In Memory of David C. Courtney – taken too soon on June 15, 2023
Dave was born in the Washington Metropolitan Area, the first son of Newton and Evelyn Courtney. He is survived by us – his wife, Martha and his daughter, Amanda – in addition to his brother Mark and his wife, Deborah; nieces Laura and her husband Will, and Allison; and mixed breed dog, Kami. He is also survived by his chosen family: Tara, Mauricio, Chester, Tawanna, Gary, Jan and many others he loved to laugh with over the years. Because Dad wanted his ashes sent into space, his memorial service will take place in Q2 of 2025 with the next available launch.
First and foremost, Dave was an adoring, devoted, and much-loved husband and father. Putting family above everything else, he spent the majority of his afternoons with me either sitting in the back of a theater supporting my efforts in drama – he was the one who saw before either Mom or I the makings of what would become my future career. My first and one of the biggest fans.
He was Martha’s fix-it man, always willing and able to tackle anything broken. He was also “the wind beneath my wings,” giving me peace of mind that the kid and dog would be well cared for in my absence when I had to work long hours.
Dave was known for his sense of humor. In 1992, the “guys” used his own car jack, aided and abetted by me, his soon-to-be wife, to slightly raise the wheels of his car off the ground so when put into gear, the car would mysteriously not move. Instead of getting mad, Dave laughed as hard as the pranksters. He was known for his “dad” jokes, silly phrases, and comic relief. He was gifted with an innate understanding of mechanical things – this manifested primarily as a love of cars, planes, space flight, and woodworking. He had a knack for problem solving, and never seemed to have enough time to complete everything he wanted to build. His love of music crossed all genres from rock and roll, to rap, to classical. His favorite group was the Moody Blues, and his favorite song was Driver’s Seat by Sniff ‘n’ the Tears.
In retirement, he was a docent at the Valiant Air Command War Bird Museum (donations in Dave’s name in lieu of flowers) in Titusville, Florida, a volunteer at the Brevard Zoo, and completed his life goal of watching rocket launches from his front yard. He served his country as a CIA officer specializing in security and contracting, and retired after a successful 36-year career. Dave loved to travel overseas and filled the house with collectibles. Dave adored his Tahoe and any 1969 Camaro he ever saw.
The notes sent to his family from friends and co-workers since his passing are a testament to Dave. They consistently speak to his kindness, generosity, ability to elicit smiles, and willingness to be helpful in a society that seems to be forgetting these basics. In short, Dave was a good man and is terribly missed by his family and those who knew him. While in the ICU, we played him his playlist of favorite songs. One of the last to play was “Lucky Man” by Emerson, Lake and Palmer – “Oh, what a lucky man he was” is the perfect tribute to how Dave viewed himself and his life. So, raise a Jack and Coke to him, play some of your favorite 70s music, and give a big hug to those you love; he would be honored to be remembered in these ways.
*****
Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum
Foil: 53 Panel: 3 Column: 1 Line: 16
Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor
Honored by:
Martha Courtney
I have been an avid flight and space enthusiast since childhood. My spouse submitted my name for inclusion on this display as a 30th anniversary present. My earliest recollection of anything flight related was in late 1962. It was a promotional ride from newly opened Dulles airport for an aerial sightseeing tour of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I remember peering out the aircraft's window in amazement as Philadelphia unfolded below me. Many years later I would be living in Herndon Virginia, Dulles's back yard. Where at any given moment, I could look skyward and see aircraft comings and goings from Dulles itself, Ronald Reagan, BWI Marshall, Joint Base Andrews, and the nearby West Virginia National Guard airports. Special memories during that time include the space shuttle Discovery's fly-over and arrival at the museum as well as the museum's SR-71 arrival (sonic boom included!) in March 1990 in preparation for the building of the Udvar-Hazy Museum. Also, an occasional fly-over by Airforce One. Many of my work trips began and ended at Dulles. A number of them were on the majestic Queen of the skies Boeing 747. A few years ago, and as a special treat from my daughter, I was able to visit the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base where many USG aircraft go to retire as well as the aircraft museum there in Tucson Arizona.
Like many others, I grew up watching America's space programs Apollo, Soyuz, Skylab, space shuttle, and other exploration efforts successfully evolve and grow. I was able to proudly witness America's return to space with the recent successful and historic Artemis launch. With this launch and a few others, I was able to realize my dream of witnessing up close rocket launches. Although I was never directly involved in the space program, the agency I worked with for nearly 36 years relied upon the output of many of these space programs.
With my recent move to Melbourne Florida (Kennedy Space Center's back yard), I have been able to witness a number of rocket launches and regained my youthful amazement of all things related to flight and space. I am fortunate to help keep aviation history alive by volunteering at a warbird museum very near the space center. To me, this is a dream come true to be at such a rare cross roads where the memories and history of the aviation past, so closely intermingle with the present day and future of space.
