Catherine and Colton, we are so very sorry for the loss of David. Many days I would hear a story about something funny or kind "Mr. McAllister" did at school. We will surely miss him. May all the wonderful memories carry you both through and keep him alive in your hearts.

Hi Colton,

I attended your dad's funeral a couple of weeks ago, and although I didn't say hello to you then, I'd like to tell you a story now about your dad. 

Your dad and my brother, Tad, were best friends at Hale High School (now St. David's), and they played on the same sports teams. During those years, your dad was a second brother to me--a tall, skinny, sweet, sweaty, brown-haired brother. Tad had brown hair too; his was soft and sort of poufy. Your dad's hair, though, was short and looked a little wiry. One afternoon when the three of us were hanging out at our house, curiosity got the better of me and I asked your dad if I could touch his hair. He obliged and bent his head down. I touched his hair and patted it a couple of times before blurting out, "Your hair feels just like a Brillo pad!" Your dad looked at me with mock indignation and before I knew it, he had me in a headlock and was giving me a noogy! Not the painful kind that Tad regularly gave me, but a much gentler version. I squealed, your dad released me, and we laughed and laughed!

Kindhearted, funny, and occasionally goofy. This is how I remember your dad, Colton. And I am honored to have known him.

Warmly,

Tate Renner

We send our condolences and prayers.  We're sorry, too, that we've not met you.  My husband, Mark, met David in Raleigh, when my husband was on college breaks at Christmas and in the summer.  They were good friends.  David and his mom attended our wedding in Fairfax, VA, in June 1986.  He was always so kind and spunky.  This picture is when he came to meet our son, Matthew.  David was so happy and fun.  Love, Marianne and Mark

I am so sorry for your loss--I went to high school at hale high with David and thn later would see him on  campus at ncsu--I was shocked to see this in the paper and I send prayers to you and yours
Blair wall Smallman

Catherine and Colton,
Words cannot begin to express the extreme sorrow that I feel for your loss.  Dave was such a wonderful person and was so loved by all who knew him.  He was an excellent athletic trainer but an even better person.  I met him when he was the head athletic trainer at Emory and Henry and I was the head athletic trainer at Guilford College and I have such fond memories of our sideline and training room conversations.  We had great conversations about athletic training but we always ended our conversations with talk of family. He will always live in your hearts and in ours.  May God bless and comfort you in the days ahead and bring you peace.
Sincerely,
Mary Broos, Guilford College

May the love you shared be always with you in your heart.  David spoke of you often and lovingly--his appreciation and gratitude for his life with you ever present.  May the sweet memory of his vibrancy be with you always. 
Marcia Rogat (co-worker at CA)

We loved Coach McAllister all of our years at Cary Academy.  So so sorry to hear of his passing.  God Bless his family.  He was such a great person and will missed.

Dear Catherine and Colton,
My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you.
Gail Fowler

Catherine and Colton,
I don't believe there are any words to say to the sudden loss of a spouse and father. I'm really glad that I got to see you but not under those circumstances. Know that due to knowing you 40+ yrs...you will always hold a piece of my heart. I love you and will continue to pray for comfort, peace and strength for you and Colton.

Dear Catherine and Colton, I am speechless about what I heard. After having visited David last year during our summer vacation from Germany I was so glad that we found us again after 30 years of searching each other. I wish you and your family all the best in this difficult time.

Catherine & Colton - 
I am holding you both close today as you struggle with David's sudden death.  I wish for you laughter and smiles even as you grieve as I know David will always be in your hearts and memories.  As teenagers David and I attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and our paths continued to cross after college.  He was a always energetic, happy, kind hearted, a great dancer, sometimes a tease, but an overall solid guy.  I most recently ran into him at a State football game and caught up, mostly talking about you two.  His love for you both was immediately evident.  I know your many friends, CA, and family will surround you with support in the coming weeks/months as you move forward, which in time you will.

Catherine and Colton,

We are so sorry for your loss.  Dave was a great neighbor and we're going to miss him immensely.  We are praying for you and your family and are here if you need us.

Dear Catherine and Colton,

My thoughts and prayers are with you both.  I served on the NATA SSATC and loved his passion and dedication to the field of athletic training. The only thing above that was his love for the both of you. I loved hearing about his activities with you two and looking at the pictures on Facebook. May you find some comfort in that he was loved and admired by many. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Larry Cooper, ATC   NATA SSATC

Catherine and Colton, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.  I know you don't know me but David and I were newbies on the SSATC committee together and I couldn't think of a better person to work with. He was such a wonderful person with a big heart and a love of life.  I just wanted to let you know you are both in my prayers.  David always talked about you and Colton and it was evident he loved you both so very much.  I know this won't be easy but I pray for continued strength and peace in the days ahead.  I know we lost a wonderful man but Heaven gained a tremendous Guardian Angel.

