Mourning Dave Deifer, a Writers House founder

Kerry Sherin Wright:

Such sad news — unfathomable really. I remember Dave as a superhero during my time at KWH. Word would go out that something — tech support, humanpower, a quart of milk — was needed at the House, and minutes later he would appear, smiling, and solve the problem. As a publisher and editor, he did such good work for so many writers;  after leaving Penn, I met so many writers from other places who had published in XConnect and loved the experience of working with Dave and his crew. He was a nurterer of people, places, and crazy, great ideas. I’m so sorry for his family.

Thank you for letting me know, Al. Love to you and everyone on this thread.

Xo, —Kerry

Randall Couch:

I’m gutted to hear this. I knew Dave first from early in my 36 years at Penn, in Data Communications and Computing Services—Penn’s networking group that amalgamated with two other units to form ISC. Those were the years when the fiber for what became the Internet was being laid across campus. Dave was the kind of guy you want in a startup, so it was a gift that he had a big hand in building both Penn’s information infrastructure and the nascent Writers House culture. He truly believed in the value and importance of the arts and, as others have said more eloquently than I could, he invested himself in seeing that others had support and opportunities to develop and flourish as writers and in other media. He was generous to me personally, as he was to so many, something I will never forget. I admired his later ventures in photography and recall with pleasure seeing the exhibition of his images in the Burrison Gallery.

There’s never anything adequate to say when you lose someone. But it helps me to think about the positive impact Dave had on so many lives, and through the institutions he helped build, the many more lives he’ll go on touching.

The more I remember my time with Dave, the more I realize what a profound influence he was on my life.

It must have been Al who connected me to a summer job at ISC to bring the internet to Penn dorms. Dave and Leah Sheppard taught me Unix and we strategized how to build credibility on the nascent internet. We spent humid days pulling Cat5 into networking closets and setting up the routers, nights hacking web-based literary journals. I was 20 years old and Dave had complete trust in me. He also snuck me into bars with other ISC staffers.

A couple photos below. Just for proof that I was useful, here is the first edition of XConnect, with my name on the masthead. I made the journal with Dave, designed a few covers, and did all of the internet stuff. I’m bragging a little, but hear me out. He encouraged this kid who liked writing and computers, to build and express, and work late nights, to make amazing things. Without Dave Deifer, who knows. The world is a dimmer place.

And here’s me and Dave in ’96 or ’97. He bought me that t-shirt, and when he gave it to me, he said “it says ‘grand’, so I bought it for you, because you’re grand.” Like what the heck, why are you so affectionate and generous with yourself? These stories I hear on this thread, it’s the same guy. He was there for you. He was a builder and an artist. He believed in people. And he believed in me. I’ll never forget him. Tonight I’m raising a glass to Dave Deifer, with tears of gratitude and grief.

I don’t know many of you on this thread, but we share Dave’s connection. If I can get myself out for the KWH celebration, I’d love to connect with you all?

Kristen Gallagher:

I heard about Dave Deifer‘s passing. That’s really sad. What a loss, way too young. He was a real inspiration to me. Xconnect marks my first encounter with a DIY press object and its maker standing right there holding it, ready to be asked questions by all us newbies. I remember how thrilled I felt after talking to him about how he put it together. He made it sound easy! It was very encouraging. Dave was so kind and humble. And productive! I’m sure many people will miss him terribly. He certainly created many memories among the early KWH people.

Brian Cope:

This is so incredibly sad. I’m beyond touched that Mary asked you to reach out to me. Dave was a force to be reckoned with— and an incredible influence on both me and the whole Penn writing community. He was also so understanding, kind and generous to a 21-year old who didn’t know any better. Sending my solace.