David Emerson Horan died in the early morning hours on September 22nd, 2024. He was at peace with himself and surrounded by family members. He was at home on the family's Northeast Corner Farm in Norwich, VT. He had been beautifully supported by Visiting & Hospice nurses and his long-time primary care doctor.
Dave was born on January 14th, 1936, to Herbert and Eleanor Horan. He grew up in Melrose, Massachusetts with his parents and younger sister, Elizabeth. Dave graduated from Haverford College in 1959 with a major in philosophy and, he would say, a minor in competitive darts at the local pub, to help defray tuition costs.
Dave had absorbed Haverford's Quaker ethos of respect for all kinds of people and different ways of thinking and acting. "Do no harm to others or their way of life." With a kind heart, he was known for his generosity, dedication to the truth, and commitment to his communities. He also had a keen sense of humor and an ever-present twinkle in his eye.
David was a demanding English and philosophy teacher at Kimball Union and later at the Woodstock Country School. He was non-judgmental, teaching by inspiration and example rather than lecture. He was a vital participant in the boarding school activities, while living off-campus.
Dave met his future wife, Helen Geddes, at Haverford events with nearby Pembroke College. After a summer of service in California, Dave and Len married in 1958. Dave had held down a number of jobs, but his Haverford learning experience gave him confidence in academics and steered him toward teaching. After graduation in 1959, he joined the Kimball Union Academy staff.
Dave and Len lived off-campus and started a family: Andrea was born in 1960 and Mark in 1963. They bought a house in East Barnard, joined the small, welcoming community, and Andrea got her first pony, Buttercup.
Tragically, Len succumbed to a virulent leukemia in 1971, and she died shortly after diagnosis. Dave moved to South Woodstock so their home would be near the school, while he struggled to continue teaching and working his way through the family grief.
Jody Claflin had been Dave's colleague when she joined the Woodstock Country School in 1967. She taught English and drama for a number of years, On her return, she and Dave were drawn to each other. They married on May 13, 1972, in South Woodstock.
Dave had decided to leave teaching and start a new career: farming. This gave him more time with family, but they soon realized how much they did not know. Dave and Jody bought their first farm in West Windsor, built a couple of barns where they raised sheep, a few cows, chickens, dogs and cats; a shared motorcycle for Mark and another horse for Andrea. And they welcomed two more wonderful sons, Joshua and Seth.
The family moved to their Northeast Corner Farm in Norwich in 1985. Dave was proud of his herd of excellent polled Herefords, and he liked working hard. He saw himself as a steward of the land and animals - and especially the children and grandchildren he loved dearly throughout his life.
Dave was a voracious reader and he had hundreds of favorite authors and genres. He enjoyed discussing books with students, in groups, or with individuals. When he died, he had one unfinished book on his bedside table.
Dave is survived by his adoring wife of 52 years, Jody Horan; by his four children: Andrea (Dean) Morgan, Mark (Virginia Howe); Joshua (Elisabeth Ferrell), and Seth (Rebecca Russell). And his five grandsons who brought endless joy to Dave and Jody: Alex, Luke, Peter, Tommy, and Emerson.

David's life will be celebrated by family, friends, and neighbors at the farm on July 20, 2025 around 2:00. Please bring your memories.

In Lieu of Flowers: Please honor David with a donation to The Haven www.thehaven.org or The American Civil Liberties of Vermont www.acluvt.org An on-line guestbook can be found at rand-wilson.com