ForeverMissed
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David Ross Becker, age 56, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 13th surrounded by the overwhelming love and affection of his children and family. He is survived by his three wonderful children, Adam, Arielle, and Alexis; parents, Charles and Judy Becker, Ginny Becker; siblings, Chuck Becker (Petra) and Alison Becker Kessler (Jeff); and his partner, Ken Roberts. David is a 1983 graduate of Menchville High School where he was known for his gregarious personality and beautiful voice. He participated in All-City Chorus, Regional Chorus, Show Choir, and Jazz Choir along with many other extracurricular activities such as the student government. He continued to share his outgoing nature and talents with others at Christopher Newport University where he graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. He committed his free time to serving CNU as the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Advertising Manager of the Captains Log. During his undergraduate years, David, along with his sister Alison Kessler and longtime friend Patrick Rocky, published a local magazine called Etcetera

Born to be a salesperson with a passion for travel, David served as the Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn Glenside and acted as a beloved and respected member of the KM Hotels Team. He excelled in holding positions in several regional, national, and international organizations, such as sitting on the board for the Richmond Motorcoach Network, Virginia Motorcoach Association and holding positions for several terms on the Education Committee for the American Bus Association’s annual Marketplace and conference. He founded the Richmond Chapter of SKAL- the world's largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business, and Friendship worldwide. Along with being an active member of the Global Business Travel Association, he received the Top 40 under 40 Award in Style Magazine.  He partnered with Virginia Tourism Corporation, Richmond Region Tourism, participated in the Virginia chapter of Meeting Planners, and the Virginia Society Association Executives.
There isn’t a single person who met or knew David that doesn’t have a fun story or memory to share. His personality effortlessly lit up a room and the world will be a dimmer place without his bright smile. One of David’s biggest accomplishments was being a loving father. David always knew he wanted children but he never dreamed of being lucky enough to have three beautiful, successful children to spend his last years with. David perpetually radiated love and laughter that others longed to be a part of, even for just a moment. Those close to him, especially his children, would describe him as selfless, bold, genuine, and above all, the world’s greatest father who will leave a positive mark on the world long after he is gone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the nonprofit David Becker Memorial Fund, c/o Arielle Becker, 3605 Milbury Run St., Richmond, VA 23233. A Celebration of Life is to be scheduled. 

March 13
March 13
YOUR LAUGHTER & SMILE ARE SO MISSED. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!
March 21, 2021
March 21, 2021
How do you live a life? I truly believe David had that answer to that. He was a traveler a chef, a dad, a friend a salesperson. I know I liked him from day one when I met him at Holiday Inn. We remained friends even after he left. But his legacy is alive and well and lives in his children. He's so proud of you all. God Bless you and my condolences to you all.
March 21, 2021
March 21, 2021
Our dear friend David passed away. Everyone we know loved you! I met you almost 10 years ago, and we've shared in many parties and conversations. You were a wonderful partner to Ken Roberts, a wonderful father to your children, and a much-loved coworker to many. Such a big spirit and heart! I will miss your hearty laugh, your sweetness, kindness, and friendship. RIP, you were gone way too soon. Ken, we love you and are here for you. We all grieve for your loss. Our hearts are broken this day.
March 20, 2021
March 20, 2021
David. Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart right now.  Over the past two (or 3 lol) decades, you have brought joy to my life by just being you.  I thought you would outlive me. You will truly be missed. My heart goes out to Ken, his 3 children, and the rest of his family.  Please keep me up to date on any arrangements as I would love to come pay my respects.
March 20, 2021
March 20, 2021
I first met David in 2005! I was parking to go to a restaurant, and David was just leaving and about to get in his car. He asked me if I was an actor, and I said “yes!” He mentioned that he and his daughter had just seen me in a recent show of “Seussical the Musical” at Theatre IV! We chatted for awhile and ran into each other several times after that - usually in the lobby before or after a theatre production!

Over the years, I noticed that David was consistent in being warm and welcoming with everyone he met! He was well-liked and loved by many, and he was generous in his caring and time he gave for others! As another friend succinctly stated, “Trust, when you’re [David’s] friend, you’re his friend no matter what!”

