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David Eitan Poll

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

 

In Memoriam: Dave Wittry

181_01_01-Dave-Wittry 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

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Permalink
posted by depoll @ 2:05 PM
Comments:
I agree with everything david has to say about Mr. Wittry. He will be missed.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : February 5, 2008 7:13 PM
 
I agree as well. I too would like to extend my condolences to his family and to let others know that many of us owe our direction in life to his wonderful teaching and guidance.
# posted by Blogger Eric : February 5, 2008 8:19 PM
 
I feel horrible for his wife and children. My thoughts are with them.

Mr. Wittry was an invaluable teacher and a very unique personality. He sought the best from his students but also never hesitated to offer the best help he ever could.

I'm better for having known him.
# posted by Anonymous Jay : February 5, 2008 11:00 PM
 
Like David, I was also lucky to have Mr. Wittry as a teacher and friend. He was enthusiastic about his teaching and supportive of all his students. He literally shaped my career, not only by sparking my interest in Computer Science, but also helping me get into college. Over the 10 years that I knew him, we corresponded and our friendship went from that of student-teacher to mutual respect of one another. I'm saddened that aspiring engineers today won't have that chance to grow with his guidance. My heart goes out to his family and children. May they be strong during this difficult time.

Shradha
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : February 8, 2008 9:53 AM
 
My name is Bill White and I knew Dave when he and I went to Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois. I remember all the fun times we had together and the way Dave was so serious, yet, playfull at the same time. He used to have this big Honda motorcycle that he enjoyed riding. One day I was over at his house and decided that it was a good idea to ride 2 on his bike. Being that I was the first to ride with him, we got about 500 feet and the cycle fell on its side. Boy I had fond memories of Dave.

His mother used to work at the Taco Bell in Rockford on State street and she would feed us for free (yay!) and give us all these coupons to use. What memories!

My brother, Jamey, and I helped move him to Auroa, Illinois. The last time I saw him was when he came up to see me in Milwaukee while I attended Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). I just heard of his passing and it has hurt me deeply. All these years I have tried to find him and never succeeded. What a great human being he was and I am shocked to hear of this almost one year after.

My heart goes out to his family and children and wish that they can find it within themselves to get over their huge loss. When people say time heals all wounds, that is an utter lie. Time might make it a easier but there won't be a day that goes by that a radio song or a movie won't bring back a memory of Dave.


Bill White
Guilford High School Class of Class of 1985
johncandyland@comcast.net
# posted by Anonymous Bill White : January 23, 2009 10:25 AM
 
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