Birth date: May 31, 1942 Death date: Apr 9, 2017
David Leland, 74, of The Villages, FL passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017. Dave was born May 31, 1942 in Wabash, IN to Adrian O. and Pearl E. (Hopp) Leland. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U.S. Air Force. David re Read Obituary
I was fortunate to call Dave my friend and mentor. I will miss our conversations which had become too rare over the years and most of all - I will miss his humor and his wisdom. My condolences to his family and to his many friends and loved ones. Sometimes we will sigh - sometimes we will cry... your memory will rock on Dave.
Dave and I first met at Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, IN and we both moved to Promega in Madison, WI at the same time. Dave was a caring soul who gave me his air-mattress the day I started at Miles when he heard my furniture wouldn't be delivered for another week and I had nothing to sleep on. He got me involved in softball at Miles and when we moved to Madison, we co-founded the Promega softball team in 1989. That team continues on today. He was a fun loving person that was easy to be around. Dave and I both shared a passion for music, though not the same music. He was involved in some very entertaining musical performances at the first few Promega Christmas parties. We also shared a common faith. It was always good to see the Leland's at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Saturday evenings. I hope its that same faith that sees David achieve his final reward and give comfort to those who grieve for him. We did have a good run.
Dave was a good friend and colleague at Promega. I will always remember the fun he created at the early Promega Christmas Parties with his great love of music and dance. A great guy who will be missed. His obit picture truly reflects how I remember him - with a wonderful smile and playful attitude.
Dave made me welcome in his lab, showed me how to make oligos the right way and always managed to have a good laugh. My deepest sympathies Karen and family, saddened to read of his passing.
Angela Ryan
David was a good high school friend. A great guy and well liked. I am sorry that after high school we lost contact but happy that in the last few years could see each others Facebook posts. So sorry for his passing and pray the Lord will take care of Karen and family.
Dennis Gillen
Dave was one of the first people at Promega to take me under their wing. He was always ready to offer advice for how to tend my garden or talk smack playing basketball at lunch. I learned to love golf from Dave. While I grieve him now, I will appreciate his smile and his zest for life. Rest In Peace, Dave. You had a life well lived and will be missed by many.
