David M. Soloway, of Petaluma, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2015, at age 58 of an apparent heart attack. He is survived by his wife Linda (Qiyun) and daughter Zoe, as well as by his mother Beth, his siblings, Eddie, Mark, Lisa, and Dyan, and their spouses and significant others, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all of Linda’s family.

Dave spent his life turning interests and incidents into accomplishments. His college thesis in the field of ecology led to his support of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust and work with his personal apiary in later life. He transformed some early bad luck with cars into a passion for collectible Volvos. And his love of poetry led him to the Institute of Reading Development where he worked for 34 years, serving as Vice President of Marketing and Chief Executive Officer. His efforts at the Institute were directly responsible for more than two million children and adults having the experiences with the written word that he, himself, so enjoyed. In all his pursuits Dave strove, to paraphrase a Frost poem that he once quoted during a business meeting, to unite his vocation and his avocation.

Those who knew him saw this most of all in the joy he took from his family. Dave was a self-appointed family archivist, and loved his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews very much. Beyond all others, Dave loved his wife, Linda, and his daughter, Zoe. His long-time friends and colleagues saw him happier in the last five years, with his new family, than ever before, and knew the great pride he took in touting his daughter’s every achievement and the joy he took in spending time with her.

Dave taught us in the way he lived that “Only where love and need are one, / And the work is play for mortal stakes, / Is the deed ever really done / For Heaven and the future’s sakes.” We will miss him terribly, and we shall not forget him.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be announced when it has been scheduled.