap, he learned to adapt his swing and enjoyed the game even more. He was a member of the Point Venture Men's Golf Association. He always brought kolaches and shared his giving spirit with all of his golfing buddies.
David loved children, too. He kept himself busy with his wife's students at Pillow Elementary School. It made him feel young and like a "Dad" again.
David's greatest gift was a heart filled with love for others. He retired early to care for his ailing in-laws. This act of unselfish dedication and love forever made him a living angel to his wife, a gift and a blessing from God.
David was an avid sports fan, a love that was born as a child with his father. He LOVED his Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Longhorns, and Spurs!
The world was David's audience, and people loved him dearly. His smile and humor touched everyone he met. Just ask the people at HEB, Red Robin, Café Java, and IHOP. Everywhere David went, he left his footprint of love, joy, and humor. He was truly larger than life. David, we miss and love you!
From David's beloved wife Kristen:
David
You came into my life Brought my soul from the brink of death into the throes of life. Disease had ravaged my body and took from me my zest for living. One smile, one joke, one sweet caress, made life worth beginning again.
No one ever knew or understood how difficult my days were. I told you to wait…wait…. wait…maybe… perhaps…there is a chance. For I had no love to give, no trust within my heart, no hope for eternal love, no future filled with dreams.
But you went forward with your pursuit of my lost spirit. One day my answer turned to, "Yes!" The sparkle in your eye turned into an everlasting twinkle that never died; but only guided us into our journey of love, united in a bond that never could be broken.
God blessed me, my angel, the first day we met. Little did we know how many crosses we would carry together. With your support and love, we endured our hells and heavens together, learning together the lessons of life. The most precious of gifts being an abiding love that brought within me a realization that you were my "living angel" sent from God! You did for me more than most men – You did it unselfishly – just ask Mom and Dad.
You spread your wings around me and kept me going…kept me strong… kept me following that road to each beautiful, new day.
Then, one morning this all changed… for you were no more. God knew the lessons learned from your giving heart… would help me to live on without you. God said that our life together had accomplished its mission. I had the tools needed for my future. God knew best.
But I miss your enormous presence, the ever-flowing love, the beautiful smile of joy, the sense of humor, the encouragement of your spirit, the pride in our marriage, of our success, and of our future.
David, thank you for blessing me with those 23 years, 1 month, 20 days and 16 hours. I would do it again, in a heartbeat. It was that beat that took you away! Thank you for being my partner in the most exciting journey of my life.
David, I miss you and I will always love you!
Kristen Gholson-Dopkant May 5, 2013
********************************
David's survivors include: his loving wife of 23 years, Kristen; his children: Donald Dopkant, Daniel Dopkant, Jay Dopkant, Jahne Brown, and Denise Hill; 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
To share memories of David with his family, please visit his memorial page at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com
David graduated from Gardner High School in 1957. He played football and was a member of the 1955 Gardner High School State Championship team.
He worked for Simplex Time Recorder, as a Life Systems Safety Engineer. He retired from Tellabs in June 2002, as a technician.
David loved his country and proudly served in the United States Air Force for 6 years. He continued to dedicate his life to other veterans, as a VAVS driver for the Temple VA with over 10,000 miles. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #173. He was the chapter's chaplain 10 years plus and District III Commander for 2 years.
To David, each day was a blessing from God. His faith guided his every move. As a member of St. Elizabeth's Church, he faithfully attended Mass and shared his love of life with all who would listen. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, taught confirmation classes for 5 years plus, and worked in the church store.
David LOVED golf!!! He played 3 times a week at Point Venture. Despite his disabling handicap, he learned to adapt his swing and enjoyed the game even more. He was a member of the Point Venture Men's Golf Association. He always brought kolaches and shared his giving spirit with all of his golfing buddies.
David loved children, too. He kept himself busy with his wife's students at Pillow Elementary School. It made him feel young and like a "Dad" again.
David's greatest gift was a heart filled with love for others. He retired early to care for his ailing in-laws. This act of unselfish dedication and love forever made him a living angel to his wife, a gift and a blessing from God.
David was an avid sports fan, a love that was born as a child with his father. He LOVED his Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Longhorns, and Spurs!
The world was David's audience, and people loved him dearly. His smile and humor touched everyone he met. Just ask the people at HEB, Red Robin, Café Java, and IHOP. Everywhere David went, he left his footprint of love, joy, and humor. He was truly larger than life. David, we miss and love you!
From David's beloved wife Kristen:
David
You came into my life Brought my soul from the brink of death into the throes of life. Disease had ravaged my body and took from me my zest for living. One smile, one joke, one sweet caress, made life worth beginning again.
No one ever knew or understood how difficult my days were. I told you to wait…wait…. wait…maybe… perhaps…there is a chance. For I had no love to give, no trust within my heart, no hope for eternal love, no future filled with dreams.
But you went forward with your pursuit of my lost spirit. One day my answer turned to, "Yes!" The sparkle in your eye turned into an everlasting twinkle that never died; but only guided us into our journey of love, united in a bond that never could be broken.
God blessed me, my angel, the first day we met. Little did we know how many crosses we would carry together. With your support and love, we endured our hells and heavens together, learning together the lessons of life. The most precious of gifts being an abiding love that brought within me a realization that you were my "living angel" sent from God! You did for me more than most men – You did it unselfishly – just ask Mom and Dad.
You spread your wings around me and kept me going…kept me strong… kept me following that road to each beautiful, new day.
Then, one morning this all changed… for you were no more. God knew the lessons learned from your giving heart… would help me to live on without you. God said that our life together had accomplished its mission. I had the tools needed for my future. God knew best.
But I miss your enormous presence, the ever-flowing love, the beautiful smile of joy, the sense of humor, the encouragement of your spirit, the pride in our marriage, of our success, and of our future.
David, thank you for blessing me with those 23 years, 1 month, 20 days and 16 hours. I would do it again, in a heartbeat. It was that beat that took you away! Thank you for being my partner in the most exciting journey of my life.
David, I miss you and I will always love you!
Kristen Gholson-Dopkant May 5, 2013
********************************
David's survivors include: his loving wife of 23 years, Kristen; his children: Donald Dopkant, Daniel Dopkant, Jay Dopkant, Jahne Brown, and Denise Hill; 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
To share memories of David with his family, please visit his memorial page at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com
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