David Gaffaney
David, beloved son, brother, and friend died at Sanford Hospital on May 7th after struggling the last several years with several health issues.
He was born on March 26th, 1962 in Stanley ND. David spent most of his childhood years in Fargo where he graduated from Shanley High School and attended NDSU. He spent most of his adult life working in the oil fields of North Dakota and Alaska.
David was preceded in his death by his parents (Jim and Donna). He is survived by his brother Tom (Tricia), a nephew (Tyler), a niece (Megan), and lots of friends. Per David's wishes, there will not be a funeral service. He will be buried at a later date in Van Hook ND during a small family ceremony.
Please send any memorials in David's name to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo/Moorhead.
I babysat David and his brother Tom for a few years when they were quite young. Loved them both, as well as their Mom Donna. David has now found peace. God bless, we will meet again.
Tom
I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a good friend in high school. Steve Dilger ,Paul Selid, Laura Mullen, Sue Duginski and Carrie Byron and others we all hung out together over those high school years. We had a lot of laughs with Dave and he will be greatly missed. I know Dave had many challenges in his life but I will always remember him as a kind and wonderful friend. I know he is in a better place now, safe in God’s loving hands. He will take good care of Dave. God bless you and your family in your loss.
Sincerely,
Margaret Kolb-Tavis
Rest in peace, my friend.
I spoke to him on the phone a few months ago. It sounded like things had turned for the better for him. It was good to hear that.
God bless you David. I will remember your kindness and your laughter and your friendship. I can still see us all playing baseball like it was yesterday.
Dear Tom, I am so sorry to read about the loss of David, I go back many years with him, steve dilger and my son ,paul bougie. Scouting was a big part of their lives and the Shanley band.. You are all in my thougits and prayers, my deepest sympathy.
David was one of my 9th grade English students at Shanley. I haven’t seen him since I left the school in 1978, but I still remember his huge personality, big grin and even larger heart. 53 years is just too young – I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Your family will be my prayers
My deepest sympathy in the passing of your brother–will keep your family in my prayers. I was a very good friend of your mom’s–I also did her hair for about 20 years–we used to go out to lunch a lot and brag about our kids and grand kids. My kids went to West Fargo and you guys went to Shanley–so we would always talk sports–Packers and the Decons. GOD would get you through this–your mother was a very religious person and is watching over you and your family–
God watch over you and your family.
Tom & family
May Dave Rest in Peace with his Mother and Father.
Lucille Winkler
Neighbor on Evergreen Road in North Fargo
My thoughts and prayers to the extended Gaffaney family. I remember Dave with a smile on my face – he was a good-hearted person who developed into a very good athlete in high school. He had a good sense of humor. God Bless.
Can’t wait to sit down with some of our old friends and tell some Dave stories. We had some fun! God bless you brother! See you soon.
Andy
I will always remember Dave as such a kind-hearted guy…willing to help out in any situation. Strong, great athlete but also gentle and caring. I recall one incident with Dave and a couple of friends where I laughed so hard i thought I would pass out! We had some good times. Rest in peace Dave.
I enjoyed being your friend. I remember going on trips to Jamestown to watch your cousins wrestling matches. I still want that bumper pool rematch!! The world will miss you Duff
Rest In Peace my friend
Dave C
David you were one of my favorite student/athletes in Middle School and
High School. You did a great job in the snack bar keeping me in granola bars and I thought of you many times as I continue to purchase them today. Hope you are at Peace now in Heaven with Jim and Donna again
So sorry to hear this news…
In football jerseys and white painter’s pants, Dave was the BEST guy-cheerleader a girl ever had!
~~~ S
Dave, you were a heck of a teammate. One of the toughest on the field. You’ll always be remembered.
I remember the constant barrage of spitballs he hurled at me in band. It was the way he flirted. He had a kind heart and a great sense of humor. I think of him often and unfortunately never reached out to him. Our band group was a tight group and we had fun, memorable times together, especially our pool parties where Dave would jump off the balcony…quite a dare devil. Rest In Peace my friend….