David Harold Keiser, age 61, of Wilmington, NC passed away Friday, December 24, 2010 at his home after a very short battle with cancer.
David had lived well with the non- terminal disease of Parkinson’s for 12 years. He was a loving husband, son, brother and uncle.
David was born in Coldwater, Michigan. He served in the US Army with a tour in Vietnam. He was an avid Historic Preservationist here in “Olde” Wilmington for over 30 years, where he restored six historic homes and moved two of those to save them from demolition. With a Bachelor of Science in Business from UNCW, an Associate’s Degree in Computers and his Real Estate License, he maintained his self-renovated homes through his business, Historic Rental Apartments. He was also a civil war buff and collector of many related artifacts.
David was predeceased by his father, Joe Edward Keiser and nephew, Stuart Edward Benson.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Deal Keiser and his beloved cat “Pinky” of Wilmington; mother Allene V. Keiser of Belville; brother Phil Keiser of Belville; sister Kathleen Face and husband Allen of Leland; sister Patricia Jane Grainger of Leland; nephew Kyle Russell of Raleigh who was like a son; special niece Beth Mills and husband Adam of Burgaw, and great nephew Joel Benson of Wilmington. Three additional sisters-in-law and their husbands, another niece, 6 more nephews, 7 great-nieces, 4 great-nephews, 2 wonderful caregivers, exceptional neighbors and great friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 3736 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC with the Reverend May Craven officiating. Family will receive friends at the church following the memorial service.
His mother requested her favorite poem, “Warm Summer Sun” by Mark Twain:
Warm summer sun, Shine kindly here, Warm southern wind, Blow softly here, Green sod above, Lie light, Lie light. Good night, dear heart, good night, good night.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the National Transplant Assistance Fund, C/O Beth Mills. Call 1-800-642-8399 or go to www.transplantfund.org for more information.
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Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099
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