David Michael Trump

David Michael Trump, 75, author of the Highlands World novels, died at home on January 2, 2016, after a brief illness. He passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. David was born on September 10, 1940 in Keokuk, Iowa to Richard F. and Lorene E. (Weiser) Trump. He was raised in Ames, Iowa and graduated from Ames High School. He earned an associate’s degree from Sheldon Jackson College, Sitka, Alaska, and a B.A. in English and B.S. in sociology from Iowa State University.

David met the love of his life, Maureen McVicker, while working in the Genetics Lab at ISU. They were united in marriage at St John’s Episcopal Church in Ames on December 31, 1963. They raised three children in Ames, and then in Fort Collins, Colorado after relocating in 1978.

David was an avid bicyclist, and enjoyed many rides, including participating in the early years of RAGBRAI. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and the natural world, and was a fanatic reader of science fiction. In the early 80s, he dove into the world of computers and thereafter pursued software programming both in his job and his own business ventures. His curious mind also led him to fascinating pursuits of technology and design, including inventing a device for geodesic dome construction, a computer mouse redesign, and a superior eyeglasses aid.

David’s three-volume series, Highlands World In Crisis, relates the historical events on Midsea and the surrounding Highlands Worlds, as originally told by Marcus Mendelsohn of the ATV mission Triamon. When he wasn’t writing, David was programming. He was the founder and chief developer of Aniable LLC (AniLibre publishing, aChronicle) and Qivx Inc (Integral Scientist Periodic Table, UCon, ProQuant). He worked at Hach Company for 26 years, first as a machinist and then as a software programmer. He also worked as a commercial fisherman and radio DJ, among other things, and was an active member of the shareware community.

David’s family brought him great pride and joy. Family gatherings in the mountains, grandkid-sitting duties, and stories shared around the dining table were always happy occasions. As a valued member of Heart of the Rockies Christian Church, his generous spirit and deep faith led him to serve as a volunteer and program coordinator for Faith Family Hospitality, an organization which aids and shelters homeless families.

David is survived by his wife, Maureen; son, Matthew Trump, Portland, Ore; daughter Kathryn (Patrick) O’Connor, Westminster, Colo; daughter Anne (Matthew) Evans, Fort Collins, Colo; grandchildren Sean, Thomas, Maura, and Sarah O’Connor, and Rebecca and Joseph Evans; brother Richard (Patricia) Trump, Des Moines, Iowa; brother Bruce (Marie) Trump, Tucson, Arizona; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. The family wishes to thank dear friend, Dr. Jessica Stefanski, for her care and comfort.

A memorial service and celebration of David’s life will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Heart of the Rockies Christian Church, Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Family Hospitality (www.faithfamilyhospitality.org). And read his books (www.highlandsworld.info) then write a review on Amazon.

David was a loyal and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His final days were marked with tremendous grace, courage, and faith. He will be greatly and forever missed.