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Swinging Away in Vietnam David Coe surrounded by his Crew Dave and Mike

Full Dress David and Troops

Last Name:
COE
First Name Middle Initial:
DAVID
Nick Name:
Street:  5 Eldorado Place City & State: Santa Fe, NM E-Mail:  mcleanwoods@earthlink.net
Zip: 87508 Phone:  505 983 2644 Spouse: Chris
Conflict: Vietnam Service Branch: ARMY Unit: 231st Med Boat
Theater: Vietnam Basic Training: Date Entered Service: 01/01/1967
Bases Stationed: Ft. Eustis Vung Tau Length Of Service: 1096 days
Discharged / Retired: Honorable Date Left Service: 01/01/1970 Age When Enlisted: 21
Medals Received: 2 bronze, Vietnam Service
Military Job: Deck Hand, Machine Gunner, Mike8 Boat Occupation After War: Self
Primary Civilian Employer: 
Date This Site First Published: Date Last Edited: 2/23/2010



Military Bio:

David M. Coe

DAVID M. COE Passed away on February 19, 2009. He died as he lived, with courage and grace. David was born November 16, 1945 in Birmingham, Alabama and spent his youth in the South. After graduating from Florida State University, he was called for a tour of duty in Vietnam. He served there with distinction and received two Bronze Stars. Upon his return to the U.S., he began his career in real estate, working as an executive for two national companies. In 1983, he moved to Santa Fe and applied his creative energies to the manufacture and sale of high-end architectural doors and hardware. David maintained a lifelong interest in jazz, as his father was a jazz musician. Once in Santa Fe, David developed an avid interest in mountain climbing and fly fishing. He married his soul mate, Chris Kain, in 2003 and lived happily together with her until his passing. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Carol Coe Verbit; stepfather, Paul Zipperlin; stepdaughter, Melissa Zamites; and grandson, Ryan Zamites.. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marian Coe and his father, David Coe, Jr. David was a loving and much loved person. He was intimately interested in the lives and well being of his family and friends. Ever the optimist, he used a unique and pervasive creativity and spirituality to shape and direct his life and the lives of those around him. He will be missed and always remembered. A Memorial gathering will be held at the National Educational Association, 2007 Botulph Road in Santa Fe, on Sunday, March 8, 2009 from 2 to 4 pm.



My Message to Future Generations:

Message Book from funeral March 18, 2009 Family and friends... My condolences to all who were touched by Dave... I feel privileged to count Dave as my friend for some fifty years... We were not alike, but brothers by choice, heart and circumstances... Our life experiences and adventures covered three continents, filled with life, laughs and learning... We shared and learned a lot from one another; he was the sensitive, artistic, writer and I was more of the practical realist... Over time a little of each of our positive traits rubbed off on the other... I would say, and I'm certain Dave would agree, that a lesson to be learned from his too early demise is not to take friendship and life for granted... There were far too many opportunities to get together over the years that were missed due to life's daily rigors, timeliness and distance... As we all know, Dave was a special individual... His presence will be missed, but his zest for life and the memories will always be with us in mind and heart.... ~ Mike Conway, Plantation, Florida March 05, 2009 Dave was a true gentleman and an inspiration to us all. I am so grateful to have had the chance in 2006 to renew our friendship that started way back at Gulf Beaches Elementary School and continued through high school at Bogie, and Vietnam with the 231st Army Reserve. Dave was always one cool character. Though unfortunate that he has left us so early, he has given so much of himself by sharing his thoughts and experiences with us through this difficult time. We are all better human beings because of him. We will all miss him but he will be with us in spirit forever. Sincerely, ~ Norm Cameron, St. Petersburg, Florida chris, I remember Mr. David's visit to jodhpur during 17th Nov 2002, i was really touched with his suave/polite/docile/outrageous talent of living life. i am highly impressed with him, i cannot forget him for ever. he was my inspiration to go ahead. Praveen (Hardware renaissance, Jodhpur, India) ~ Praveen Sharma, jodhhpur February 27, 2009 Christine David was an inspiration to me. I am honored to had been his friend and camarade in arms. We'll miss him dearly. ~ Carol and Ozzie Sabina, Madeira Beach February 27, 2009 David You made a significant contribution to my life and we had just begun to fill in the blanks for the years of lost contact. I was lucky to have had you as a friend and will never forget you buddy. ~ David Danner, Tampa, Florida February 27, 2009 David, You have been a true gentleman and a friend. I will never forget your laugh and ability to have a good time. Your presence will be felt whenever our Bogie Buddies gather. ~ John Gerdon, Gainesville, Florida Contact Me February 26, 2009 David You are not the first of our classmates to leave this earthly experience, and certainly won't be the last. You are one who we wanted here for much longer, and we will miss you often. Thank you for sharing your spirit, friendship, and laughter and allowing us to celebrate our lives with you and Chris in Santa Fe. You have set the bar on grace for many of us. Save us a place. With love, Ram ~ Ramona Outten, Dunnellon, Florida February 26, 2009 Christine Dave was a trooper till the end and he lives on in our minds and hearts. I am more than impressed with the class and up-beat attitude that Dave displayed in his darkest days. Call on Linda and I for any help with the VA and we hope to see you at the reunion. Love Tom & Linda ~ Tom Twitty, Largo, Florida Contact Me February 26, 2009 Sometimes, as I understand it, the good Lord needs to call special people that have extraordinary traits and talents and very big hearts to help him with the rest of us. So I am sure Dave, you will serve Him well, while still trying to watch out and care for the rest of us (Bogie Fogies) who can learn so much from your example. Fondly, S. Jo Vaughn Peavey ~ Susan Jo Peavey, Spartanburg, South Carolina Contact Me February 26, 2009 Your friends miss greatly your heart and soul as a true friend. The path will not be as full without you to make the trek with us. You will be in our hearts and minds forever. Love you Davy. See you Bud. ~ Jan Vail, Santa Barbara, California Contact Me Widow Contact Chris Kain 5 Eldorado Place Santa Fe, NM 87508 chriskain@earthlink.net
David Riding Rick McCormick Dave, McCormick, Mike Conway


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