More detail on this person: SEDONA, Arizona -
David Windwalker (formerly David Bruce Klapper),
64, died Oct. 29, 2011, at his home in Sedona.
Born March 22, 1947, Windwalker was the son of
Dorothy Patricia Cowie and the late Elmer Gerhardt
Klapper of Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Throughout his life, he maintained a passion for
flight. After studying music at West Chester State
University as a talented trombonist, Windwalker
enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Windwalker served as a warrant officer, flying
scout helicopters. Among other military honors,
Windwalker was awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross for saving the lives of several men during
an aerial operation.
After completing his service, he flew for
Petroleum Helicopters of Lafayette, Louisiana. He
later moved to Sedona, Arizona and flew for
several companies before founding the AeroZona
Balloon Company, a hot air balloon ride business.
He was proud of the fact that he was licensed to
fly four types of aircraft: fixed wing,
helicopters, gliders and balloons.
In addition to flying, his other passion involved
raising Golden Retrievers as service dogs for the
Hairy Angel Foundation, including his beloved pet
Windy, who he would take to visit hospitals and
nursing homes. Windwalker leaves behind two
dogs, Piball and Pogo.
Windwalker is survived by two daughters, Cora
Klapper Russell and her husband, Matt Russell, of
Falls Church, Virginia and Caroline Klapper of
Waynesville, North Carolina; one grandson, Avery
Russell; a brother Jeffrey Klapper; a sister Linda
Gubbine and his mother.
As he requested, Windwalker?s ashes will be
scattered in a family ceremony at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the
Humane Society of Sedona at 2115 Shelby Drive,
Sedona, AZ 86336 or online at
www.humanesocietyofsedona.com/donate.htm.
Donations can also be made to the Northern
Arizona VA Healthcare System (NAVAHCS), Attn:
Voluntary Services at 500 Hwy. 89, Prescott, AZ
85313.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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