Tribute to David Andrew Eshbach, RKT

David Andrew Eshbach, RKT

September 11, 1985 – June 21, 2011

David A. Eshbach, son of Robert and Mary Eshbach (Canton, OH) was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a graduate of the University of Toledo. David joined the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System – Kinesiotherapy staff December 7, 2009 as a Registered Kinesiotherapist. He was assigned to the Temple, TX VA Facility and responsible for the Aquatic Therapy and Main Clinic treatment programs. After becoming a member of this dynamic staff, David impacted the lives of many Veterans and their families, peers and co-workers. Although witty, he was always professional, sincere and compassionate when it came to the care of his patients. Although right out of school and green, he came equipped with the necessary tools to develop into a great therapist. David, a diamond in the rough, was well on the path to achieving a level of professional growth and development required to becoming a premier therapist.

He was a vibrant and fun loving young man with a powerful zest for living life to the fullest. As David's KT Supervisor, I saw both the funny and serious sides. However, he could never stay serious for too long. Even when things got tough, he usually would fix the problem with a big smile and a big-g-g-g-g cup of coffee. He worked hard to not take life too seriously. He always ended the day with a big smile and some quip.

Since his passing, the Temple KT staff will often sit and chuckle at some of the many antics of David. Although he never told us, we learned that David had a love for children. He was only here for a brief period, but David's imprint/impact as a therapist, co-worker, peer and friend will be left in the hearts of many here in Central Texas.

Below are some excerpts offered by some of his patients, peers and co-workers:

• It's been 2 months and I still think about my friend David. We lost a great therapist…good bye friend.
• I met David the first day he came to Texas. We became friends quite fast.
• David was a great co-worker and friend. We miss him dearly as part of the Temple VA KT staff. He always knew how to brighten the day.
• David was a good friend and co-worker. He always had a smile on his face.
• I met David over a year ago. He was a great person whom I came to enjoy being around. He was funny, charismatic and dedicated to the veterans. He always had a great attitude about helping veterans and was always willing to lift the spirits.
• David was such a joy to be around. My heart is saddened, but also at ease because of David's good heart. He will always be missed and loved by the crew here.
• As a patient of David's, I only met him a few weeks ago. He was kind and had a smile on his face each time I saw him.
• It's so hard to believe that you are gone. Just Tuesday, I saw you at the VA Pool. You will be missed.

As one may notice, David was appreciated and endeared by many. Even as a resident in Cowboy Country, he was a good sport. David was a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan and maintained his ties by joining an Austin-based Steelers fan club. A description of David in a few words: Compassionate, kind, professional, caring and loyal Kinesiotherapist; witty, happy, funny, fun-loving, smiling and memorable friend. As a tribute of his love for children, his parents designated the following charity listed below.

Toys-For-Tots
Robert Harris, Coordinator
2658 Edison St. W.
Uniontown, OH 44684-7039

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!