David Charles Walsh

David is survived by his brother, Lee (Vicki); his nephews, Martin (Tyler) and Graham (Carol); his great-nephew, Malcolm; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Walsh; his mother, Margaret (Walsh) Caum; his stepmother, Martha Babb Walsh; his stepfather, Benjamin Caum; and his stepsister, Kathryn Caum Morningstar.

David and Lee enjoyed reminiscing about their early childhoods running lemonade stands and hosting Monopoly games that would go on for days in the basement with their friends. One of their most favorite memories was making a commercial together in the radio station studio where their father hosted the morning show. That recording, made when David was six and Lee was four, has preserved their childhood voices and remains a treasured reminder of the brothers growing up together.

The brothers always shared a love of music, with wide-ranging tastes for many genres, inspired by their Dad's career in radio. David especially loved Elvis Presley and often told the story of seeing Elvis perform at the Hampton Roads Coliseum in 1972.

David graduated from York High School in 1969 and attended Christopher Newport College.

He began his career with the American Cancer Society and later worked with the Arthritis Foundation, traveling extensively throughout the country and living in Texas and Kansas City before settling in Los Angeles. He returned to the Peninsula in 1986 and began a new career with Mutual of Omaha, later becoming an independent insurance agent.

In 2000, David joined the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula, where he found some of his lasting friendships.

He served on the Finance Committee and Endowment Committee and contributed many postings to the Fellowship's website. He also introduced the 360.org initiative to the Fellowship, helping to increase awareness of climate change. A skilled and enthusiastic fundraiser, David enjoyed raising money for the Fellowship's annual pledge drive and devoted particular energy to the Food Bank, for which he had raised more than $37,000 at last count.

David was devoted to his two nephews, Martin and Graham, watching them grow up, marry, and start their own photography and commercial videography business along with Martin's wife, Tyler. Uncle David was thrilled to see their work included in the recent PBS special celebrating America's 250th anniversary on July 4.

The birth of his great-nephew, Malcolm, was a highlight of the past year. David took joy in holding him while Malcolm reached eagerly for his beard.

David had a lifelong interest in photography and captured many beautiful scenes in and around Hampton Roads. He loved cooking and created many original and family recipes. He was also an avid reader, especially enjoying a good thriller.

Always eager to embrace new technology, David could often be found at his computer, headphones on, listening to an audiobook.

He will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his great sense of humor and his ability to bring warmth and laughter to those around him.

Among those whose lives David touched deeply was Trent Lucas whom he fostered as a young child, and with whom he maintained a lifelong bond.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula, 326 Tabbs Lane, Newport News.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula to benefit its Endowment and the Food Bank.