Catherine--Im speechless to read this and hear abotu what happened.  I never met your husband but knew plenty of people that did and I know what a wonderful man he was.  I haven't seen you or your family in a long time but have fond memories of us growing up swimming in Shelby and will be holding your family close in prayer over the weeks to come.  I believe our loved ones live on in our hearts and minds even if they are no longer with us on earth.  I pray that the Lord will comfort you and bless you and your son with his undying love and peace during this difficult time.  Thinking of you.  Prayers sent. 

Alison Katschkowsky (Hannah)--SHS Swimming

Dearest Catherine and Colton!  Let me first say that my prayers and thoughts are with you both and may God's blessings comfort you. My memories are many and Happy..... never needing an excuse to accompany any of my Ravenscroft athletic teams over to the Cary Academy campus. Dave would somehow know when I would arrive and before I could turn around to lug my training kit out of the back of the jeep, there he would be sitting in the gator waiting! We sat many hours over 17 years  in gyms and on fields talking athletic training and injuries but we always finished our conversations talking about the both of you! I always left that campus with a smile and an understanding of the true meaning of LOVE. David has touched so many and I have been fortunate to be one of those blessed! He will be missed!

Catherine and Colton, We at Rex Hospital, who worked with David years ago, remember him as a kindhearted, fun loving guy. He was always very uplifting and we are saddened to hear of his death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. David Ruehle, RPh, Rex Hospital Pharmacy

Catherine,
My prayers are with you and Colton every day.  David loved you both very much.  I know he is watching over you and Colton.  I hope that you can remember the joy that David brought into your lives and it will give you comfort now and in the days to come.

Catherine, so very sorry to hear of your loss.  Prayers from my family to yours in this difficult time.

Catherine and Colton,   I've worked with Dave at Cary Academy since 1998, and he was simply a wonderful man.  Dave was a gift to all of us.  Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.  ~ Joselyn Todd, Cary Academy

Catherine,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I attended Emory & Henry College and was a student of Dave's there.  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Catherine and Colton, We are so sorry and will always remember David's smile.  He loved you both more than life.  We are praying for you in this difficult time.  Love, Davina, Robert and Reagan

Catherine, 
All of us stand with you during this time of sorrow. Love, prayers, and support to you and Colton.

Catherine, my condolences to you and Colton on the sudden loss of David. May you and all the family know of the love and support that surrounds you from across the country.

Catherine, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss.  My prayers and thoughts are with you and your son during this difficult time.

Catherine and Colton, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. David was a wonderful person who always came into my shop with a smile on his face. I will miss our conversations dearly. My thoughts are with you both.

Catherine, Colton, Ralph and Jimmie,
Walt and I are sending prayers your way.  We were devastated to hear the news of David's passing.  Words don't seem adequate in such tragic circumstances.  We are holding you all close to our hearts and will continue to do so in the upcoming days and months ahead.

Catherine,
Jimmy and I are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Please know you and Colton and your family are and will continue to be in our prayers.

Dear Catherine and Colton,

We are so very sorry and saddened to hear of David's passing. The video so beautifully depicts a man who loved life and family with enormous heart and energy. He touched so many lives and he will be missed by each and every one. His memory lives on and we pray for peace for you in the coming days ahead. May God comfort you and please take care of yourselves. 

Alan and Loretta Woodall
CA Parents of Diana '08

Dear Catherine & Colton,

We are so terribly sorry to hear of your loss... David was such a wonderful husband and father and your togetherness as a family was always so nice to see. Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers. Deanna, Joe, Nathan & Nicholas Auerbach

The Gator will never be looked at the same at C.A.

Catherine and Colton, 

I had the opportunity to teach David in the Sports Medicine Program at ECU. He was full of passion and dedication to his career choice .As I read the tributes to David, I am struck by his obvious love for family,his student-athletes and his profession. Davids' legacy of love and caring for all those around him will be remembered and cherished by all.
Greg Beres

 I am sorry to hear of David McAllister's passing.  My sympathies are extended to the family during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Catherine,
I am so very sorry for the sudden loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son.

