David Clark Willard

WEAVERVILLE - David Clark Willard, age 79, of Weaverville, NC passed away peacefully at his home on Friday August 11th, 2023. 

David grew up in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. He attended the Valley Forge Military Academy, graduating in 1962 as class president and Regimental Commander. David served as a Navy Corpsman in the Vietnam War on the Hospital ship, the USS Sanctuary. 

He attended several colleges, sometimes failing, but always finding the resolve to start again. He loved science and medicine and ultimately received his bachelor's degree from the University of California at San Francisco. He was always proud to have received his medical training there, and that education shaped his life. 

He went on to have a varied career in medicine mostly in the Monterey, California area where he lived for thirty years. He was a superb critical care nurse, gifted therapist, addiction interventionist, and health care executive, ultimately achieving the position of Vice President of Contracting and Network Development with the Centene Corporation.

Although David was accomplished in his field of work, we will remember his love and laughter most. His profoundly caring heart touched many through the years, and at one time or another, his sense of humor lifted all who knew him. One of David's greatest gifts was helping others discover theirs. He knew we all have something to give in this life, and he showed genuine interest, respect, and care when he engaged with you.

David was an adventurer, healer, poet, philosopher, brother. He was above all a loyal, compassionate and all-the-time-available friend. Every bit the wise elder, romantic, and witty humorist. With his hands, heart, keen intellect, and sweet spirit, he always seemed to leave something beautiful as he walked through life. 

David had a love for life and family held in each breath. He was a devoted husband and father. He was incredibly proud of his beloved son, Patrick, and wildly in love with his wife, Cathy. He knew what matters most are the moments, days, and years of love we leave behind with those we care most about; those who knew David are fortunate to have had so many. Indeed, though death has ended the life of his body, it has not ended love. David’s love will never cease.

What we learned from David and are deeply grateful for is that light is more significant than darkness. Stillness and compassion are more vital than busyness and rushing. Listening and patience are the most potent actions. Kindness and care are more important than the accumulation of things, taking time to see and create beauty is essential every day. Family is everything. Nature is to be loved and cared for. Respect is an artful attitude to live by, being humble and gentle is our greatest strength. Deep and long friendships nurture us, loyalty lasts a lifetime and beyond, and love will forever bond us.

David is survived by his wife, Catherine Anne Herget Carter, his son, Patrick Rayne, his brother Thomas Willard, his step children, James Hunter Carter, Clair Loraine Carter, Thomas Martin Carter and their spouses, Sean Lovett and Samantha Carter as well as his grandchildren: Francis, Maeve and Micah. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Ralph Willard and Frances Clark Kirtland Willard. His love and kindness were the wind in our sails towards a better life. He will always be in our hearts. Bon voyage, David.

His memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023 at West Funeral Home. The family will greet friends following the service.