David Dare Wilcox began his life’s journey on the family homestead in Baraboo, Wisconsin, on March 11, 1940. After 85 years of a life filled with multiple careers, countless adventures and a deep devotion to music, he peacefully passed away on September 4, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, following complications from brain surgery.
David’s enduring love for music began at age five when he first picked up the violin. This early passion blossomed into a lifelong devotion that saw him master not only the violin, but the banjo, harmonica, and piano as well. His rich voice graced many choral groups over the years, and he delighted in recording music for both his own enjoyment and to share with his family.
His musical talents proved especially valuable during his years as a cowboy, leading pack trips through the Sierra Nevada mountains from the Dinky Creek pack station in California. With harmonica in hand, David would serenade fellow travelers under starlit skies and as they trekked to their destination. His treasured saddle from those cowboy days remained a cherished possession.
In his mid-40s, David proved that new chapters could begin at any age when he embarked on a legal career. After completing law school, he earned a Master of Taxation degree and spent the next three decades serving clients with dedication and expertise as a tax attorney.
David became an avid golfer while he lived in Fresno, CA earlier in life. Over the last half of his life, he lived in golfing communities in Palm Desert, California and then later in Mesa, Arizona. He embraced the sport with characteristic enthusiasm, becoming an integral part of his golfing communities. He even made a hole in one at one point! His competitive spirit also shone through his participation in various softball leagues, where he remained active well into his golden years.
The mountains always called to David. He maintained vacation retreats first at Shaver Lake, California, and later, after moving to Arizona, in the mountain community of Show Low, where he could reconnect with the natural beauty that had shaped his early adventures.
David is survived by his partner Marilyn Thomas; his brother Eric Wilcox; his children Kathryn Platnick, David Croom, Aaron Wilcox, and Doug Wilcox; his late wife’s children Linda Popard, David Cox, and Cynthia Sanders; and numerous grandchildren and extended family members.
A celebration of David’s life will be held on November 8, 2025, at his home in Mesa, Arizona.