The Bird Taxidermy World Loses David Cowley

[wildart]

Dave danced to a different drummer, but he always danced. He  spent a lot of time in Texas and stories will be told for years, he was an awesome taxidermist and his talent and antics will be missed.

[BWS]

prayers sent for the family....he will be missed.

[JLW]

Our prayers go out to the family. He will be missed. JLW/Wagner's Taxidermy

[KBauman]

I hope Cindy Crain will forgive me for copying and pasting these kind remarks from the NTA website.  She or whoever wrote this passage did a much better job than myself. 

Quoted from the NTA Homepage: 

"It is with a heavy heart that the NTA informs the membership of the passing of one of our own. Longtime NTA member and life member, Dave Cowley of Oklahoma has passed away. Dave is best known for his unique style of bird taxidermy and his one of a kind personality.  He was on schedule for Wednesday night at the NTA Convention in Lubbock, this summer and was very excited about donating a bird seminar. 

Dave Cowley was an extremely friendly person, and all of our taxidermy friends are sorry to see him go.  Anyone that knew Dave can easily remember seeing him in action at past conventions.  He was fun to be around. One of things we can all remember about Dave was his smile…it was larger than life. 

Dave leaves behind his wife, and numerous family members along with a host of taxidermy family.  Dave’s death is but a reminder that we will all walk that same trail one day.  The NTA grieves with Dave’s family.  May our Heavenly Father comfort them with His love, and may it bring them strength to know His house above is a house of many mansions free from pain and sorrow."

-National Taxidermists Association

[GBRUCH]

I met Dave at the OKTA spring seminar last March and found him to be a very freindly, witty , inteligent man and was looking forward to seeing him again in June.
My prayers are with him and his family----Peace be with you David. 

[marshell-with-an-e]

The world of Taxidermy has lost a talented person, David was alway outgoing and willing to share information with fellow taxidermist.
I met David in the late 80's and two year ago I took the time to visit his booth at a show in Oklahoma and look at his book of reference drawing. We had a several deep discussions related to taxidermy and enjoyed picking each others brain.  I know we'll never be able to replace David, for those that knew him you know what I mean, for those that never met him, just read one of the many articles that he wrote and shared with us in Taxidermy Today and just maybe you'll understand what a loss we have in David's passing, goodbye David......Marshell Ray

[duckfeathers]

                        In sympathy.... I'll be grieving with the rest of you.....

[Rick Krane]

It is sad when people we love and know pass on to God. I meet David back in the 80's and he inspired my bird work with his talent. He was truly a great taxidermist and a a inspiration to any one who knew his work. God gives us talent and David forfilled his gift. God bless you David and I will pray for his friends and loved ones.
Rick Krane

[Jarrod J]

I only new Dave the last 3 or4 years but he sure was a character. The bird world has lost a great talent. God Bless friends and family.

[George]

I met Dave over the phone.  He'd written an article in Breakthrough and for some reason, I gave him hell for what he'd said.  (What's new?)  Anyway, the first time we talked, we tied up the phone for over an hour and the next few were the same way.  I always told him that I expected him to be weird since he was a bird guy and he always laughed at the remark.  I, too, am shocked to hear of his passing.  Too young, much too young.

[markrennie]

I knew Dave from High School. He was the only one who could get my dead ass out of bed at 4 am to go hunt. He would make us dress in three piece suits and duck calls on the opening day of duck season. He was a natural born leader and the life of all the parties. He was just learning taxidermy then, which we loved because it kept us in duck and goose meat. You may not have known this and he may not have wanted it known, but he was also known as "Disco Dave". Quite the disco guy. I lost track of him and only recently found out where he was. I kept putting of calling him and now it's too late. I miss my friend.

[Bill Yox]

Hahahaha, Mark, MANY of us knew a little something about David and his dancing on tables, shirt wide open (if he kept it on at all). Im glad you had the opportunity to know him too.

[Terry Vining]

I was talking with Jan at the Michigan show about Dave and the memories he left with us. I only saw him a couple more times at other shows but you always knew he was there. I don't think the words "does anyone know if Dave showed up?" were ever used on him. If he was there, you knew it.  He will be missed.

[Laurie]

Hey y'all, Mark and I are a coupla outsiders here just soaking up your praise for our old friend.  Mark and I go back to junior high but David....was my first boyfriend.  Mark, did you know that Disco Dave was my fault??  He did not dance, had never been to a dance when we started dating, but since I liked to dance, he decided he would dance by gawd.  Being David he never did anything halfway, he had to be the best at anything he decided to do and he took to dancing, pardon the expression, like a duck to water.  Yep, I created that disco monster........ 

[Laurie]

BTW, can someone tell me what David's screen name was here?  I'd be curious to read some of his posts.  ~~thanks