There is a hole on the world because of David’s passing. But, our lives have forever been enriched because we knew him!
March 20, 2021
March 20, 2021
The day I met David, we both knew that two crazy, over the the wall people would be friends forever. He made me laugh ,he lighted up any event he was at with his humor & wit. We both would tease each other and could talk for hours about everything and nothing. I loved his twinkle in his eyes that told me he was up for some fun. I loved this man , I respected him and I will miss him so much. But, I feel he will always be right beside me, whispering..."Let's have some fun"
March 20, 2021
March 20, 2021
You will be missed by so many my friend. I will always remember your bright smile and hear your laughter. Rest easy.
March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021
Sweet David, thank you for the years of cheers and laughter. I will never forget our travel adventures from the Atlantic to the Pacific and parts north, south and in-between. My favorite life memories mostly include times spent with you. My life has been changed because you befriended me. I loved "watching" your children grow up through the many stories you shared. The love you had for Adams, Arielle and Lexi is beyond measure. You did a good job with those three.
March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021
David, you made the world a better place. My heart is heavy from the loss, but I still have memories of laughter in the Menchville High School Show Choir. And lots of love and laughter years later after reconnecting with you and meeting Ken virtually on Facebook. Rest In Power, dear friend.
March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021
Becker family,

The Atkinsons are so sad to hear about David. We remember him exactly as this tribute describes him, as a warm, generous and kind soul. Please know our thoughts are prayers are with you all.

Susan, Bill, Steven, Will & Jessie
March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the David Becker Memorial Fund, c/o Arielle Becker, 3605 Milbury Run St., Richmond, VA 23233. A Celebration of Life is to be scheduled.
We would like to install a bench at Christopher Newport University, his alma mater, in his honor, and a brick at Jennette's pier with his name on it where we spent nearly every summer building memories.

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Recent Tributes
March 13
March 13
YOUR LAUGHTER & SMILE ARE SO MISSED. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!
March 21, 2021
March 21, 2021
How do you live a life? I truly believe David had that answer to that. He was a traveler a chef, a dad, a friend a salesperson. I know I liked him from day one when I met him at Holiday Inn. We remained friends even after he left. But his legacy is alive and well and lives in his children. He's so proud of you all. God Bless you and my condolences to you all.
March 21, 2021
March 21, 2021
Our dear friend David passed away. Everyone we know loved you! I met you almost 10 years ago, and we've shared in many parties and conversations. You were a wonderful partner to Ken Roberts, a wonderful father to your children, and a much-loved coworker to many. Such a big spirit and heart! I will miss your hearty laugh, your sweetness, kindness, and friendship. RIP, you were gone way too soon. Ken, we love you and are here for you. We all grieve for your loss. Our hearts are broken this day.
His Life

OG of the KM!

March 19, 2021
A huge thank you to his boss Mayur for everything at KM Hotels!!  My dad lived the life at his dream job with his whole KM crew, especially with his best friend Ellie Wronski, and go-to Amanda Nelson. His entire KM family he adored. He was so loved and cherished. We found his cover letter within his office and it stated, "After 12 years, I am still excited to wake up and go to work."  Going into work was literally his favorite thing in the world. His KM team was a second family to him, and for that, I am thankful. God Bless everyone who made his life so awesome. Another shout out to Jennifer Turlington, his travel wife Vickie Yates, Nancy, Ray, and Janie Lawson for loving my dad the way they do. I cannot begin to name all of my father's special and beloved friends because quite frankly, although I am a college student, my dad had 100x more friends than I did... So thank you all for making my dad's short life the best life. 

David Becker's Obituary

March 19, 2021

David Ross Becker, age 56, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 13th surrounded by the overwhelming love and affection of his children and family. He is survived by his three wonderful children, Adam, Arielle, and Alexis; parents, Charles and Judy Becker, Ginny Becker; siblings, Chuck Becker (Petra) and Alison Becker Kessler (Jeff); and his partner, Ken Roberts. David, a 1983 graduate of Menchville High School, was known for his gregarious personality and beautiful voice. He participated in All-City Chorus, Regional Chorus, Show Choir, and Jazz Choir. He graduated from Christopher Newport University in 1988. He committed his free time to serving CNU as the VP of Student Affairs and the Advertising Manager of the Captain’s Log. Within his undergraduate years, David, along with his sister and longtime friend Patrick Rocky, published a local magazine called Etcetera.

