It is with great sadness that we need to report that David passed away this morning at John's Hopkins after a 14 month struggle with Lymphoma. He faced this battle with grace and courage. He is now at peace. Each and every one of you gave David the strength to fight through your thoughts and prayers. He loved you all and we will never forget.
The Memorial service will be held Monday afternoon. We will post the details as soon as they are available.
40 comments:
Our hearts are with you all on this very sad day.
Love
Anne, Dave, Jack and Eliza
May he rest in peace. Love to Liza, Eli and Reed. The Cyrs
RIP DH. We will forever be graced by your love of life, your big tins of homemade party chicken and your smile. You left some mighty big shoes to fill and are already deeply, deeply missed.
The sincerest of sympathies to my dear friend and symbol of strength Liza, as well as to Eli and Reed who allow you to live on, to Larry and Marsha, to Nancy, to Elaine and Robin, to your sisters, to Emily, to Ruby and to the too-numerous-to-count friends and fans of this blog.
Rise up, my friend, rise up.
XO
CMF
This is incredibly sad, but I will always be impressed by the way Dave handled such an unfair situation. I am one of so many who are better people for having known him, and who will try hard to carry on his final lessons of strength, class and dignity.
- Love to Liza, Eli & Reed
- The Ackerses
We lost a GREAT man today. All our love & prayers from Ithaca, NY.
Ben & Laurie DeLuca & the entire Cornell Lacrosse Family
You will be missed dearly.....
SK
I am so very, very sad. I checked out David's blog almost daily. Early on, he was so hopeful (as we all were with each new optimistic post); and I'd worry when there was no new post (as I'm sure we all did), but I attributed the lack of one to David's struggle to get well. David and his family and friends were amazingly strong throughout this ordeal. Again, I have never seen such an outpouring of love for one man and his family.
May God bless all of you in your time of loss, and give you the strength to carry on. Having such a wonderful man in your life, however briefly, is to have been touched by the true meaning of being loved.
My deepest condolences to the Wexlers and the Holders. For the rest of my life, whenever I think about getting stronger -- or what it means to be strong -- I will think of David.
Adam
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear husbnd, father, son, son-in-law and friend. We are so saddened by his passing from the life he loved so much. He was more deeply loved than any one we have known, and he and his family were stronger fighters than any of us want to ever have to be. Our deep love to all of you who mourn this wonderful young man.
Love, Jack and Peggy Hart
I don't know what to say.
I don't have words to convey the sadness I feel.
And I don't know what to say to you that could possibly let you know how very sorry I am.
Just please know that I am overwhelmed with such sorrow and empathy, and it is all for you.
Thank you for sharing Dave with us.
We will miss him fiercely.
Leeann, Rob, Kate, Chris and Trey Niccolini
All day despite reading the heartful entries on this blog, I have been unable to find the words to express myself. For months, you have all been the online community with whom I shared my concern, my love and my support of David and his family. We have provided each other comfort in our concern and in the strength of our hopes and prayers for him.
But today... I have been at a loss for words to express my sadness at the passing of such an exceptional human being. Without words to properly express the overwhelming sorrow I feel for my dear, wonderful friend Liza.
So much emotion but I just can't find the words. The right words. I have memories. I have thoughts. I'm just absolutely beside myself, stunned by the unjust sadness weighed upon my beautiful friends.
No more suffering, on that I try to focus. To the Wexler and Holder families - if there is such a thing as angels, Heaven just received one of the strongest, most heroic, most decent it has yet to welcome.
My deepest sympathies to David's family and friends. David's spirit is so bright and his love, faith and hope have profoundly made an impact on my life and so many others. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
MT
Liza, Eli, Reed, Elaine, Robin, Emily and Holders. When words fail us, we must rely on all the good and positive thoughts and deeds, that David endured. His spirt will remain whith his family forever. May all your thoughts of David bring smiles to your faces and all of us, that will truly miss him. Love Diane & Joe Breslow
please accept our deepest condolences Liza,Eli & Reed...I only had the pleasure of knowing David for less than a year and our business venture unfortunitly didn't work out but I now realize this last year after reading these blogs that I missed a great opportunity for a dear friend....God Bless you all and God Bless you DAVID
We grieve for you all. We grieve for Liza and for Nancy and for the rest of David's family and all his close friends. David's loss has affected so many so much.
Sheila, and Troy
When we blessed our dinner tonight my cancer fighting daughter, Diana said, "I bless Dr. Kelly (her oncologist), my family, and David Holder, my mommy's friend. Mom, I don't like cancer." I don't either and I am very sad that this amazing man has slipped away from all of us. We will continue to pray for you David and for your little miracles who will live a beautiful life.
Ann and Diana Reidy
there are no words.
tansy
Dave makes us better.
Dave demanded more of himself and he demanded more of those around him. He had this energy that pulled you in and made you feel better about yourself and with Dave around you felt you could do more. Dave was always doing more. Dave was guided by love, affection, consideration, loyalty and integrity- this was Dave’s core and he was aware of his connection to it and he had an amazing ability to use it to influence all around him. And he made life fun! In a flash he’d give you an honest thought or reflection, whether supportive or critical, and then the twinkle in his eyes or smile on his face would provide that extra bit of encouragement. It is so disheartening to think that this world has lost a person like Dave because Dave is what is good about people. We can do better and Dave is proof of that. We can build careers, a loving family, we can be tremendous parents and volunteer for other causes, but like Dave we can also give positive energy out freely to all those with whom we cross paths each and every day. Dave will always be with us encouraging us, and through us others. Dave was and is an inspiration.
