Obituary of David Allan Chaikin

Chaikin, David A. 66, of Minneapolis, died Tuesday, Aug. 18, due to complications of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease he lived with for more than three decades. David is survived by son Craig (Samantha), daughter Lisa; grandchildren Emma and Benjamin; and best friend Bryan Coons. Born Oct. 31, 1948 and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, David eventually came to call Minneapolis home. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, ran marathons, and boasted a successful 25-year career as an executive in the electronics industry. Though his earliest symptoms dated back to 1980, David was officially diagnosed with progressive MS in 1992, and the disease progressed swiftly and unrelentingly. Within six years he required the use of a motorized wheelchair and in 2008, the disease forced David into early retirement. MS challenged him nearly every waking moment, but in spite of all the disease took away, David fought back tenfold with unmatched strength, tenacity and resolve. MS didn't stop him from skydiving 13,000 feet out of an airplane - twice - and it didn't stop him from making an indelible impact on the lives of others touched by the disease. David dedicated himself to helping people with MS live their best lives and raising funds and awareness to put an end to the disease. David volunteered hundreds of hours each year with the National MS Society, serving four years on the Upper Midwest Chapter's Board of Trustees. He received countless awards and accolades for his remarkable contributions to the cause, including the National MS Society's highest honor, the Norman Cohn Hope Award, and KARE-11's Eleven Who Care Award. He was a vigilant advocate for accessible housing in the Twin Cities and raised awareness far and wide by sharing his personal story of resilience and determination. David often likened his experience with MS to the Tin Man's journey in "The Wizard of Oz." At first, he considered the disease a curse; MS robbed him of his self-esteem, the use of his body and his heart. But David, like the Tin Man on his trek to Oz, rediscovered the heart he thought he had lost. David will be remembered for his sharp sense of humor and kind heart. David, may you forever feel the freedom of falling wildly and unbounded through the open sky.