Tributes to David T. Warner

Many people besides myself would surely want you all to know how much David was appreciated  for his generosity of spirit, hard work and hospitality to all who came to Bellamy Road... countless artists of all genres and everyday folks who visited Melrose. 

All of us were amazed at the energy and high artistic level that filled the building. Those of us who got to know all of you really appreciate your loyalty and friendship to David, whose books and films I continue to watch with pleasure, and which continue to remind us  of his being a larger than life amazing person, 

His love of the South and of Old Florida were something that he shared with everyone and his creation of Bellamy Road as an oasis for the arts and a true community center are a legacy that will provide lasting value to all who have ever visited this warm and welcoming place..

David's deep understanding of the spiritual aspects of Jack Kerouac's work, as well as his  desire to have Kerouac acknowledged as a great writer, rather than stereotypical cartoon character  enabled many of Jack's surviving friends to gather in Florida at David’s invitation to document so much of what would have fallen through the cracks without David's support.

Along with his own evocative books and films, David left us all beneficiaries of his own joie de vivre.

Love, condolences and continued creative energy for all of you.

David Amram, Musician/Composer
Putnam Valley, New York

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I too am deeply saddened by the loss David T. Warner. I would personally like to extend my sympathy to all who are experiencing this loss. My thoughts and prayers join the love and energy that is flowing between us and will ultimately make its way into the vast universe in David's name.

We all know that David did a great deal to support the arts and was an inspiration to so many. I have no doubt that his legacy will continue to shine light on his generosity and good heart.

It was an honor for me to cross paths with David T. Warner and to be in the presence of his unique and genuine spirit for some very memorable moments. Today, I made a point to pause and recall some nice memories of David as a tribute to him. When I close my eyes and let the picture form, I see the pure joy of David looking up at the eagles soaring over the dock and making sure that I see it too. Being in that spot with David (and some of you) to witness some lovely, simple and sincere moments will maintain priceless status with me eternally.

Kimberly Buchheit, Kerouac Project
Orlando, Florida

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I am stunned and deeply saddened not to have David with us.

David Warner was my introduction to N.E. Florida.  He knew every hole in the wall - and its history!  And, he knew everyone - Cedar Key, Suwanee, Micanopy and many more of Florida's precious small enclaves.  David had an endearing love for Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings - he was so proud of his little cabin on Lake Lochloosa - you could just feel it - he took pride in showing me his wild turkeys and deer and the gorgeous birds.  He bought the cabin in a heartbeat - sat down and read "The Yearling" and "Cross Creek" and never looked back.   

He was quirky, maddening and charming at the same time.  When I told him I thought he should purchase the Crescent Beach Rawlings house a few years ago - and I'd help him turn it into a foundation for Marjorie - he didn't hesitate to make an offer - which was turned down.  But, he did it.  He knew the possibilities. 

 His wealth was great - but he never flaunted it - I will remember him as having a deeper love for N.E. Florida than just about anyone I have ever met - he lived the beauty of the region and he gave back enormously through his Bellamy Road Foundation in Melrose.  He held much inside but those of us who knew him always saw the pride he had for his home and the peace he sought by the lake.  Rest in Peace, dear friend. 

Sandra Birnhak, Film Producer
Palatka, Florida

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I heard with sadness that David Warner had passed away last week.  For the last few years, he has had a major influence on the cultural and creative community in and around the Melrose area.  His foundation, along with his team at Bellamy Road, brought together artists, writers, filmmakers, historians and musicians from all over the U.S., who in turn, exchanged ideas and formed relationships that will continue for many years to come.  When visiting Bellamy Road, I experienced the unique atmosphere that David had sparked, encouraging and nurturing creative thought and action.  Over time, Bellamy Road has become an epicenter for positive and enlightening energy that ripples far beyond Central Florida. I thank David for the inspiration and encouragement he so generously gave us all and his legacy will live on through the work we do.

Curtis Craven, Filmmaker
Austin, Texas

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It is with sadness that I learned of David's passing.  I knew he was a very good and close friend of yours and everyone at Bellamy Road. And as a good and supportive friend to all the artists he was so generous to, we will miss him.

I did not know him very personally but did have the chance to meet him a few times and last year and had a nice conversation with him about one of the paintings I did at the paint out. I thanked him for his generous support to all of us. 

I always looked forward to and enjoyed reading his books when work was slow at MBAG. 

I am very thankful for the kind fostering and support offered through Bellamy Road over the years, that has given this artist a break and encouraged my career to reach new heights. 

