David Matthew Minor

David Minor was killed when a car hit him while he was riding his bicycle on the corner of 13th and Willamette at 3:45pm on June 2nd, 2008.
David was an exceptional young man, and over 750 people attended his memorial service. He is very much missed by his family and friends.

We heard from his mother on christmas 2008: "My family and I spent this Christmas out of town hoping to avoid being overwhelmed by the sadness of not having our son David with us any more. Some very dear friends of mine emailed this photo [#8 here] of the
poinsettias and luminaries they put at his ghost bike on Christmas Eve."

The following was published in the Eugene Register Guard:
David Matthew Minor, 1981-2008
Feb. 23, 1981 - June 2, 2008
Our family would like to express our deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support that has surrounded us in the past weeks. We especially appreciate all the memories that have been shared, and the tributes offered by those who knew David well.
He was a curious and joyful child, with many friends, a quick wit and an infectious laugh; and he carried these same qualities into adulthood. His inquisitive mind led him to explore the world around him, and together we enjoyed hikes, river trips and many days at the coast, flying kites and discovering the wonders of tide pools. As he grew older, David enjoyed skiing, surfing, camping, and gardening. He had a passionate love of music, and was himself a drummer, playing in a high school band with good friends.
David was a gifted student, graduating from the French Immersion and International Programs at South Eugene High School, and later earning degrees in both Environmental Studies and Sociology at the University of Oregon. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Kappa Delta honorary societies. Following college, David continued to use his intelligence to delve into the complex issues which threaten our world – politically, socially and environmentally. He supported the concept of sustainability*, lived his life very simply, and because of his concern for the environment, used his bicycle whenever he could.
David's concern extended beyond the natural world, to all who live in it, especially those who are underprivileged and oppressed. He carried this burden on his slim shoulders and recently got a tattoo in support of his beliefs. It was a quote from Eugene Debs, an early labor organizer who was jailed for his opposition to World War One. At his sentencing hearing, Debs made a famous statement to the judge, now forever on our David's arm:
"Your Honor, years ago I recognized my kinship with all living beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free."
Recently, we had the privilege of hearing all about David's life in the adult world from a large group of his friends who gathered at our house to share stories, tears, and laughter. Several spoke of how happy he was, proud of his position as manager at Jo Federigo's restaurant, where he could facilitate bringing people together over good meals and music. We also learned that David touched the lives of people on many different paths. He had countless circles of friends: from Jo Fed's to the Country Fair and places in between and beyond; and often he acted as a catalyst to bring these circles together. Once you met David, he was your friend. We heard how he challenged others to think outside the box, how he was always there with love and support for close friends and new acquaintances, and how very, very much he will be missed. The Saturday night following his accident, a large group of David's friends walked in a candlelight vigil from Jo Fed's to the accident site. There they left a white ghost bike in David's memory, surrounded by photos, poems, prayers, and flowers.
David was a dreamer, a thinker, a lover of life, and a passionate believer in justice. His friends confirmed what we already knew, that David was eager to make a difference in the world. We are now convinced that he did, and are inspired to live our lives with his ideals in our hearts, championing the rights of all people, cherishing and nurturing our relationships, being good stewards of the environment, and opening our minds and hearts to new ideas and new friends.
John, Susan, Kevin and Trudi Minor
*Because of David's support of local sustainability issues, a fund has been established in his name. Contributions may be made to Willamette Farm and Food Coalition with "David Minor Fund" on the memo line. Mail to WFFC, 1192 Lawrence St., Eugene, OR 97401