David Kurtz Tabor
February 16, 1932 - September 27, 2014

"My memories of David was in the mid-1980's as an early member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives -- now the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He mentored many and was always encouraging and engaging. Praying that God will comfort everyone you touched with the peace and strength only He can give. "

"We are so sorry for the loss of your dear one and our sincerest condolences to the family. Trials such as this one can be unbearable, "God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distress." Psalms 46:1 Draw close to God in prayer, He does not forget the outcry of the afflicted ones. He will give you the needed strength to endure the days ahead."

"Pastor Benito Perez I and my wife Jessie on behalf of El Hospital de Alma Lutheran Church, would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Tabor's family. David was very especial for all of us, He did so much for our church. He was a real friend. The Bible said that are friends more than brothers that was our case with David. His advice and support will be hold dear in our heart. He was a sent by God to us. I personally will miss David and our phone conversation every week. I will be comforted by the promised of the resurrection and the assurance that we will be together in heaven again. May his family also find comfort celebrating his life. David you will be always in our heart and never forgotten. May you rest in the peace of Our Lord. "

"Angela Bomford read this at the start of the funeral: I could say that David Tabor was my good friend and neighbor (for a number of years). I could say that he was an excellent President of my Condominium Association ---but David was much, much more than that. Every time I took a walk outside my house, I would hope to spot David's scooter somewhere around, for then I knew I would be the recipient of an enormous smile, and be regaled with a fountain of news. For David Tabor was infinitely more interesting than Brian Williams, NBC, ABC or even my beloved BBC. Indeed, there were times when David seemed to know more about my old country than I did, for he was an avid reader of the British newspapers on his computer, and a devoted Anglophile. Many times when I spotted David's scooter, he was surrounded by children. He loved them as much as they loved him, and there is no way to measure the positive impact he had on those young minds and lives, with his wise and friendly counsel. I had the pleasure of being Sarah and David's travel agent for a number of years. David's enthusiasm and courage as he planned his trips always amazed me. It was easy to see that the word "handicapped" never seemed to exist in the Tabor family vocabulary. Just three weeks ago, I sold my home in Alpine Woods. I realized that my greatest regret would be leaving my wonderful neighbors, but particularly - talking with David. Yes, David, you have been much more than a good friend and great neighbor --- you have been an inspiration, and I thank you, and I thank God for the privilege of knowing you and your wonderful family. We will all miss you very, very much."

"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Mrs Tabor and family. It's very hard to loose a loved one, but always remember the good times that you had with him. I think now of the times when I was outside and Mr.Tabor was riding around on his scooter - he always took time to stop and chat; asking how my mother who has Alzheimer's was doing and reminiscing about his time in Haiti. Although he's no longer with us physically , he will always be in our memories."

"Pamela and family - I understand how it feels to have to say goodbye to one so special as a father. It hurts. Hold his memory close. Remember to talk about him, share what you are feeling with others. Know that your friends will always be here to listen. As I look at the picture of your Dad I see you Pamela! I have no doubt that you also see part of him when you look at pictures of yourself. Something to hold close. Know that the Angels are there to help you with his passing. As am I. Mitzi"

"I read this at the Memorial Service. ***** Growing up with Dad was, well... ...complicated. When Mom and Dad got married, Mom changed from Baptist to Lutheran and Dad changed from Democrat to Republican so that they would never fight about politics or religion. 61 years later, I have to be honest with you, I never saw my parents fight. Discuss, but not fight. When in school, Mom and Dad never had to push us to excel. In the last week of college, I asked Mom to tell me to do my homework. She said, why? I told her, because you never said it before & I want to hear it at least once. You see, they taught us to do our best and succeed so well, that it was internalized. We didn't see that there was any other way to live life. But somehow, without us really knowing it, they had their hands on the reins.... Guiding and encouraging us. Now I see that clearly. It was just expected that we would do our best in our classrooms, our jobs and generally in our lives. However they did that, it worked. Thanks Mom and Dad. I appreciate that in the last week I have had the opportunity to see my father not as a father, but as a friend, a person. We all know that dads are not really people. They are disciplinarians, providers, and family leaders. Oh, and always right. But seeing him through your eyes has shown me another side to him that most of the time, daughters never get to see. As children grow up, I think that they see their fathers actually turn into real people. You saw him as the homeowner association president, as a church member, a dog walker (although riding Amy around on his scooter wasn't REALLY walking the dog!), neighbor, and story teller, but most importantly as a friend. I want to thank each of you for that. I'm the daughter who lives up in Virginia, & I just want to say that when I go home, I feel confident everyone here will take good care of my mother and sister, Tracy. Just like my father did. Thank you and God bless you all."