“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.” – François Auguste Rene Chateaubriand.
My deepest sympathy to David's family. David was an amazing person that gave so much to others. I had the privlege of watching him volunteer with Ruby and Eli. A true joy and the world has lost a very special man.
I didn't know Dave or his family but I could see his strength and character showing through in his blog and what others have to say about him. May God hold you in his arms during this difficult time.
Peace be with you.
melissa
My heart breaks as I read the posts concerning David's passing...Liza,may you and your children find strength in God to carry on.Always realize that you each have been so incredibly blessed by having David in your lives as he will continue to be with you in spirit.... Liza,call me if you need someone to talk to as you and I have been through so much together.Phil will fight even harder, for David ,as he battles his own T cell lymphoma...Much love to your family during this difficult time...
Stacie Rutar
Sending powerful thoughts of love and strength to Liza and family. As Dave recently wrote, "love is magic". The love I have witnessed that Dave and his friends have shown to one another through this difficult time has been magic to behold. Dave truly was and is light. An inspiration for everyone who had the opportunity to meet him and sense his presence and grace.
Such sad news today.
I am reflecting on the fun times long ago at Friends. I can see Dave's smile in Mr.Binfords Spanish class. It sounds like he never lost that big grin nor his passion for life.
Deepest sympathies to all of Dave's family and friends.
Nancy Silex Ernst (FS'90)
What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass,
of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind
-William Wordsworth
I only had the opportunity to meet and speak with David a few times. While at Smith, after law school, and, believe it or not, at his grandmother's condo in Fort Lauderdale. His sisterElizabeth is my dear friend. Elizabeth and I were together in Denver when Eli was born. We all cheered! She is a very proud aunt and sister. She kept me up to date on David and I read his blog. I wish I had the opportunity to know him better. His strength, courage, humor, and love is inspiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am very sorry that we can't be there for the service.
Love,
Ann (a/k/a "Burke"), Mark and Chad Spalding
Your passion for life will never be forgotten. Your unrivaled strength will continue to persevere in all those that you touched. We will miss your infectious smile, your warm eyes, your abundant kindness, and your generosity to share with us your many gifts as well as your private feelings. You brought so many people together in your life and your spirit will continue to do so forever. You have inspired us all. Much love now and always to Liza, Eli, and Reed. Our hearts are with you.
Love,
Todd, Catherine, and Sam
"The heart hath its own memory, like the mind. And in it are enshrined the precious keepsakes, into which is wrought the giver's loving thought."
~ H.W. Longfellow
May the wonderful memories of David that you hold close to your heart bring you peace and comfort.
With love and sympathy,
Sheila and Les Lichter and family
We just wanted to express our profound sadness for your loss. May the love and support of your family and friends help you through this terrible time. Know that our thoughts and love are with you, Eli and Reed.
Jessica Brodey & Elliot Harkavy
Our heartfelt condolences to Liza, Eli and Reed.
Michael, Paula, Lizzie and Olivia Sherman.
We will never forget how Dave fought, but even more important, how he always lived, even — especially — when he had no idea in the world that his time would be so short. We are infinitely lucky to have known him, and better for it. Our hearts and thoughts are with Liza, Eli and Reed, the Holders and the Wexlers.
Jamie Miller and Dudley Fowlkes
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2008/09/12/david-holder-1972-2008/
Marullus W
I came across this blog through Team in Training, and have been reading it weekly for nearly a year. I always hesitated to write a comment as I have never met David or his family. Today, however, my heart hurts for his family and friends, and I can not express how sorry I am for your loss. My father has leukemia and David's blog gave me hope, warmth, at times laughter, and amazement. He was so strong and so kind, I wish I had known him, and I really wish I had not been so scared to write him a comment. His family is in my thoughts and heart. Please know that he touched the lives of people you have never met, and in my case...has changed my perception of strength and courage forever.
David, If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever! Rest in peace.
http://laxmagazine.cstv.com/sports/outloud/spec-rel/091508aab.html
"I have survived so much loss, as all of us have by our 40's - my parents, dear friends, my pets. If you haven't already, you will lose someone you can't live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of a beloved person. But this is also the good news. They live forever, in your broken heart that doesn't seal back up. And you come through. It's like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly - that still hurts when the weather is cold - but you learn to dance with the limp." - Anne Lamott
XO
CMF
I only met David once and know Liza from high school so long ago. David's sharing through his blog has changed my perspective on life. May we all take David's gift of openness, courage, grace, humor, optimism, and peace, breathe it in, and recognize that there is no "someday"...We have today to live life to the fullest, be all the possibilities we can be, be kind and loving to those around us, and shift complaints into actions that will transform the planet. David did. Every day - before and after his diagnosis.
My heartfelt condolences to Liza, Eli, Reed and their families.
- Alison W.
HOPI PRAYER of The Soul's Graduation:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive…
I've been thinking a lot about Dave lately.
Although I knew him mostly by association (Mike Niccolini is my brother in law), his lovely face and smile pops up in my mind often. This past week, as I was holding my newborn nephew, I reflected on Dave and his magnificent effect on the people he knew and loved and I wished the same kind of life for my nephew.
Leeann Niccolini
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