We lost more than an instructor on Wednesday, July 3, 2002; we lost one of our best friends. Dave’s heart reached out to every one of us. The extra time he spent helping students in need, or a fellow employee with special hardships, or bringing a gift or two from his travels appropriate to the individual or occasion, etc., all represented Dave’s loving heart. As an instructor, he symbolized the ultimate in teaching as he always had the time for each individual. It was constantly evident that he loved his job and this showed through to each of his students.

Dave made every moment count. On his travels throughout the world, he took the time to study the culture, to absorb the beauty, to breathe the excitement of life. While we kidded Dave for his long-winded stories, they will be missed. Former students will feel this lost because they know how Dave changed their lives.

Our hearts go out to Dave’s wife, Donna, and his family. We will keep them in our prayers. Some day we will each join Dave again and we’ll just sit back and marvel at the stories he has to tell and the way he takes such joy in explaining the "Five Essentials of Welding."

To his family, they have lost a loving husband, a father, a brother. The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology has lost a great instructor. We all have lost a great friend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the David Via Scholarship Fund, c/o Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, 400 Trade Square East, Troy, OH 45373.