"My first memory of meeting Mr. Tabor was only a couple days after we moved in, which was nearly 12 years ago. He came and knocked on my door and told me my boys (who were then 8,6,4 and almost 2) were playing by the front of his house. Immediately I was nervous and wondered what damage had been done. I was horrified at making this as a first impression on new neighbors, a woman who lets her kids run wild. But what stands out to me was his kindness and immediate smile, wanting to set me at ease and his reassurance that he was glad to have us in the neighborhood and that he loved kids, that he didn't even mind if the boys played there,as long as I had an eye on them. After he left I remember thinking what a pleasant encounter that was and he happened to be the only one to personally welcome us to the neighborhood. Over the years, our relationship with the Tabors developed into something more like family. We had them over for many meals and they had us over. We enjoyed many laughs during these times and all the interesting stories and anecdotes Mr. Tabor had to share. When we found out Andrew and Mr. Tabor shared the same birthday and we did our best to celebrate them together. Mr Tabor came to count on Frank for various things and it was truly our privilege to do so. When I had my first baby girl, Molly, at home mr and mrs tabor came that morning and held her when she was only 4 hours old. We have never had cable and my boys were always welcomed warmly to come watch any sports event they wanted on his big screen tv. Popcorn, cookies, and diet coke were always included, along with laughter and fun for my boys, which I know they will never forget. Indeed, over the years mr and mrs tabor were more like grandparents than neighbors, never even missing a birthday, and more like parents to me and frank. Being a rather unorganized person I frequently found myself running out of one thing or another. I remember always being embarrassed to call and ask for more sugar, flour, butter, can opener, wine bottle opener, bread pans... Whatever it was I was never made to feel like an annoyance, even though I sure felt like one. He was always gracious, kind and willing to share whatever he had. Of course one year I did take the hint when I received a really nice can opener for Christmas. One thing he said to Frank and I all the time was whatever we needed, just to come to him and he would do what he could to help and he made good on that. We never really needed money, but several times when our car or van was out of commission he always allowed us to use his or would take me where I needed to go. He truly made us feel like we were his children. I believe he would have given anyone the shirt off his back if he could. He had a heart for the poor. He taught my boys about entrepreneurship and always alerted them to possible jobs in the neighborhood. He was always looking out for my husband and as the president of our association, he offered him various jobs, which have been a lifesaver to our family. He also always recommended me for cleaning jobs whenever he heard of them. As a homeschooling mom life can feel very lonely and isolated, but his presence in the neighborhood, riding around on his scooter at various times of the day, always ready to strike up a conversation, made it feel a lot less lonely. My girls came to adore him and would run to talk to him when they saw him outside or beg to go see him if they had something to share. He truly delighted in them and it was obvious he loved them. And finally.... He came to refer to me as his fourth daughter. Growing up fatherless, this came to mean a great deal to me and made me feel very special and I found myself wanting to make him proud of me. And like families, we had our disagreements, yet when I messed up he always immediately and graciously forgave me when I asked. I remember one time he got angry with me for not using my key to open the fence at the pool and later humbly apologized when he learned it was to allow my friends autistic son in and to prevenT him having a meltdown. When I took this job of tutoring a 9th grade class he said he was proud of me and that meant more than words can say. The one thing I regret is not letting him know all this when he was alive. And if I have learned any lesson it would be this. If you love someone and they are important to you... Make sure they know it every day. I love you mr tabor. Thank you with all my heart for all you did and meant to us over these last 12 years. I will miss you dearly. May we all follow your examples of how to be a neighbor. "

"The Bible views death as an enemy. ( 1 Corinthians 15:26). But Jehovah hates death. "He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces".( Isaiah 25:8) Yes, Jehovah God is more powerful than death. It is comforting to know that we will see our loved ones again here on earth. John 5: 28, 29: Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out. God is not the cause of the pain and sorrow we feel when this enemy claims a loved one. James 1:13: "When under trial, let no one say: I am being tried by God. For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.""