With Love and Sympathy to the Bellamy Road gang,

Tim Malles, Artist
Gainesville, Florida

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I'm sending this note to you just because I want to put in writing what David Warner's contribution to the arts in Melrose and therefore, to my life in particular meant.  His support enabled the art community to expand in such a meaningful way:

• - community participation soared
• - artists participating in the galleries and in events expanded
• - poetry readings and film events occurred and were well attended
• - residents got to know each other who otherwise would not have met
• - Melrose began to be known regionally as the little town with a lot of art/music/film/literature available
• - Artist's workshops were sponsored

His financial support to Open Air Arts brought it from a small plein air event some years back to an event involving many communities, counties and organizations.

I hope we can do something to honor his memory.

Kathie Wobie, Artist
Hawthorne, Florida

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I was so sorry to hear about David.  There is a special place in our hearts for him and for you.  I know I speak for all of the students and faculty associated with the University of Florida’s Documentary Institute when I say we will always be grateful for the support Bellamy Road provided for our documentary program. 

We will truly miss David.

Churchill Roberts, Filmmaker
Gainesville, Florida 

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I'm so sorry you lost a good friend. After reading your eloquent quotes about David in the Tuscaloosa News, I have a nice sense of his energy. He certainly sponsored a unique and frankly amazing effort that you and your team have brought to life in Bellamy - and in Melrose. I think of the Bellamy as community enrichment in action! I hope you all can take comfort in the work you've done to bring David's vision to such vivid life at Bellamy Road.

Becky O’Brien, Arts Consultant
Gainesville, Florida

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To the Melrose Bay Art Gallery members ,

Yesterday I was asked to share with all of you the sad news that David T. Warner, founder and benefactor of Bellamy Road Fine Arts, had passed away suddenly.

While you may or may not have met him personally at our events or at Bellamy - and he was often there but did not draw attention to himself - he was the generous and visionary force behind those many 'happenings'.  His sphere of influence certainly shaped the identity of Melrose as an arts destination.

There will be a memorial event of some sort later in the year at Bellamy Road; I will keep you posted as I hear more about that.

Anne Gilroy, Artist
Hawthorne, Florida

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I heard the sad news about David and want you to know how sad I am about that.  He was a big, big contributor to the Melrose and Gainesville area arts scene, thru Bellamy, and I hope his legacy lives on for many more years. Let me know if there's anything I can do.

Jeff Knee, Artist
Gainesville, Florida

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I'm deeply saddened by the loss of David. David's contributions and his love of our community are profound and will continue to live on in my life along with the hundreds of other community members who have been inspired by David and Bellamy Road Foundation works. David’s inspiration, love and dedication to making our community a better place will be missed. 

Phil Robinson, Artist
Earleton, Florida

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I shall miss seeing and hearing David at the events he has sponsored over the years. I have read most of his books and enjoyed each one even more because I knew him personally. His commitment to the arts in North Florida has been instrumental in creating an arts community that is found nowhere else in the Southeast. The diversity and exposure we have had from Bellamy Road over the last several years has been focused on the creation of local artists, performers and writers, filmmakers, and musicians, and has brought many people into Melrose for exhibits and events that not only supported the arts community, but also our environment, which is one of our most important assets we have. Bellamy Road has created an awareness that helped people become more in touch with talent right here in our own backyard, that is on the global cutting edge of arts and literature.

Each year more people discover the arts in Melrose, and Bellamy Road has played a large role in this transformation by providing exciting events and exhibits that have helped raise money for our environment and showcase local and regional talent, which supports our local economy. When Bellamy Road joined up with us at Melrose Bay Art Gallery to produce Open Air Arts, we were thrilled because we knew we would have the best exhibit we could create with the cooperation of everyone in both galleries as a role model for other successful events to come. I hope to be able to continue to help you organize and hang exhibits in the future and watch as people come to the shows with excitement and support of the local arts. David will be missed but his legacy will continue in the little town in Florida that he adopted to build an arts community that is second to none. The town with one stoplight and three art galleries will miss David T. Warner.

Gary Borse, Artist
Fairfield, Florida

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This is very sad news.  David was such a strong supporter of the arts here in Melrose and a great contributor to the larger literary scene through his writings.

It has been a gift to know him and to share a bit of his insight and humor these past few years.

He will be greatly missed.

Ron Haase, Artist/Architect
Melrose, Florida

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 I am so sorry to hear of this! I had just read his book Vanishing Florida and didn't get a chance to tell him how much I enjoyed it. He was such a great patron of the arts, and a good friend to you, so I know how difficult this must be for you.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do. I would be glad to participate in any kind of memorial/tribute event here.

With Blessings,

Cathy DeWitt, Musician
Gainesville, Florida