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Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper
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David Hahn, R.I.P.
September 19, 2008 8:09 PM
Forgive me the personal indulgence, but my brother's brother-in-law, David Hahn, passed away this week at the age of 35. Today was the funeral.
Dave was born with Williams Syndrome, but that never stopped him from being the happiest person in whatever room he was in. You can read more about him HERE.
Williams Syndrome means a lot of things. In David's case, it meant some developmental disabilities and a heart murmur. But the "genetic disability" meant that he wasn't born like a lot of us are -- he loved everyone, he judged no one, he was not on the lookout for ulterior motives.
If you went to Stanford any time in the past decade or so, you may have known Dave. He worked in one of the cafeterias and was a fixture at college sporting events. If you knew him at all, log onto the above link and post a message about him; the outpouring of love for him has meant a lot to my brother's in-laws, Dave's parents.
I only knew Dave for a short while, since my brother married his sister in 2005. He was a gift.
All of you -- Obama supporters, McCain supporters, Fannie Mae execs, whoever...hug those people close to you a little tighter tonight.
- jpt
September 19, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (57)
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I played basketball during my time at Paly and I remember Dave as a faithful supporter of Palo Alto H.S. athletics. I used to run into him on campus and in the stands at sporting events and he would slap me five and say "what's up?!" His ever-present smile and friendliness I will always remember. Dave will be missed. Rest in peace my dear friend. God be with you till we meet again.
Posted by: Mark F. | Dec 30, 2008 4:01:55 AM
Dave lit up everyone's day. He will be missed.
Posted by: John | Nov 19, 2008 4:39:04 PM
When my son Brendan called to convey the sad news, the image of David doing an homage to Elvis at Belvoir Terrace Williams syndrome music camp popped into my mind. The fellow campers (some of whom have started a remembrance facebook group called RIP David Hahn) recall him as the "Cannonball King." Our prayers and thoughts are with his family, in this time of grievous loss. (I have some film from some of the camps, if David's family would like copies of his part in performances.)
Posted by: Anne LeMieux | Sep 28, 2008 10:55:44 AM
Jake, you rock. Thanks for putting up this touching tribute to David. That guy lived life the way that it's supposed to be lived. My condolences to your family.
Posted by: Adam Metz | Sep 25, 2008 12:22:05 PM
Our warm condolences to the Hahn family. We have known them since David started to attend a special music camp for children having his condition, which is Williams syndrome. Our daughter, Gloria has the same condition and liked David a lot. He was a talented drum player, and could play with most any band. But most of all, besides his warm personality, which most people with Willliams syndrome have, David had the best spontaneous sense of humor of all. Dear Hahn family and Mr. Tapper, we will miss David also. Just this August I was reviewing an old movie of the music camp, and there was David improvising a humorous harmony with a singing group.
Yours,
the Lenhoff family
Posted by: Howard, Sylvia, and Gloria Lenhoff | Sep 22, 2008 10:07:09 AM
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
My daughter is 9yrs old and also has Williams Syndrome.
Posted by: Laura | Sep 21, 2008 7:05:55 AM
I only knew Dave in passing. He was a fixture of California Avenue in Palo Alto. I would see him at the Nut House with his larger than life grin. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Dave was a exceptional person and will be missed.
Posted by: Chris | Sep 20, 2008 8:25:06 PM
RIP Dave.
My condolences for Jake and his family.
Posted by: catleya | Sep 20, 2008 8:21:29 PM
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Jake. This was not a personal indulgence at all, but a fitting way to mark Dave's life. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Posted by: Jill Nikolaides | Sep 20, 2008 6:12:39 PM
Jake...my condolensces to you and your family, keep up the good work
Posted by: Kevin | Sep 20, 2008 2:27:13 PM
Thanks Jake. I have some fond memories of chatting with Dave around Stanford sporting events and the fountains outside the bookstore over the last few years. Jake is absolutely right--happiest guy I ever knew, and his happiness wore off on the rest of us.
Posted by: ronathan richardson | Sep 20, 2008 1:41:45 PM
In the middle of all this, a rush of humanity. Thank you for giving us a moment to remember that. My sympathy to you and your family.
Posted by: Dema | Sep 20, 2008 12:58:55 PM
My family's condolences to yours, Jake.
Posted by: len | Sep 20, 2008 12:30:44 PM
Jake I pray that good memories of Dave will get your family through the tough times.
Posted by: riley | Sep 20, 2008 12:09:19 PM
Jake, I feel your loss. Hope you can take comfort that he's not really gone, still with us as space dust.
-Obama supporter in Oregon.
Posted by: p3ng | Sep 20, 2008 11:14:41 AM
the system was down last night, but our condolences, even if this is the only way we know you, jt.
Posted by: kravitz | Sep 20, 2008 10:42:31 AM
David made us and the world better by being here. These suffers are remarkable and we know their lives are often difficult - and too short. Tapper thank you - puts a lot of thing in perspective.
Posted by: disambiguates | Sep 20, 2008 10:31:44 AM
My prayers are with your family and I know that Dave is at peace with the Lord. 35 years old is a young age and all of us that are past that age should thank god for every day we are alive.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 20, 2008 8:02:56 AM
My condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: Linda | Sep 20, 2008 5:31:19 AM
Sorry to hear. Even though you do censor this blog.
And no, Jake is not a 'liberal pimp', he just can't stand Obama's guts, that's all.
Posted by: Kaj | Sep 20, 2008 5:30:26 AM
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