Memorial Service

David's memorial service will be held at The National Arts Club in New York City on Saturday, March 10 at 1:00 PM. The address is 15 Gramercy Park South. Jackets are required for men.

We are better people for having had him in our lives.

David Doernberg died at his home in New York City on March 2 and his leaving diminishes our world. He was born August 29, 1967 in New Haven, Connecticut, to Ray (now deceased) and Myrna Doernberg. In addition to his mother, David leaves his adored older brother, Michael, his dear sister-in-law Lynn and two nephews, Alex and Zach (Cary, NC).

Those who knew and loved Dave enjoyed watching him build a successful career as a production designer. At the start, David collaborated on music videos for such bands as Sonic Youth, Superchunk and Yo La Tengo. As his work became known, Dave was sought out for commercials and independent films. An eye for detail and an understated aesthetic are hallmarks of Dave’s memorable body of work. Though still young, David made the time to mentor other designers who admired his work and his collaborative style. Dave was especially proud of his contribution to such films as Junebug, Gummo, Palindromes and Meek’s Cutoff.

David never took for granted that life is precious. Above all, he valued family and friendship. His passion for food and cooking, the ocean, nicknames, film, music, architecture, design and the Yanks provide just a small sense of a life fully lived. David traveled and as with all of life, he experienced it with joy: the beaches of Shelter Island, the slopes of Jackson Hole, camping in Big Sur, a motorcycle trip through the mountains of Northern India were most memorable.

We will remember David as a devoted son, an extraordinary brother and loving uncle. Those who were fortunate to experience his unique brand of friendship will tell you how he provided encouragement, a welcoming ear, good counsel offered with humor, openness and warmth. The stamina with which he fought against a disease that would not let up has inspired strength, calm and courage in all who knew him. His memory lives on in whom he loved and all who loved him. We are better people for having had him in our lives.

There will be a memorial service at The National Arts Club in New York City on March 10 and a springtime tree planting will take place in Chapel Hill, NC - date to be determined.
Memorial contributions can be made to Doctors Without Borders http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org or No Kid Hungry http://www.nokidhungry.org