2020/11/obit-pokorney-IMG_4023.jpgDavid William Pokorney, aka “Diamond Dave,” was born on March 5, 1950, in Grand Island, Neb., to Bill and Jeanne Pokorney, of Revanna. After a tragic accident in 1960 taking the lives of his parents and two of his siblings, Dave and his younger brother, Dan, were raised in Revanna, Neb., by their loving grandparents, Sherman and Nellie Stickney.
Dave was a self-made man, had an entrepreneurial spirit, was an accomplished musician and civic-minded soul. He lived life on “His Terms” and never lost his faith in the Lord.
In 1982, he met his best friend and love of his life, Kathy Butler. They married in 1988 and they navigated life, health, her education and his childhood trauma together for 38 years.
He loved his children, Kevin, Kemper and Tabatha, and was thankful that at the right point in his and their lives he was able to have a relationship with them and their families. He adored his grandchildren, Anastacia, Victor, Sidney, Samantha and Bo. Even though it was mostly from afar, they were always on his mind and in his heart.
In 1993, he and Kathy moved to their favorite vacation destination, Pagosa Springs, Colo., and the legacy of Diamond Dave was born. He opened Diamond Dave’s Steakhouse and the Diamond Mine Lounge and was elated that so many friendships with him and between others were cultivated. As the owner of Diamond Dave’s Jewelry and Pawn, later to become Diamond Dave’s Guns and Ammo, he was able to help those less fortunate, surround himself in gold and diamonds, and help the local law enforcement solve several cases. Oh, the stories he could tell!
It was his dream to retire with the love of his life, Dr. Kathy Pokorney, in Phoenix, Ariz. On Oct. 10, 2020, he made another dream come true. On Nov. 10, 2020, he was called by the Lord to be with the family he had longed for for 60 years, as well as, all of those in his life that had gone before him.
Those that knew him his entire life and those that met him along the way, know that he was passionate/compassionate, and I am sure he pushed you past the limits of what you dreamed were possible and in some cases, good for you!
Heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of our family and friends for the outpouring of love and support. There is comfort in knowing how much he meant to so many. A celebration of life will be held in Arizona in December and in the spring/summer, celebrations will be arranged in Pagosa Springs and Revanna, Neb. Donations in his honor can be made to Mid Rio Grande Homeschool Band by contacting Kathy Pokorney at drkp1957@gmail.com.
Rest in peace and pain free, my dear Dave. For all of you, hold the hand of the ones you love because you never know when it will be the end. God Bless you all. Kathy Pokorney.