"When the enemy death strikes your grief can be great. It's never the right time to say goodbye to a loved one. Death too to many seems to be a part of life. It's during times such as these that we can find comfort in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9, 10 ~ "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth". Only God's (Psalms 83:18) Kingdom can bring peace, happiness, perfect health, and everlasting life. For more comforting thoughts and to know why we get sick, or grow old and die please go to www.jw.org"

"Words cannot express the sadness we feel for the family dealing with the death of Mr Tabor a beloved husband and dad was loved by many may his soul rest in peace. May the family find comfort in loving memories our thoughts are with you all, allow yourself time to grieve tears can heal the soul your surrounded by the love of many."

"David and I met and became lifetime friends at American University in Washington DC. We were part of a group of students who were very heavily involved in college activities. Willard Scott, Ed Walker, George Geesey, Roger Gordon and Ron Weber stand out in my memory. Willard became and remains a National radio and TV personality, Ed and Willard together became the "Joy Boys of Radio", George Geesey became a renown and accomplished engineer, Roger Gorden went on to become a PhD and University professor and Ron Weber became the "Voice" of the professional Washington Capitals hockey team and of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. David's accomplishments are legion and many are well known! It was a very good group to learn from and with which to grow. I retired after: a tour in the Marine Corps, time in the Secretary of Treasury's Office, serving as a District Director of US Customs and managing my International Consulting Company. The members of this group founded or were significantly involved in the early days of the student operated University radio station, WAMU- AM. The station originally was limited to broadcasting only through the AU power grid. Eventually as a result of several "outside of the box" actions and the entrepreneurial mindset of David, the station grew and prospered. Today it is WAMU-FM and broadcasts nationwide as part of the Public Broadcasting System. The group as a whole, or in subsets, was involved in almost every meaningful aspect of university life. For example, David and I also were editors of portions of the campus newspaper and applied to run for Editor in Chief and Managing Editor, respectively. We were asked to not seek election because of the extent of David's already existing campus influence. While David was greatly respected... the concern was that too much power would be vested in one small group. David agreed and we withdrew. David was the leader, innovator, businessman and conscience of the group. He was my "Role Model" and "Hero"!!! Both of us were largely working our way through college so it was natural that we became roommates...at first, living in the University Dorms....which we quickly learned that we could not afford. David began a hunt to locate both upgraded and affordable housing. That was typical of David...solving problems in a manner where a "status quo" solution was unacceptable. We moved into an upscale basement apartment in the pricy Spring Valley Community close to AU. David convinced the Army General, who bought the property for his Mother to live there, that she was much safer with two responsible college students available to assist her. David negotiated an exceptionally affordable price. Now that was real salesmanship. My only surprise was that David was not charging the General for our protective services by living there. And David was good to his word! For example, whenever she needed a ride to visit their other home in Virginia Beach... David always had a date with Sarah so I did the driving. Hummm? I was very happy as I saw David and Sarah quickly become close friends and obviously very much in love!!! They were a perfect match...both very sharp mentally, possessing excellent common sense and were "builders" who were not happy with business as usual. I was ecstatic to be David's and Sarah's Best Man! I did not foresee my being moved out of the apartment... as Sarah moved in. Hummm? But David had arranged for me to move in with Bob Jones who then worked in the AU Admissions Office and was a former AU basketball star. Jane and I vicariously followed David's and Sarah's careers as they moved from one creative building opportunity to another. Distance, family and work obligations required that most contact be by phone or email. But we did have a quality visit with David, Sarah and Tracy a year ago in August of 2013. We will treasure that visit as we treasure everything about David! There "are a million stories to tell" about this wonderfully brilliant and loving man!!! Jane and I rejoice in knowing some of them! Few make such a difference in the World! But David you did BIG TIME! We will always remember you and cherish you! Allan and Jane Rappoport San Diego, CA "

"My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this very difficult time. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love. Please take comfort in knowing that he is in heaven with our loving, Heavenly Father, and that you will be reunited with him again one day."

"Our love and prayers go out to the family in this most difficult time."

"My sincere condolences to the Tabor family"

"Dear Family: The death of a loved one is a painful emotion. At times like these, words do little to take away the pain, so rely on God to get you through these difficult times. He is near to those broken at heart and will give you the peace that excels all thought to quiet your aching heart. (Philippians 4:6, 7; John 5:28, 29). Please take comfort in knowing that the Bible promises: "the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out. (John 5:28,29) What a joyous time this would be to be reunited with our loved one again! Deepest Sympathies. At times like these, words do little to take away the pain, so rely on God to get you through these difficult times. He is "