Catherine and Colton:  I was so shocked and so sorry to hear of David's passing.  I always enjoyed seeing David as he grew up.  He was such a wonderful guy and I know how much he will be missed by all who knew him.  You both will be in my prayers.  Cindy Netterville Fox

Dear Catherine and Colton, my life is better from knowing Dave and through him feeling like I knew you.  I enjoyed working with Dave closely at Cary Academy (and arguing about who needed to do what...the nurse or the athletic trainer;)). I felt like I worked with a brother and I'm very sad that he has passed on....the world was better with him in it. I saw him recently at Harris Teeter and I will choose to remember the huge smile he had that day as he told me about both of you.

Catherine, Dave was a dear friend to all of the teacher at Cary Academy.  I always enjoyed talking while we waited for the coffee to brew in the morning.  There is a silver lining... somewhere... it will find you.  And as friends tol me after my mother died, he will be with you always.  Just look for him.  Big hug!

Dear Catherine and Colton,

My thoughts and prayers are with you both.  Dave and I served on many committees together and I absolutely loved his energy, passion and dedication to the field of athletic training.  The only thing above that was his love for the both of you - he was so very, very proud of you two.  May you find some comfort in that he was loved by so many, and that - by extension, you are as well.  Sending love, prayers and peace from the Pirate Nation of ECU

Dear Catherine, My thoughts and prayers  are with u and Colton. I loved having you all in my preschool class. What a joy you Colton and David brought. I have so many fond memories. Please know that all of us at Chesterbrook are thinking of you.  Love and Hugs to you and Colton. Ms. Carolyn

Longtime childhood friend, sweet Catherine & precious Colton,  
Our family is so very saddened to hear of your sudden loss.   I just finished viewing all of your beautiful family photos posted to the Photo Gallery and, as they say, "pictures are worth a thousand words", because they make it clear to me what a full and blessed life the three of you have shared together!  May you and Colton hold those memories dear and may each & every one of them provide strength to both of you in the days to come.  For me to live in Texas seems too far away at this time!  I love you, friend!  Sincerely, Lynda Jones Acuna & family (Rob, Marin, Maeve & Myles).

Catherine & Colton,

Our hearts are breaking to hear of your sudden loss.  You both are in our thoughts.  Praying for God's peace to be with you.

Karen Preis ( & David)

Dear Catherine and Colton,
Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.  Love, Sarah Talley

In November of 2000 I was an eighth grader at CA and fell from a stunt during a cheer leading practice. Coach M took me into his office and calmed me down. He wrapped it and tried to make me laugh while I waited for my parents and helped set up an appt at Cary Orthopedic. Later that night he called me at home to check up on me (He also called it on what kind of fracture it was!). I was lucky enough to have him as a gym teacher for two years after that. He went above and beyond for the students in his care. The same cannot be said for every instructor out there, and it's why he's always had my utmost respect. Deepest condolences to Coach McAllister's family.

Catherine...I am extremely sorry for your loss.  I am praying that God will give you comfort and strength during this time.  --Vickie, Stan and Preston

Catherine and Colton,
All my thoughts and prayers are with you. It was an honor and pleasure to know and work with david on the NATA committee

Catherine,
There just are no words for the feelings I have right now.  David was a great guy and the biggest NC State supporter I know.  In the 20 years I have know David, I have seen him influence so many young lives, not just with his sports medicine knowledge, but by the way he lived his life.  I can think of nothing that sounds "right" at this moment, but I hope you take some comfort in the spirit that lives on in those he touched.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Colton and your entire family.

Dear Catherine and Colton:  
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of David. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Sunshine Watkins

Dear Catherine and Colton. You are in the prayers of our family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Dave over twenty years ago at ECU and have served on the NCATA BOD with him for years. It has always been a pleasure knowing and working with Dave. He will always be thought of in the highest regards. The athletic training profession will suffer from the loss of such a fine colleague. May God bring comfort and peace to you Colton. Your dad will forever love you. May God bring comfort and strength to you Catherine. Your husband was a fine man. His contributions to the athletic training profession will carry for years. May God bless your family.

