David (on the far right in TCU Purple) and the SUS Team from spring 2007

David (second from the right in TCU Purple) and the SUS Team

My co-worker and friend, David Albright, passed away yesterday. His life and his struggle with cancer are the ultimate reminders that although you may have goals in life, you have to make the most of the journey itself. Life is short. David always had good perspective on this, nurturing family and friends while always being a strong team member at work.

David took it upon himself to remember team member’s birthdays, pick up a birthday card, and make sure everyone signed the card. It’s amazing what that does when your day/week/year has made you feel like just another number.

David took on difficult personalities and situations with ease and a good sense of humor. He had the ability to call out something he didn’t have a good gut feel about, without really being confrontational. He had the ability to be strong and gentle at the same time. If someone can be at peace in this world, David was.

The saying goes that funerals are not for the dead, but for the living. This is especially true in David’s case. Clearly his closest friends and family have experienced the greatest loss, but all who knew him have lost a solid anchor for their world.

On a much more personal note: This update about David’s situation appeared on my birthday. It was a very personal reminder to me of the person we were at risk of losing. In spite of all of David’s personal struggles, he did not fail to remember me or my family this past year.

In memory of David:
Lux Aeterna, from the Rutter Requiem

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me:
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,
for they rest from their labours.
Even so saith the Spirit.

Lux aeterna luceat eis Domine:
Let eternal light shine upon them, O Lord:

Cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es.
with Thy saints for ever, for art merciful.

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine,
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,

et lux perpetua luceat eis.
and may light perpetual shine on them.