David “Kavika” Vollmar, 53, died in a car accident on July 26, 2021.
David was born in Dusseldorf, Germany on June 25, 1968. He loved exploring the woods near his childhood home in Sonderbach, and began playing table tennis in his town club as a teenager.
David began his university studies in computer science at the Technical University of Darmstadt. A one-year exchange program to the University of Colorado, Boulder became a permanent move. David completed a Ph.D., had a career in software engineering, and found friends and family in his adopted hometown.
David married Angelique Espinoza in 2000, and the two honeymooned in the Cook Islands. Their son Luka was born nine months later. The nickname “Kavika” – a Polynesian spelling of David – recognizes that special place and the life that began there. The family lived at Nomad Cohousing in Boulder for 18 years. David was always a very present father, and built a close relationship with his son that continued after he and Angelique parted ways.
Kavika was an environmentalist and social justice advocate, and was active in civic life in Boulder. He was a valued mentor at work, and a steady presence in the Wild Sage Cohousing community, which he joined in 2019. He cherished friendships, and was cherished by his friends.
Being outdoors and playing table tennis were lifelong passions. Kavika spent many weekends in the mountains hiking, biking, and skiing, especially near his second home in Leadville, Colorado. He loved travelling and camping with his domestic partner Tammy and her son Kaden, and had a goal of mountain biking with them in all 50 states. He enjoyed teaching Kaden to play tennis, table tennis and disc golf along with building projects together.
Kavika is preceded in death by mother, Herlinde Vollmar, and father, Hans Vollmar. He is survived by his son, Luka Vollmar; brother, Adam Vollmar; partner, Tammy Richards and her son, Kaden. He leaves behind many more whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Kavika’s life will be held outdoors at the Wild Sage Cohousing community, on Sunday, August 15 at 10:30AM. All are welcome. A zoom link will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.
