Join us in remembering David Saylor, 44, of Palmyra, VA, a wonderful, much-loved husband, father, son, and brother, who died on May 7, 2021. He was born in Towanda, PA, to the late Ronald Saylor and Carol Saylor, who is still surviving. He graduated from Athens High School in Pennsylvania in 1995.
After attending culinary school in Pittsburg, PA, he began his adventures in cooking, working in SC and then Aspen, CO, where he worked as a banquet chef at The Little Nell, a highlight of his career. For the past 15 years, he worked as the Executive Chef at Westminster Canterbury, Charlottesville, VA, and was recently promoted to Director of Dining Services. Dave cared deeply for the staff and residents there, and they shared the same love and respect for him.
Dave met Heather (Dunsdon) Saylor, his wife, at a bowling alley in El Jebel, CO, and they have been married for 19 years. Together they loved to camp, kayak, travel, farm, and visit family. Each year they looked forward to hosting Thanksgiving with a house filled with family and friends.
Dave and Heather have four children: Haven (17), Ashlyn (16), Malachi (10), and Ezekiel (8). Dave was a loving father and strong provider who enjoyed spending time with his children. They loved fishing together, going to the beach, and having family game night. He taught all his kids to cook, from homemade pasta and all kinds of dinner foods to the art of cutting tomatoes into a rose. Dave was immensely proud of every one of his children. Dave is also survived by his siblings: Stephen Saylor, John Saylor, Vicky Saylor, Ruth Saylor, Shakira Saylor, and Adam Saylor.
A new venture that Dave started a few years ago was a small catering business involving the whole family. Each year they catered several weddings. Dave handled the cooking; Heather and the kids helped with setup and prep. It was a special time of working together side-by-side and growing close as a family.
One of Dave’s favorite things to do was hunt. He looked forward to deer hunting season each year, as it was a chance to spend time with his brother and his good friends at the hunt club.
Another “hobby” of Dave’s was spoiling his wife and kids at Christmas. Each year he seemed to outdo himself, having a blast getting go-karts for the boys and an inflatable jacuzzi to ease his wife’s back pain. He always gave from the heart, and his family felt deeply loved.
How do his friends describe him? Loyal, devoted, funny, sarcastic, hard-working, and a guy with a great laugh! He was a talented chef, farmer, and craftsman. He was able to just look at things and figure out how to fix them. He built a forge, a smoker, furniture, house trim, cutting boards, and so much more.
The Saylors have been part of the Calvary Chapel Fluvanna family for 15 years and have been beyond blessed by the friendship and love that has been poured out on them.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at Lazy S Ranch in Palmyra, VA.
As a tribute to the family, Dave would have loved for support to go to his children and family. See GiveSendGo Love for the Saylor Family at https://givesendgo.com/G24AC.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.thackerbrothers.com.
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