Born to be a salesperson with a passion for travel, David served as the Director of Sales at the Hampton Inn Glenside and acted as a beloved and respected member of the KM Hotels Team. He excelled in holding national and international positions for the Richmond Motorcoach Network, VA Motorcoach Association, and the Education Committee for the American Bus Association. He founded the Richmond Chapter of SKAL- the largest global network of Tourism Professionals. Along with being an active member of the Global Business Travel Association, he received the Top 40 under 40 Award in Style Magazine.  He partnered with VA Tourism Corporation, Richmond Region Tourism, participated in the VA chapter of Meeting Planners, and the VA Society Association Executives.

There isn’t a single person who met or knew David that doesn’t have a fun story or memory to share. His personality effortlessly lit up a room and the world will be a dimmer place without his bright smile. One of David’s biggest accomplishments was being a loving father. David always knew he wanted children but he never dreamed of being lucky enough to have three beautiful, successful children to spend his last years with. David perpetually radiated love and laughter that others longed to be a part of, even for just a moment. Those close to him, especially his children, would describe him as selfless, bold, genuine, and above all, the world’s greatest father who will leave a positive mark on the world long after he is gone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the David Becker Memorial Fund, c/o Arielle Becker, 3605 Milbury Run St., Richmond, VA 23233. A Celebration of Life is to be scheduled. 

Recent stories

We’ll miss you !

March 21, 2021
I’m not sure exactly when I met David, but it’s been many years.  We’ve both been in the RVA hospitality circles for awhile.  David was always the RVA cheerleader in all he did and represented Richmond well assisting all attracting business to our city.  David always was friendly and cheerful and again true to his hospitality nature.  From his many social posts I know he was a great dad and proud of his children.  I was involved with SKAL with David as well as he worked to bring this organization to Richmond.  He was also the life of the party at many of the industry meetings andevents I would see him at.  He’ll be missed but I know he’s smiling down on all of us.  If we all could be as positive and uplifting as he was we’ll certainly continue his legacy.  

Simple gesture made special

March 20, 2021
One spring day a few years back I’m walking up east Cary Street from 12th street with a couple friends looking for a lunch spot. The sidewalks were crowded with other folks also taking advantage of the nice weather on their lunch break and the cars were bumper to bumper on the narrow one way street. Over the loud idling of traffic and idle chit chat of coworkers I suddenly hear someone shouting my name. I stop and look around but could not determine where the voice came from. So we continue on up the hill for another block when I hear the voice again. All of a sudden there is a car pulling up beside us and it’s David hanging out of the passenger side window calling my name and having the driver slow down in the busy traffic so we could talk for a few seconds. I hadn’t seen David in a couple of years.The traffic behind thenow stopped car was getting restless but David kept on talking until we had a brief catch up on each other. One of David’s companions in the back seat rolled down his window and said David made us drive around the block until we caught up with you.
Later that day I thought back on that moment, and I guess in some way it made me feel kind of special that David would inconvenience his cohorts and take the extra effort so we could exchange a few words.
So I think that was one of David’s missions in life - to make you feel special.
March 19, 2021
I was really excited to meet David, Ken had raved about him. He gave me a giant hug right away, and I just knew this guy was going to be a part of our family. He had a way of listening, while also being the life of the party. I've loved hearing stories about how he always made folks feel included, that is a value born from real kindness. Like many, I shared his enthusiasm for really great food - yet I think my favorite memory is of a hot summer day at Waterman's enjoying those trashy but delightful Orange Crushes. David gave you permission to indulge - to enjoy yourself and the moment. I loved the love between him and Ken, it was a joy to be around their banter and affection and I'm so grateful for the time they had together.

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