Winning races only becomes meaningful when you have experienced losing.  Likewise, the precious nature of life is revealed in its fullest when we are forced to confront and accept its loss. David J. Macpherson was a dynamic force in his community, his business, his competitive advocations, and his family.

Many of us knew him as ‘Pitbull’.  It is an appropriate nickname that showed his tenacious spirit.

Dave was killed in Concord, New Hampshire, during a BMW club race. He had achieved a remarkable level of success, including national ranking, in his all too brief  time with us.

Tuss Macpherson recognized her husbands love of competition, and with a remarkable display of courage continued to travel and participate with the racing community after Dave’s passing. There are lessons that we can learn from Pitbull and Tuss about the real meaning of being a winner in life.

065875392

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 419

Offered March 1, 2006

Celebrating the life of David Joseph Macpherson.

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Patrons-- Marshall, D.W. and Hurt; Senator: Hawkins

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WHEREAS, David Joseph Macpherson, aged 55, died on October 28, 2005, from injuries received in an automobile race in Concord, New Hampshire; and

WHEREAS, David "Dave" Macpherson was born in Dayton, Ohio, educated in the Des Moines public schools, attended Mankato State University in Minnesota, and served his country in the Iowa State National Guard; and

WHEREAS, on March 3, 1984, Dave Macpherson married his beloved wife, Mary Ann "Tuss” Lenander; and

WHEREAS, the couple moved to Danville in 1989, where Dave Macpherson first worked with the Daniel Group; he later became a commercial real estate broker and established his own firm, Macpherson & Company, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, during his successful career, Dave Macpherson was a developer of commercial real estate in Danville and the surrounding area and was involved with economic development, representing local, regional, and national clients; and

WHEREAS, Dave Macpherson served on numerous local and statewide committees, including the Danville Development Council, the Dan River Business Development Center, The Key to Danville Foundation, the City of Danville Board of Zoning Appeals, the City of Danville Building Code Board of Appeals, and the Virginia Association of Realtors Commercial Council and International Committee; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Dave Macpherson generously gave his time and expertise as a board member of the Virginia Association of Realtors and as a member and former chairman of the Southern Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Dan River Region Association of Realtors, the Danville Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Ducks Unlimited; and

WHEREAS, committed to improving the quality of life for all residents in the Danville area, Dave Macpherson held numerous positions with civic organizations, including the Danville YMCA, the Riverview Rotary, the Free Clinic of Danville, and Leadership Southside; and

WHEREAS, Dave Macpherson was a member of the Virginia International Raceway, the Danville Golf Club, the Young Men's Club, the German Club, and First Tee of Danville and continued to be active in the Danville-Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Dave Macpherson was an active member of Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, where he served on the vestry; and

WHEREAS, Dave Macpherson will be missed by his wife, son, and other family members and his numerous friends and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine Virginian, David Joseph Macpherson; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of David Joseph Macpherson as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.

A message from Tuss:

The family of Dave Macpherson (Pit Bull #124JP) would like to thank the BMW CCA for their outpouring of support and love during our profound time of grief following Dave’s fatal incident at the New Hampshire International Speedway on October 28, 2005.

The tributes to Dave at NHIS, the e-mails, letters, phone calls and visits have been extraordinary. Dave’s love for the sport extended far beyond the competition on the track; the brotherhood with fellow racers, the camaraderie with crew and their families, officials or even the occasional passer by who stopped to admire the cars was huge to Dave and he loved every moment of it.  You see, all of these people were Dave’s racing family.

Dave’s passion for racing was an indicator of his passion for life.  He gave 110% to his family, friends, church, business, state and the list goes on. He professed that his outlook on life was that, “if you’re not living on the edge, you are taking up space”. Each day of his life was lived to the very fullest, he worked hard, played hard and loved beyond compare. Every man dies; not every man lives. Dave was a man who died while living. 

Don’t be sad for Dave, he had the rare fortune to die doing what he loved, and we know that the eternal spirit of life is holding him gently in his/her arms where he is safe and secure, but also free to race with the wind.  His spirit will be with you each time you climb into your car for a race, he would want you to race safe, race fair and give it ALL you’ve got!!!!!

Thank you for your love and support for Dave’s family.

My husband was a gentle giant and a rock

Tuss Macpherson, wife

My dad was bigger than life

John, son

Memorials to be sent to:

The Danville Area Humane Society

P.O. Box 3352

Danville, VA 24543

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