David J. Faulkner

David John Faulkner was the first born of John and Mary Faulkner on 4/24/1940 in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended St. Bernard Grade School, Mount Lebanon High School, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame. 

A strong work ethic was apparent in his teens when he worked in his Stabile family parking lots and subsequently during his time serving in the US Air Force National Guard. Entering professional life, DJF's razor sharp business acumen combined with a unique set of interpersonal skills paved the way for his quick rise through the ranks to the top of one of the Big Six accounting firms, Arthur Young & Co as a Certified Public Accountant. He was the youngest Managing Partner the company had appointed, leading first Pittsburgh and then the San Francisco practice, serving the company for 27 years as Managing Partner, Senior Partner in Mergers and Acquisitions and a member of the Board of Directors. He travelled the world and earned his membership in the million mile frequent flyer club mid-career and he met with dignitaries including President Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II.

He went on to become Vice Chairman and CFO of Memorex Telex in 1990, grasping the worldwide opportunity in IT solutions. He personally orchestrated a record breaking debt and business restructure of the company, receiving much business press coverage including in the NY Times. A sharp and often cutting wit juxtaposed against a charm and fierce loyalty to close colleagues, he was a complex, but highly respected business leader.

After having a stroke at 57 years of age retirement engaged, and on a trip to Colorado is when he and his wife Debbie found the perfect piece of property to live a more simple life. They eventually moved full time from Dallas, Texas to Hotchkiss, CO and then to Crawford, CO where they have resided for 23 years. David loved gardening, his tractor and his dog Tig.

David and wife Debbie founded the Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary on their ranch in Crawford CO in 2009 where over 2000 dogs, various horses, donkeys and livestock have come through its doors since inception. 

On September 23, 2024 David passed peacefully at Hope West Care Facility in Grand Junction where he was surrounded by his loving family. 

He is survived by Debbie his wife of 31 years in Crawford and his three children: Kristy McDonough (Tom) from West Hills CA, Kelly Faulkner (Tony Greaves) from London UK and son Kevin Faulkner (Laura) from Manhattan Beach, Ca. He's also survived by his step-daughters Kylee Kelley (Greg) Anna, TX and Nicole King (David) Burbank, CA.

And survived by his sister Deborah Warn (David) from Beverly Hills, MI and nieces Dana and Elin along with grandchildren Cassidy, Mason, and Amber, step-grandchildren James, Taylor, Channing, Adriana and Brandon, and 4 great step-grandchildren. David is also survived by his loving dog Tig who was always by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diane and brother Donald.

Private celebrations of David's life will take place at a later date on his Crawford ranch, Pittsburgh, PA and San Francisco, CA where family will gather to spread his "Parting Stones" at these three places he dearly loved. 

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.

Donations in David's memory can be made to Hope West Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction, CO.