Challenge,  News

Dave Farland (Wolverton) Has Left Us

January 14, 2022 /

Yes, Tonight It Is Sadly Official…

Dave was kept alive for the day until all his children could get there and say goodbye, then he moved on.

Damn it all to hell. Way, way too young.

Dave and Kris and I were friends for 37 years. We did so much together over the years, it is impossible to remember it all. Over the last few years, Dave and I had some fantastic conversations about writing and our different approaches to teaching. It was great fun for both of us, great discussions, considering that back in the day, we were in writing learning groups together and learning from each other all the time.

Thanks, Dave, for the great friendship and all the learning. You will be missed by so many.

Below is the picture of me and Kevin Anderson and Dave just three months ago. I am going to treasure this picture.

18 Comments

  • E. R. Paskey

    January 14, 2022 at 4:36 am

    So sorry for your loss. I saw this news late last night and couldn’t believe it.

    The very first Dave Garland book I ever read was “The Courtship of Princess Leia” back when I was just barely into my teens. I’ve been following his blog and reading his writing tips for years.

    I am really glad his children were able to get there and say goodbye before he passed. We didn’t get to do that with my dad when he died last February and it made the grieving process more painful.

    Dave will be missed.

  • Carolyn+Ivy+Stein

    January 14, 2022 at 5:30 am

    I am so very sorry that Dave has passed. He had such great goodness and decency and was kind. I feel fortunate to have met him and learned from him. My heart goes out to his family and to those of you who were close friends with him.

  • T Thorn Coyle

    January 14, 2022 at 7:00 am

    Dave shared a lot of light by mentoring so many writers, and with his own work, of course. I took some of his classes, but only met him the one time, at the Business Master Class. He was generous, gracious, and kind.

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Dean. And Kris’s, too.

  • Connor whiteley

    January 14, 2022 at 8:28 am

    Saw on Kris’ Facebook yesterday and was in shock. A great amazing man. Hope you and Kris are okay.

  • Thomas Bennett

    January 14, 2022 at 10:39 am

    Dean,

    The pas 2 years have been a real gut punch. I am sorry for who the world has lost (as much as I wish there were better words to say.)

    Thanks to you and Kris for sticking around and teaching and entertaining us. Your friendship and support over these many years has kept me this side of sane.

  • Robert J. McCarter

    January 14, 2022 at 2:52 pm

    This is such sad news. Dave was a big part of the writing community and helped so many writers. He will be missed.

    I only met him a couple of times at Superstars Writing Seminars, but he was gracious, generous, and kind. Reading his newseletter all these years and seeing some of the causes he took on, that must surely be true.

    So sorry for your loss. Old friends are precious.

    This is another reminder that every day we have counts.

  • Alexander

    January 16, 2022 at 6:15 pm

    My deep sympathies for your loss. So horrible to lose someone who is close, and someone who has been influential to so many writers; and at such a young age.

  • Wilson E. Clark

    January 17, 2022 at 12:15 pm

    I am sorry to hear of Dave Wolverton’s passing. To this day “The Courtship of Princess Leia” is one of my favorite Star Wars novels. My sincerest condolences to both Dean and Kris along with Dave’s family and friends.

  • Julie Daily

    January 17, 2022 at 5:32 pm

    I am so saddened that Dave has passed on. We have lost a truly great man. I have known Dave for many, many years and have been honored to be his friend. He has had such an influence in my life. It isn’t often that someone of his caliber comes along and I consider myself so blessed to have known him. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time, as well as with his many friends as we all grieve his loss.

  • R.S. Kellogg

    January 17, 2022 at 10:25 pm

    Sorry to hear about your loss.

    I took classes from Dave and appreciated his warmth and encouragement.

    Also loved his writing. The Courtship of Princess Leia may have been my favorite Star Wars book and I really enjoyed getting to hear him talk about that book.