David Allen Solomon

David Allen Solomon, 65, passed away on Tuesday, November 29th, 2016. He spent the last 15 years making the best of every day despite his diagnosis of early-onset dementia. David was born on January 20, 1951, in Birmingham, AL, to Nathan and Beatrice Solomon. He was the adored baby brother of his two sisters, Norma Solomon Goldman and Jane Solomon Davis. He graduated from Mountain Brook High School in 1968, among a set of people who remain his best friends to this day, known as "The Boyz from the Brook."

David arrived on the scene in Austin, TX, in 1972, just in time for an era in this town that most people can only dream about, and he graduated from The University of Texas with a Bachelors of Journalism. He supplemented his study time with his love of photography, taking award-winning photos of local icons like Max the Beekeeper at The Posse on 24th and Rio Grande, and documenting the spirit of a burgeoning cultural hotspot. Post-college, he hit the road selling shoe polish (more on that later), but would come back on weekends to bartend at the legendary nightclub, Mother Earth, on 10th and Lamar.

His passion for all things shoe-related, or as he would say, "everything below the ankle," manifested into several career moves that ultimately inspired him to start his own endeavor—a wholesale orthopedic and shoe store supply business called ESKO. And while the orthopedic shoe biz may not sound exciting on the surface, David helped introduce the southwestern United States to the latest in shoelace and shoe accessory fashion and gave the most dynamic demonstration of weatherproofing products you'll ever see.

During this time he also met Catherine Möller Solomon, who would be his wife for 28 years, the mother of his children, and his lifelong companion. David is survived by Cathy and their four children, Elizabeth Solomon Dwyer (Nathaniel Dwyer), Zachary Solomon (Catherine Powell), Eleanor Solomon and Samuel Solomon, each of whom embody parts of his personality and charisma differently; all of whom admire and love him immensely. He instilled in them compassion, drive and most importantly, a deep appreciation of food, especially BBQ and Tex-Mex (and what recently became an expensive JuiceLand habit), that they will carry forward to future generations.

He contributed to the Jewish community through The Brotherhood at Congregation Beth Israel. His joy was planning the popular Deli Night fundraisers, shipping in New York delicatessen fare, furthering his reputation as a food lover and connoisseur of regional delicacies.

David, aka Daddy-o, Papa S, King David (but "never Dave!"), will be remembered for bringing so much into his family and friends' lives. While he leaves behind his children, dozens of nieces and great-nieces, nephews and great nephews, his sisters, his best friend and ex-wife, the beloved family dog, Mollie Roxanne, scores of friends, and an incredible Austin community, his legacy is that of a bold personality, an imposing presence, a cutting wit, a party-lover, a fearless leader, a successful small business owner (Keep Austin Weird!), and most of all, a kind-hearted person and a father who will be incredibly missed.

The funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 1pm at Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Boulevard. A graveside service at Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice Austin, who provided irreplaceable comfort, care and guidance to David and his family in his final weeks. 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX, 78759