David L. Hitchcock

September 20, 1950 - October 13, 2005

Guest Book Entries

We're still here...missing you. Jackie comforts us by reminding us that Uncle Dave is waiting for us in heaven and will ride with her and Smokey again. You are always with us, in our hearts.

I am so very glad and honored to have been lucky enough to know Dave.

I am sorry for your sudden loss. I met Dave this summer when I was visiting the firm. I experienced the sudden loss of my teenage daughter since then, and so I send to you my sincere and warmest thoughts, and I hope you remain surrounded by all of the love of your friends and family. Remind yourself that he is with you at all times, and that at the end of everyday, even if there was no other redeeming value in it, it is one day closer to being reunited. Sincerely, Pam Smitham

David is one of a handful of people who have made a positive difference in my career. I will always remember him for giving me a chance

With sympathy

Frances,

I still cannot believe that Dave is gone. I have vivid memories of you two singing "Wild Thing" for us at a church retreat (upon our insistence!!). Y'all were hilarious and very cute together. I am very sorry for your loss, but do know that you're in my prayers.

I was stunned to hear the news - like so many others, I have enjoyed Dave's conversation and company over the years. He will have a cherished place in our memories for many years to come.

Francis, Pat and I want to let you know the sorrow we feel with the loss of Dave, and let you know that you and Dave are in our prayers.

I first met Dave at The Bill J Priest Economic Institute. That was around 1995 when he was doing Pro Bono. Several years later he took a networking class from me. What a student! He always excelled. I will never forget the day in early June 2001 when he called me to do some work for a client of his. After working out the details, we visited for a few minutes and discovered we had just become neighbors. That was the start of a great relationship with a gentleman, historian, engineer, counselor, equestrian, marine, patriot, Civil Air Patrol Major, and most of all a friend.

He was always there when a hand was needed, like the day Al put his truck in the ditch and he hauled Al out with the tractor. When Al tried to pay him Dave told him, “That’s what neighbors are all about.” Possibly, it was his chemical engineering background that made him catalyst in helping bond the neighborhood together.

And could Dave party and put on a party. His 4th of July party brought festivity and patriotism to a new level. His knowledge of military history, and his ability to be a part of the reenactments with complete accuracy and authenticity put me in a state of amazement.

Most of all Dave was a leader and a servant of the Lord. We will always cherish the years of friendship.

With our love and prayers – Pat & Andy

I am so sorry for your loss. May God's love comfort and guide you.

I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I so enjoyed seeing him at the reunion in Paulding this past summer. We shared a lot of good memories from band as well as getting the MG stuck. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.

Frances, what can I say that everyone else hasn't already said. I really enjoyed seeing Dave at the class reunion. I'm the person who sat between Dave and Lennie in the 5th grade to keep them quiet. You are in my prayers!

Rita

Though I only knew him professionally, it was obvious from our first meeting that he was a man of great character and stability. I was deeply saddened by his sudden passing and want to express sincere sympathy for his family and his many friends. He was a man who left a positive impression on those he met and he will be remembered for that.

I got to know Dave through Patty Meier while I was at Conoco. While our interactions were of professional nature, Dave always impressed me with his warmth and sincerity. He was truly a gentleman and an outstanding attorney. Our prayers are with the family and I’ll miss him.

Frances, I held David in such high esteem, as a professional, but more importantly, as a trusted friend. He was one of the most wonderful and wisest persons I have ever known. I want to thank you for your friendship and for sharing David with so many of us. Other than my joy of dancing at AIPLA, Jeff and Michael share in the memories of happiness with you and David. We grieve with you, are happy with you to know that he is in heaven and are with you in thoughts and prayers. Jeff, Patty and Michael

Dear Frances,

I am so sorry that this has happened to you and Dave; I still can't believe it. Hayley and I still remember when you and Dave came to our house in Carrollton for a youth Christmas progressive dinner--you were about the only ones who ventured that far from Lake Highlands! I remember Dave and you in our Sunday School class and have missed you since you left for Lancaster (but totally understand). So sorry I was out of town when you visited LHPC's new building dedication such a short time ago. All of us love Dave and you very much. Please stay in touch with us and if we can help you in any way, let us know.

Francis, We only met, hugged and danced at the reunion this summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Good memories and friends are a wonderful thing!

Dave was a good friend and Classmate from Paulding High School. We all had the good fortune of seeing him and his wife this summer at our 12 year Class Reunion. Dave had a "Blast". My prayers are with his wife at this time of sorrow.

