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David Allen Witherspoon, 69, of Albuquerque died following a short illness on Friday, June 5, 2009. Born in Long Beach, CA on December 8, 1939, son of H. Neil and Anne Eva (Kimball) Witherspoon, he spent much of his childhood in Cranford, NJ, before returning to southern California in 1953. He received a Fine Arts Degree from UCLA in 1969 and moved to Albuquerque in 1971 to work on his Masters of Fine Arts from UNM. There he built his home and started a family. He was a talented draftsman, architect and sculptor who designed several buildings and homes in Albuquerque and around New Mexico, such as the Farmington Public Library, UNM Law Library, Espanola High School, Friends Meeting House, a major addition to Presbyterian Hospital, as well as many more. David's public art contributions include "Abstract Lounge Chair" (1967) on the campus of UCLA and "Mountain Waves" (1986) at the entrance of Piedra Lisa Park in Albuquerque, NM. He shifted gears later in life to become a passionate elementary school teacher at Chamisa, Alvarado and East San Jose Elementary Schools. Throughout his teaching career, and even more so in retirement, he introduced children to the wonders of Environmental Studies, specifically gardening and conservation. Together with the children, he honored the importance of growing food for their families and community. He was a longtime member of the Reevaluation Counseling community and was active with a Men's Wellness support group for the last 15 years. A proud father and grandfather, he is survived by two daughters, Anne Bolger-Witherspoon and her husband Lonnie Anderson, and Sarah Bolger-Witherspoon; and two granddaughters, Hawthorn Cecilia Bolger-Witherspoon and Cheyenne Bonnie Anderson, all of Albuquerque; a brother Robert Witherspoon of Bellingham, WA; a sister, Sheila (McLauchlan) Carbrey (husband Robert) and several nephews and nieces of Williamsville, NY; and many cousins. He is also survived by friends who will miss his company and insight. The family will hold a Memorial and Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 18, 2009, 6:30 p.m. at Friends Meeting House, 1600 5th St NW, Albuquerque NM. Inquiries, memories or condolences may be sent to dwitherspoonmemorial@yahoo.com In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you plant a tree, plant a garden with a child or make a donation to a community garden in your area.
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