David Sidney James Hamilton, affectionately known as Dave, was a beloved member of the Asheville community whose passing has left an indelible mark on all those who knew him. His life was defined by compassion, wisdom, creativity, and a deep commitment to the land and the people around him. Dave’s legacy, filled with his work as a teacher, healer, artist, farmer, and spiritual guide, will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Dave was not just a resident of Asheville; he was a force of nature, a person whose life embodied the values of kindness, presence, and purpose. From the moment he was born, it was clear that Dave was destined to have a profound impact on the world around him. Growing up, he demonstrated an intuitive understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. His parents instilled in him the values of hard work, service, and community, principles that would guide him throughout his life.
As a young man, Dave’s natural curiosity and eagerness to learn were evident in everything he did. He was deeply committed to his studies and his work, but his true passion lay in helping others and creating a harmonious balance between people and the earth. His deep reverence for nature and his understanding of the healing power it holds were central to his life’s work.
Dave’s contributions to the Asheville community were wide-ranging and touched many aspects of life. One of his most defining roles was that of a healer. Trained in massage therapy and bodywork, he spent years teaching at The Body Therapy Institute, where he shared his deep knowledge of the body, presence, and connection. His students remember him as not only a skilled teacher but also a compassionate mentor who encouraged them to explore the deeper aspects of healing. For Dave, healing was not just about physical care—it was about emotional, spiritual, and energetic wellness. His work was a testament to the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.
Dave was also an accomplished herbalist and medicine-maker. He spent countless hours in nature, developing a profound relationship with plants. His knowledge of herbal remedies was vast, and he crafted remedies that were not only effective but made with love and reverence for the natural world. His salves, tinctures, and teas were sought after for their healing properties, and they were a true reflection of his deep respect for nature and his desire to help others.
Music was another central part of Dave’s life. He was a gifted musician who played several instruments, including guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. His music was more than just a form of entertainment; it was a form of prayer, a way for him to connect with the earth and the people around him. Whether playing for a small group of friends around a fire or participating in a community gathering, Dave’s music was an expression of his soul. His songs, which often touched on themes of earth, ancestry, grief, and hope, resonated deeply with those who heard them. His ability to connect with people through music was unmatched, and his contributions to the local music scene were invaluable.
In addition to his work as a healer and musician, Dave was also a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and food justice. He believed that food was medicine and that the way we treat the land has a direct impact on our health and well-being. Dave was instrumental in launching a garden and food initiative at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he worked with students, local farmers, and activists to promote sustainable food practices and reclaim food sovereignty. He later became the manager of the Anathoth Community Garden in Cedar Grove, where he expanded his vision to include not just the soil but the people who worked it. Under his leadership, the garden became a place of healing, equity, and shared abundance. He believed that growing food was not just about producing nourishment; it was about creating community and healing the land.
Dave’s advocacy for food justice extended beyond his work in the garden. He was a vocal supporter of policies that promoted food equity and sustainability. He served on the board of Root Cause Farm, where he pushed for systems change while also getting his hands dirty in the soil. He believed that everyone deserved access to nourishing food, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that the community had access to locally grown, healthy produce.
As a teacher, Dave was a lifelong learner. He believed that education was reciprocal and that everyone he encountered had something valuable to teach him. Whether mentoring new farmers or guiding students in herbalism, Dave always approached his teaching with humility and a desire to help others grow. His lessons were not just about knowledge; they were about connection, compassion, and understanding. He often said that the land was the best teacher, and his students found that his teachings were grounded in practical experience and deep wisdom.
Dave’s commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship extended into his work with the Noquisi Initiative, which honored the legacy of the Cherokee people. He worked to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous justice and cultural remembrance, advocating for the visibility and respect of Native peoples. Through his work with the Noquisi Initiative, Dave helped facilitate the creation of a Cherokee-language land acknowledgment at the Strawberry Gap Trail in Western North Carolina, a powerful gesture of respect for the original stewards of the land.
Dave was not only an advocate for Indigenous rights; he was an advocate for all people. He was known for his involvement in local food co-ops, permaculture networks, and interfaith spiritual gatherings. He showed up for his community in every way he could—whether helping during harvests, offering healing to workers, or playing music in the fields. His presence was felt everywhere, and he was a true embodiment of the values he held dear.
Above all, Dave was a friend. He had an incredible ability to listen deeply and offer wisdom and support to those who needed it most. He remembered people’s names, their stories, and their essences. His counsel was sought by many, especially in times of transition. To be in Dave’s presence was to be seen, heard, and understood. He was a sacred witness to others’ journeys, and his love and support were a constant source of strength for those around him.
As the community of Asheville mourns Dave’s passing, it is clear that his legacy will live on. His work in healing, education, agriculture, and social justice has touched countless lives, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who carry forward his teachings. His songs will continue to be sung, his students will continue to teach, and the land he nurtured will continue to bear fruit. Dave’s legacy is one of love, service, and community, and it will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew him.
Though the grief of his passing is profound, there is also immense gratitude for the life he lived. Dave’s life was a life well-lived, filled with purpose, connection, and a deep love for the world and the people around him. His memory will continue to guide and inspire, and his example will remain a beacon of light in a world that so desperately needs it.
A memorial service celebrating Dave’s life will be announced in the coming weeks, and donations in his memory can be made to Root Cause Farm, the Noquisi Initiative, or any local organization supporting food justice, ecological stewardship, or Indigenous sovereignty. Dave’s story is one of love, humility, and service, and it will continue to inspire all who encounter it.
