Depoll.com

Today, I'm extremely saddened to report that my mentor, role-model, inspiration, teacher, and friend Dave Wittry passed away Yesterday in Taiwan while swim-training.

Dave (or, Mr. Wittry, as I was so used to calling him for so long) was a great man who meant a lot to me and made a significant impact on my life. I have no doubt that were it not for Mr. Wittry, I would not be where I am, doing what I'm doing today.

Up until my sophomore year of high school, I had no idea that Computer Science would be the field in which I would end up. That year, I took AP Computer Science with Mr. Wittry, which began a series of events that would change the course of my education, and ultimately my life. He saw some interest and talent in me, and encouraged me to push myself in the CS world. First, he had me help teach some workshops and seminars about AP Computer Science. When I was progressing quickly through my second year of classes with him, he and I embarked on a project that would become one of the most rewarding endeavors I've taken part in to date. Dave pushed me and encouraged me. We traveled, giving workshops. What high school student gets to do that? In my senior year, he led me and a group of students on another software project, and I know that his guidance had an impact on the lives of all of us.

Mr. Wittry was blunt and rational, but always had the best interests of his students in mind. He was happy to volunteer his time for the benefit of others, especially his students. And he never stopped caring. His door was always open for past students, and he was always happy to hear from and communicate with us. For many, Mr. Wittry, was a great teacher. By the time I had graduated, he was a mentor, teacher, and friend, and I owe so much to him.

My deepest condolences to Dave's family: his wife and two young children, whom he cared for deeply. My thoughts are with you.

To a good man who touched many peoples' lives: we will never forget you.

RIP, Mr. W.

P.S. I will try to update this post with more information if/when I get it.

Update: 2/6 12:51 PM, I've just launched a page where people who knew Dave can post their memories.  You can find that here: http://wittry.depoll.com

Labels: friends, Personal