David F. Jones
died at home in Monticello, Florida, Saturday afternoon, 3 April, 2010
around 2:15pm. He had just recently suffered a broken hip after
successfully fighting for over a year to heal diabetically wounded
feet. His departure was of his own choosing; not out of cowardliness
but strength. With his passing goes a great wealth of untapped
knowledge, songs unshared, more stories unwritten and countless new
friends yet met. Dave's passing is the loss of a true American icon in
so many ways. Few have been as productive, generous, talented and
out-going as Dave in his 83 plus years. Author of numerous books and
more the one article per week for over 35 years, folk singer and cowboy
songster, opera fan and singer, for years one of the world's leading
saddle makers in addition to professional photographer with one of the
first color labs in N. Florida. He still found time to collaborate with
fellow folk singers, Slim Dusty, Ian & Sylvia and many more all in
addition to his primary role as THE horse trainer in America and the
man who introduced the Paso-Fina horse to legions in. From angels to
zealots, mobsters to monks, an endless parade of owners sought his near
miracle "horse-sense and horse touch." In his spare time, he developed
several better veterinary methods for the treatment of horses,
discovered a new horse-harmful bacteria and designed numerous bits,
bridles and other horse gear and tack whose designs are widely used to
this day. After 50 years, he still remained a friend with his many
associates from the Arthur Godfrey Show. His wife, "Mac," a naval
officer, preceded him in death but never faded from his heart and mind.
Like Dave, her own contributions were many, wide-ranging and of great
service to America and its development of nuclear vessels--alas, most
of her greatest accomplishments must go unacknowledged. She made her
own mark in a man's world when women weren't supposed to be able to do
that. We owe much of our freedom to her accomplishments and Dave
supportive but secretive roles on her behalf.
Students
came from six continents over the decades to apprentice under Dave's
superior horsemanship and leather skills. Authors, script writers,
actors and directors regularly sought his advice for accuracy and
authenticity in the products of their various crafts. Dave was often
the first to embrace new ideas, especially new gadgets and new health
treatments. Although generally quiet spoken, when needed, his voice was
a force not to be ignored or unreckoned with. As most know, his
standard answer to "How are you" was always "just barely" and his oft
most given opinion was usually "I don't know." Yet, for the most part,
he did know--really really know. He preferred the wait and see approach and only
shared a real opinion when he knew if would matter or be taken under
serious consideration. Few things in this world eluded his
notice--Fewer still escaped improvement because of his interest.
Dave was a
richly spiritual person but not very religious in the organized scheme
of things. He gave great respect and appreciation to any philosophy,
set of beliefs or religious practices that bettered human kind. Native
Americans from more than a dozen nations knew him as "The Man Horses
Dreamed About." A new kind of stillness has invaded many of our hearts
and a very resonant voice has been launch into deep silence. None who
knew him on any level can remain untouched and unmoved. Dave is and was
the definition of a life lived full. Travel well, our friend, to the
stars above, Campfires of the Departed beneath Heaven's throne--look
down and remember us as we remember you, and, wish us well and peace as
we wish you a stately journey Home.
A future
notice will contain additional details of Dave's life, passing and
remembrances. As per his wishes and instructions, pomp and pageantry
won't be part of it... However, we seek your stories, memories,
thoughts and photographs. They are sought and welcomed as his close
friends attempt to archive his life for future generations and preserve
his many recordings, writings and photographs. Please disregard errors
we failed to notice and correct.
With deepest regrets and regards,
C. Randall
Daniels-Sakim, executor