Dear Frances,

I’m deeply saddened by the news of David’s passing. David joined AIPLA in September of 1986 which is the same month and year that I started working for the Association. Even though I didn’t know him then, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know him and working with him in many capacities over the years here at AIPLA. He was a joy to work with and to be around and I can’t imagine AIPLA without him. David was a wonderful person and I will miss him greatly. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.

Dear Frances, It has been a number of years since I last saw you at our church, Lake Park Cumberland Presbyterian. But I have fond memories of you and David. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and I know you will miss him. He was so young and I know you feel it was too soon. You are in my prayers. God bless you.

I was glad that I had the opportunity to know Dave. We served on different committees at Lake Park and I am the richer for it. My thoughts are with Frances and all of us who knew and loved Dave.

Frances, please except my profound expression of sympathy to you for the loss of your loved one.

I worked with David at Sidley and we also talked horses a lot. I have Missouri Foxtrotters, which I think he turned his nose up at as they do not pull a wagon or go to reenactments.

May God bless and keep you through the coming days.

Frances, Debbi and I enjoyed the time we spent with you and Dave at Laguna Niguel and at San Clemente on the AIPLA tour. Dave had a great sense of humor, and it was a pleasure to get to know him better through AIPLA. Our condolences to you.

I am so sorry to hear about David's death. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Carol Greenman...Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church

Hi Frances,

I don't know if you know me, but my name is Delphine and I worked with David at Sidley. It was a adventurous experience to have worked with and for David. I will keep you and his family him my prayers. May God bless and keep you as you go through this period in your life.

Francis,

No words are adequate to soften your sense of loss right now. The suddeness of it all literally takes our breath away and I'm deeply sorry for what you must face--life without your precious husband--Dave. I regret that I will not be able to acknowledge you in person with a gracious hug of concern and love for you. I know others are called to be a presence in the name of Christ for your during this time. I hold you in my prayers with the love of Christ.

Brother in Christ--Charles

Frances: My father always tells us girls that he wants no tears, no sadness when he passes on -- that we should celebrate and appreciate the great life we had together. Somehow I am not prepared for that (wondering how in the world I will muster the strength to laugh and be gay, while at the same time suffering such a great loss)? You see, my Dad is the one man in my life who has always been there for me, and been consistently good to me. I say this, so that you know I believe David was all that for you, and it is the only way I can relate. As I read all the great tributes to David, and as I remember what a joy he was to work with at Richards, Harris & Medlock (good grief, that's a long time ago), and the zest for life which he always displayed, I can't help it -- a smile just creeps across my face. Remember the lipstick on his back? What a great sport and true gentlemen he set himself out to be, and how much he loved you!! I missed all the years after that, but it seems you and David didn't miss a t

Love, Judi

I'll always remember Dave as one of those rare individuals who could light up any room, be it with a laugh, a joke or some slick dance moves. I like to think that now, he's just lighting up a bigger room. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Frances!

Dear Frances,

On behalf of the D. Carl Richards family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to you. My mother Vera asked, in particular, that I convey to you her love and appreciation for the many acts of kindness you and David extended to her and my father over the years. My father always spoke highly of David and admired and respected him as a friend and law partner. David did much to touch the lives of those around him in many positive ways, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been associated with him.

Sincerely,

Jonathan W. Richards

Frances,

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

I truly enjoyed working with Dave as the AIPLA Professional Programs Chair and later when he joined the Board of Directors of AIPLA. You don't meet great spirited people every day and I am honored to have known Dave!

I am so sorry for your loss,

Meghan

Our family is so sorry for your loss. Dave was a good person, and he will be missed.

The Foster Family
Lake Highlands Presbyterian

Fran,

I broke down in tears when Dad told me about Dave. Although it's been a long time since I've seen you both, my heart still breaks. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Alecia Hill (Gibson)

The love of a lifetime....

Frances, I am so very sorry for your loss of this funny, vibrant man that I remember from Lake Park. I am so happy you were able to come back to the church last month. Know that I hold you in my prayers. Dale Talley

Francis, Although we did not meet at the reunion, I enjoyed watching you and Dave dance. I remember dancing with him at the school record hops. We always had a great time together. I know you will miss him greatly; we pray that God will comfort you through this time. We will all miss him and are so glad you both came to the reunion. If Dave got a picture of our class, I'm the one in the wheelchair sitting next to him. He made me feel very good that night by telling me I was as beautiful as I was in high school. He was unaware that I have been in the chair for 24 yrs due to an auto accident, but was kind to reassure me that we were still friends after all these years. Our hearts ache with you. Teresa Williamson

Frances we share your grief but are comforted knowing Dave was a Christian. We will miss him.

