2023 Honoree: Dave Gil-Martin Herold
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This year, the Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tennis Tournament honors the life of Dave Gil-Martin Herold. He passed away on May 28, 2021 at his home in Powell, Ohio, aged 57, following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Dave was the treasured uncle of Caitlin Kelleher-Enchelmeyer, a long-term supporter of the annual event, now in its eighteenth year.
Upon Dave’s death, his wife, Gidgett R. Herold wrote,” I lost the love of my life, the man of my dreams, soulmate, and best friend.” They were one week shy of their sixteenth wedding anniversary. A long-time member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Gidgett noted that her husband was deeply religious and found great comfort in his spirituality. Dave told her, “The day I pass, I will meet my maker and be reunited with my mom.”
One of five children, Dave grew up in Galion, Ohio. He graduated from Upper St. Clair High School in 1982 and The Ohio State University in 1986. Dave went on to have a successful career in sales. He worked as a regional sales manager at Windmill Slatwell for almost 25 years. His customer base spanned from Michigan to Alabama and the East Coast, including the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. His clients encompassed retailers, distributors, cabinet shops, trade show exhibit builders, architects, design firms, and contractors.
When Dave died, a neighbor, Kim Smith, remarked, “He was always there no matter what. Dave left a mark in everyone’s life and will never be forgotten.” Matthew Black, a long-time friend shared, “He had a fantastic laugh and a smile on his face, even in his battle with pancreatic cancer. Dave was the kind of guy everyone should try to be.”
He had a deep passion for playing golf, watching the Chicago Cubs, and never missed an OSU football game. Dave’s young cousin, Andrew Creeger, is certain he’s hosting a great tailgate party up in heaven. His family recalls his sense of humor, kindness, and respect for all. Dave never met a stranger and enjoyed helping others.
Cindy Kelleher, Caitlin’s mom and Dave’s “baby sister,” remembered, “He was the fourth child and I was the fifth. He would joke that I kicked him out of his beloved crib when I arrived. When we were little, I found out he had wanted a little brother, not a sister. That made me want to prove to him that I could be just as cool. He must have realized I was okay because he always made me feel like I belonged. We would make forts, play catch, shoot hoops, swim, and hangout. He would even drive me by the house of my middle school crush and be my lookout.”
Kelleher relayed that Dave never complained about his diagnosis and kept his faith in God until the very end. He was nicknamed “the Warrior,” a fitting moniker for a man fighting pancreatic cancer. “Dave was my best friend,” Cindy observed. “He will always live in my heart. I was incredibly blessed to have him as my big brother.”
Our community holds the Herold/Kelleher family in the light as we celebrate Dave’s memory.