Lasting Memories

David Lindsay Elder
April 19, 1947-April 12, 2023
Atherton, California

David Lindsay Elder, entrepreneur, musician, poet, and humorist, passed away at age 75 on April 12, 2023 in Redwood City, CA, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 19, 1947, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Charles and Barbara Elder, Dave was a creative leader from the start. In high school, he was student body president and president of the student councils for the state of Oklahoma. He merged his love of music and entrepreneurship by booking bands for parties and performing in bands himself with his brothers and friends. At Oklahoma State University, he majored in Economics and Creative Writing.

After marrying his high school sweetheart, Karlene Alt, in 1969, he served in the Army and later attended Stanford Graduate School of Business. While there, he helped to start the Stanford Concert Network, bringing acts like Aretha Franklin and Van Morrison to Stanford for the first time. Upon graduating, he managed bands and opened the Music Annex, a recording studio. In the late 1970s, Dave began his 30+ year career in commercial real estate and specialty finance. That career took his family to Colorado and New York City, where he joined a real estate arm of a major investment bank. In the early 1990s, back in the SF Bay Area, Dave co-founded and was CEO of Atherton Capital, a specialty finance firm that grew to 12 nationwide offices. No doubt, Dave’s quick wit and folksy humor, influenced by his “Okie” roots, put people at ease and contributed to his success.

Dave’s lifelong love of boats created wonderful memories of family vacations towing a ski boat behind the family minivan to Lake Powell. When he didn’t have a boat, he was “between boats.” A season ticket holder, he never missed a Stanford football game. His love of writing continued, penning a poem for his “Special K” for each of her birthdays and their anniversaries. Karlene created a book of his poems, cherished by their children and grandchildren.

During his retirement, Dave delighted in traveling with Karlene and spending time with his children and grandchildren. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he served on the local Boy Scouts of America board in Palo Alto. His love of music was ever present, constantly discovering new music and artists until he fell ill with Lewy Body Dementia.

Dave’s family was the pride and joy of his life. He leaves behind his wife, Karlene, his daughter, Lorri Elder Dyner, and his son, Benjamin Elder, and their spouses Alex Dyner and Emily Elder. Also his beloved grandchildren, Asa Elder, Norah Elder, Benjamin Elder, Charlie Dyner and Caroline Dyner.