Comments:

God bless you, Frances. We're all better people for having known David. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

When I think of Dave, I just see him in the pulpit as our Lay Leader. He always had sincere thoughts and it was good. We had the privilege of knowing he and Frances in our "dinners for eight group" and the conversation was lively and interesting. I enjoyed the horses as we had some just like that as I was growing up. Dave will be a bright spot in heaven.

Francsis--we were gone over the weekend--we opened email today and I can't even express the shock and sorrow over the news of Dave's death. Rick and I were just talking last week about how we were looking forward to AIPLA next week. His firm had a retreat in Park City two weekends ago and we were talking about how fun it was to have everyone up there last year. I wish there was something that we could do at a time like this--we are so far away--Dave was one of my favorite people--he was always so kind to me especially. I cannot imagine your grief--you were such a fun couple. I am sure that your faith in a loving Heavenly Father will be of great help to you in the difficult days and weeks to come. I would love to talk to you--please call me when you get through the services...we love you both and wish we could be there with you...Please know that you are in our prayers.

Rick and Denise

Francis,

All of our class will always remember what a ball of fire Dave was at the class reunion this summer. (My husband and I sat directly across from the two of you. Dave has been a very dear friend all of my life and now my memories of him are truly a treasure. May the Peace of our Lord comfort you.

Blessings to you, and you'll remain in our prayers.

Kathy Reinhart

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Missy Rodgers and Family
Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church

David lived a wonderful and fulfilling life. He shared many stories filled with humor and amazement. Through his travels, he made many friends. He was a mentor to many. David lived life his way. He was blessed with a solid and loving marriage with Frances. Whenever he spoke of her, his eyes would light up. It was a privilege to have known him, work with him and to be his friend. I’ll miss his warm smile, his laughter and his friendly hugs. Peace be with you. Linda Elliot

We are so saddened by your loss. Dave will be greatly missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God strengthen you and comfort you during this difficult time.

(I worked with Mr. Hitchcock at SAB&W back in 2002-2003.)

Frances,

Marina and I were saddened and shocked to hear of David's sudden passing. We were out of town when we got the news. We lit a candle and said a prayer for you and David at the Grotto at Notre Dame. I was proud to have practiced law together with David for 25 years. I still remember the case we tried together in Judge Bunton's court in Midland a few years ago. We won, and David was a big factor in our success in that case. He was a loyal friend and a good and decent man. He will truly be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. Your faith will be a great consolation to you at this time of sorrow.

Marina and Jim Bradley

Although I haven't seen Dave for a few years my memories of him are still vivid and warm. Dave was someone who seemed so alive, so present in the moment. I remember dancing with him when the Lake Park group had dance lessons; he laughed a lot and was kind and complimentary; he took my son to Stars games and gave him guy attention when he didn't have a dad around. He and Francis were a fun and loving part of our church family. My heart goes out to Francis and the family.

From grade school through high school and beyond, Dave was one of those rare individuals who truly enjoyed those around him; you could see it in his eyes, the joy and interest in others. He may not have even met you before, but you knew; here was a guy who was truly genuine. To Dave's family, especially to his wife, whom I recently met at our class reunion, may knowledge that Dave's life has touched so many, may your next several days be filled with support and love. The coming years with grateful acknowledgment of one of God's good messengers on this earth. God Bless.

Frances:

We want you to know that you have our deepest sympathy. We count ourselves lucky to have been able to see David at our class reunion and to reconnect with him. His memorial is a sparkling tribute to the man he became. We are proud to be able to call him a member of the Paulding High School Class of 1968. We know that you will miss him but we know that you have happy and wonderful memories of your time together. May those memories and our thoughts and prayers help ease your loss.

Rick and Rosanna Eitniear

Please accept my sincerest sympathy upon the passing of Dave. He was a friend, an associate, and fellow Civil War reenactor.

I shall miss our lunches with recollections of "Past Campaigns" and crewing with his howitzer at The Annual Ft. Sill Competition.

