In Memoriam - David K. Van Nostrand
David Looking at Seneca Lake. Painting by Julie Rosa. 2019
David Kilbourn Van Nostrand, died in the early morning of Monday, February 13th at the age of 72. He died in a cherry-wood bed he had crafted in his dream house with both his daughters. After selling art on five continents, road tripping across the United States and Europe, picking fruit, flipping cars, and choosing adventure in his early adulthood; David settled in Hector, New York in the mid-90s. He built an artist community inspired by intentional creatives and pursued a simple life as an woodworker artist-turned-gentleman farmer. Although he had never grown food before he bought the property on Carman Road, many who know him will remember most the intimacy of his gardens, the exuberance of his parties, and the poetry of shared potlucks on the property. His kick-ass, larger than life bonfires and unique vision for a 40,000 square foot chicken barn converted to Artist Resource Quarters - both inspired his friends and made the local fire chief sweat. Surprisingly, perhaps most of all to him, he became a builder of not just quirky spaces and furniture but also of the local community - a role model for his chosen family and embodiment of resilience and generosity.
In the final year of David‘s life, which included being diagnosed with lung cancer, hip surgery and fatal brain mets; he was steadfast in his tenacity for completing projects and leaving his legacy properties to his daughters Alex and Zoë. His final year included many warm days spent in the practice of his dying wishes to “grow food and have parties“ and “preserve the oddities”.
After having over 300 visitors over his final weeks, we’ve opted to not hold services until we can throw a fittingly kick ass celebration during his favorite summer months.
In lieu of flowers (he preferred them in the ground anyway) please donate to WSKG/WRUR Radio, most particularly the Friday night “Blacks & Blues” with Doug Curry - His favorite weekly show. https://www.wrur.org/show/blacks-blues
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P.S. The man who cremated David at 9 AM today is fittingly named Art. Our dad always did love a good joke.
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Originally posted on the ARQ Instagram & Facebook pages, February 15th 2025.
David K. Van Nostrand, senior in high school age 17, ca. 1968
David K. Van Nostrand in the Hazel Studio, age 72, one year before his death, December 2022
