David Lee Pruim

In honor of those who lost, risked and sacrificed their lives on September 11th, 2001, I am foregoing the usual political commentary to pay tribute to Mr. David Lee Pruim.


David Lee Pruim: March 24, 1948 - September 11, 2001

David Le Pruim. If you do a Google or Bing search, you will find his name many times. He was one of the innocent victims of the senseless terrorist attacks perpetrated by Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001. Clicking on one of the results, you would find that David's name is located between "Carrie Beth Progen" and "Richard Prunty" (or Sarah Prothero Redheffer and Richard Prunty, depending on the site). I am here to tell you he was so much more than that to his family and friends.

David was born on March 24, 1948. He served as Senior Vice President of Risk Services for a rather large company called Aon Corp.

David married his soulmate Kate in 1973. After 18 years (a period of time she refers to as "an 18 year honeymoon"), David and Kate gave birth to Carrington. She was 10 years old on 9/11/01.

"We had an 18- year honeymoon and then our daughter was born and then more joy came into our lives," she said. "We just thought it would go on for another 28 years."

My note: It's almost impossible to pay proper tribute to a man I didn't even know, but have learned so much about in the last month. I will not even try. I am going to let his family and friends speak.

"He was the kindest, nicest, most gentle 6-foot-4 person there ever was.", Mrs. Pruim said. "He made everyone he came into contact with feel good about himself, from children to adults."

The two were from Michigan, and were introduced by friends, Mrs. Pruim recalled. "I just liked his personality, and he was gorgeous," she said, with a full-throated laugh. They enjoyed being together, even just sitting next to each other, reading.

(New York Times: Sunday, October 7, 2001)

My note: Sounds like my wife and I.

Here are some kind words by people that were blessed to know David and Kate:

September 12, 2007

I thought of your family yesterday as the nation paused to remember the tradgedy of 9/11. I went to Hope College with Dave and Kate and they were wonderful people. Your family is thought of often and I pray for you daily. May God continue to bless your family.

~

Harold Hilliard,

Allen, Texas

September 11, 2006

To David's Family,
I worked alongside the Gentle Giant in A&A in the late 80's and remember well his kindness and enthusiasm. I also recall him receiving an overseas assignment and it amazed me that he didn't have a pssport ! But he was obviously not too interested in putting any distance between himself and his family...
My thoughts are with you today.

~

Mark Doyle,

Dublin, Ireland

September 10, 2006

Big Dave, remembering that i could hear u coming down the hall to csu @ A&A. u will always remind me of a big teddy bear. enjoyed working with u.

~

jacki galloway,

onset, ma

August 28, 2002

Attending David and Kate's wedding was my introduction to the Pruim men. I have never met four more handsome, tall, blonde guys in tails than on August 18, 1973. My life changed forever on that day and I never imagined that it could change as much again in Sept. of last year. The loss of David and all those loving men and women like him will be a heartache forever. God bless you David. I pray that you are at peace with your Mom and Dad. And may God bless all the Pruims and families like them that suffer in silence.

~

Debby Pruim,

Greenwood, Indiana

December 19, 2001

Big Dave entered my life many years ago when one night at an affair in the city he gave me and my wife a ride home to Cedar Grove in his limo. From then on we spoke every day while awaiting our train into the city and more often then not sat together. Thousands of thoughts enter my mind, but the best one is that he never seemed down. Sadly I never let him know how much seeing him perked me up no matter how down I felt.

~

Richard Vialard,

Now @ Stratton, Vermont

December 04, 2001

we worked together when the company was alexander of alexander of ny. will always remember your gentleness. my heartfelt sympathy to those who cherished & knew you.

~

jacki galloway,

boston, Massachusetts

And finally...

March 09, 2006

i know this had been a 5 years since my dad past.... i just found out about this guest book and i thank the people for writing in it! i loved my dad and i still do even though i forgot what he sounds like, and laughs like but every night i look at my pictures to look at him and i togeather. i miss him sooo much and i wish he was still here with us right now. even if you didnt know him he was a great mature man and i mostly cry everynight and wish that day never happend but for those who loved him.....dont worry, we will see him again......somday

~

carrington pruim,

montclar, New Jersey

David Lee Pruim is a man to be remembered on this day, and emmulated every day.

*************************************************************************************


September 11, 2001.

We all woke up that morning, like we had done every day prior.

We took a shower.

We fed the kids and got them ready for school, made lunches, hollered "Hurry up, or you'll miss the bus!".

We made the same boring, frustrating trek to our "nine to fiver", or showed up on the job site, ready to work for another day.

Unfortunately, there were ruthless criminals plotting to do us harm.

Harm to regular folks.

Folks just like you and me.

Now that I've told you the story of one fantastic man, Mr. David Lee Pruim, I would like to take you back to that day.

I would like to take you back in an attempt to assure that none of us ever forget what happened.

None of us ever forget how we felt, watching the cold blooded murder of 2,996 innocent Americans, family members and friends.

None of us ever forget that there are radical factions around the world that would do it again, given the chance.

None of us ever forget that we can be united as a Nation, if we put our minds to it.

Warning: The following video is difficult to watch, but I felt it was appropriate.

We will never forget.

God bless you, David.

God bless your family.

God bless the United States of America.

Click here for other tributes to David Lee Pruim.

Click here for more tributes to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.