Respectfully,

Dick Clampitt

Frances,

As a fellow officer during the Vietnam years, a fellow law school alumni from the Univ of Toledo, and a regular luncheon confidant, I will truly miss him and extend my sincere condolences.

Jerry Welch

Frances: You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I have wonderful memories of David and will miss him very much.

Love, Janet

Dear Frances,

Kathryn and I offer our condolences for your tremendous loss. We had so very much enjoyed spending time with both of you last month at the American Intellectual Property Law Association Board retreat in our home town of Laguna Beach. And I've enjoyed working with David over many years of AIPLA service; he's long been an integral part of the Association's leadership. I started working with him when he served as Vice-Chair, then Chair of our Professional Programs Committee and I was on the Board, and I was constantly grateful for the way he handled our educational speakers, who can often be prima donnas, with a firm but polite and courteous hand. I could not have been more thrilled when he was appointed to our Board of Directors, because I was by then on the leadership ladder and knew full well that I needed experienced, capable and diligent Board members, and David had proved himself well in his previous role. David did not disappoint; he worked hard and contributed to the Association in many ways. And Bill

Frances, my deepest sympathies goes out to you and your family. Dave was a friend and colleague that I met through AIPLA. I will miss him, his great sense of humor and his wise counsel.

May God's love comfort and guide you. David will be missed. Minnie

Dear Frances,

I am shocked and greatly saddened by the sudden loss of David. He was a mentor and good friend to me at AIPLA, and I looked forward to seeing him at each meeting. He was a kind-hearted person, and I held him in the highest regard for that, as well as his many other personal and professional achievements.

My most sincere condolences to you at this time of such terrible loss,

Kim Jordahl

I will miss David terribly and the laughs that we shared at AIPLA. He was funny, smart and caring. He and Francis were truly meant to be together!!!

Judy and I were so sad to hear of your sudden loss. We miss Dave greatly. But while he was here he touched many lives; he will not be forgotten by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I met Dave in September 2003 at a Board Retreat, a few months after I started working at AIPLA. He was so friendly and welcoming and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts are with you and your family, Frances.

Dear Frances,

We are deeply saddened by Dave's death. He was a fun-loving, enthusiastic and dedicated member of the AIPLA Board of Directors. We have fond memories of our time together at the September Board Meeting in California, and we will all miss him very much.

I had the pleasure of talking to David a few days before he was called Home. He was the same ol' Dave. He was always nice to me and I considered him a friend and I'm going to miss him. My prayers are with Frances and the Hitchcock family.

Derrick & Yolanda Gordon

May the memories held deep in your heart, help soothe your spirit at this difficult time. You are held in gentle thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Dave was a good friend, and I will miss him. Dan

Frances: Our thoughts are with you. We will be two of the many people who are better for having known David and will miss him. Diana & John

Hitchcock will be missed. I will remember him as always calling me "Hey Teach". I was his IT Trainer @ Sidley.

Frances,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. It seems we're never given enough time with the best people. Love, Brenda

Dave and I were co-members of The Civil Air Patrol--TX 443 Squadron of Lancaster. I have only known Dave about a year or so, but he always had a bright dispostion and a frindly word to say. He will be truely missed.

Lt. Steele

Frances,

It breaks my heart to lose a client and friend like David. He was a special person, and I know that he cherished you and the years that y'all had together. He will be missed. -Peggy

October 16, 2005
Margo Whitley (Lancaster, Texas)

Frances

Joe and I don't have the words to tell you how sorry we are to hear about David's sudden passing. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts and we are available if there is anything we can do to make this time easier for you. We always admired the two of you, your spirit and zest for life, as well as your commitment to the community and each other. Our deepest condolences and affection. Joe and Margo

We love you. Take care and please know we are at your "beck and call."

Frances,

Our prayers are with you as you endure the loss of such a beautiful person. David meant so much to both of us, and we will miss him dearly. He was a dear friend and mentor.

I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that can comfort you, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you...God bless...Galen (803 Nokomis Cir)

Frances,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.

Frances,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.

Click here to view additional entries recorded in the Guest Book that was originally powered by Legacy.com and connected to the online obituary at DallasNews.com.  That Guest Book was available for only 30 days, so the page was saved here to retain those entries.

"Amazing Grace" was played by Pipe Major Don Shannon of the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums
at Dave's Funeral.  The beautiful version playing in the background comes to this site courtesy of the 
Pipe Band and the Concert Band of the Band of the US Air Force Reserve.