I am very sorry for your loss, I had the privilege of meeting David at the NCATA meeting in Wrightsville Beach on Friday. We had a good conversation about our profession, and I was immediately impressed by his passion. I am very saddened by this. My prayers are with your family

Mac was a great coach mentor and friend to my son Seth when he was a student at CA. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to the family

Dear Catherine Steve and I are so sorry to hear of Davids passing. You and your family are in our thoughts
and prays. The Jacksons

Catherine and Colton ~ I loved seeing your pictures in Dave's room at CA, and hearing the updates. He loves you both forever ~ deeply. Praying God's precious peace for your hearts. Malia Jarrett, LAT, ATC

I'm very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of getting to know Dave through our work on the NCATA Board. He was a great advocate for our profession and he will be missed. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear McAllister family, We are very sorry for your loss. The athletic training profession has lost a great friend. Our prayers are with your family and everyone dealing with the loss of David.

Catherine, I am deeply saddened to hear of your husband's sudden passing.  My thoughts are prayers are with you and your son.

Dear Mcallister Family,

On behalf of all of us at Cary Orthopaedics and Performance PT we wish to express our condolences. David was a great friend to many of us here and his smiling face and wit will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Catherine,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Catherine and Colton,
I am so sorry to hear about David's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Catherine & Colton, I'm so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Catherine and Colton,our thoughts and prayers will be with you both during this extremely sad time.His wonderful smile will never be forgotten! The Jeff Kenney Family from C.A.(Jeff,Martha, Sarah,Rachel,Scott,Rebecca and Ryan).

I was shocked to see his smiling face in the obituary section today.  It was an honor to care for him and his parents over my 30 years in practice.  My prayers are with those left with this void in their lives.  
Phil Ashburn, MD

Catherine, Bob and I are so sorry to hear about David.  Please know you and Colton are in our thoughts and prayers.  I know he will be sorely missed.
Carolyn Gidney

Dear Catherine,
I was so deeply sadden to here about the loss of your husband. Please cherish and holdfast to David's life, his legacy and the wonderful memories I know that he's created for you and for Colton. You both are deeply in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincerest condolences. David was a terrific asset to Cary Academy and a wonderful co-worker.

Catherine, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your son.

Our deepest condolences.  Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.  The Lamphiers - Amy, Bob and Dylan from CA.

Dear Catherine, 
I am so sorry to hear of David's sudden passing.  Charlie & I will keep you, Colton and the rest of your family in our hearts and prayers.  If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. 
Sincerely, 
Marie

Catherine and Colton,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ken and Rhonda Brown
NCATA

Catherine and Colton,
We are so sorry to hear of David's passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. 

Our love,

Herb & Margaret

Catherine,
I had the privilege of knowing David at pharmacy school at UNC and working part-time at Rex Hospital Pharmacy. His laughter was infectious and I will never forget that. May God grant you a peace greater than we can understand through this time of loss.Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

So very sorry to hear this news.  David loved hearing stories we knew about Alex's WWII adventures and he inherited Alex's finest qualities.  He was a wonderful man.

Catherine, We are so sorry for your loss.  We will be praying for you and Colton during this difficult time and the days ahead.

Dear Catherine, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son.

Catherine,
So very sad and sorry to hear about your husband.  My prayers and thoughts are with you and Colton.  Donna Shea

Catherine and Colton,
Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come.  May God provide you with the strength and love you need.  
Pat McAllister Carpenter

Dearest Catherine & Colton,
There are no words for me to speak that will take your pain away. Please just know that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Love to you both.
Martha King, Quintiles

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  We all lost a great friend and colleague...May his Memory Be Eternal!

David, "Blade" as we called him at Cramer Clinics at William & Mary, was a great friend. He taught my students so much. We loved his personality. On behalf of the former student trainers from Immaculate H.S. in Danbury, CT. May he Rest In Peace.

Catherine, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to you, Colton, and your family.  Sincerely,

Catherine,

I was deeply saddened (and shocked) to hear of Dave's passing. I was one of his students while he worked at Emory & Henry and even attended your wedding so many years ago.  He will be missed.  I truly hope you can find peace during this difficult time.

Dear Catherine,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your son are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and in the months ahead. 

Maryann Mobley

Catherine, I am so sorry to learn about Dave.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son Colton at this time.

Our hearts and prayers are being lifted up for your family and loved ones. Dave was a great classmate and colleague for many years. His passion and love for life will be missed.

Dave will be truly missed in the athletic training profession.  His dedication and service to the NC Athletic Trainers Association and National Athletic Trainers Association has truly made a difference in the healthcare and lives of athletes across this country.  
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Scott Barringer, LAT, ATC
President- NC Athletic Trainers Association

Dear Catherine, 
I am so very sorry for your loss.  You and your family are in our prayers.
Love,
Kari Strickland

OBITUARY

David Costner McAllister

November 20, 1960 – March 9, 2014

Apex Funeral Home

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