Cloudy with occasional light rain throughout the day. High 58F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..
Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 49F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Updated: April 12, 2026 @ 2:46 pm
Editor,
David Amaral, known as Tafhdyd or “that’s a fine how do you do” to DJ readers in the op-ed pages and in online comments, passed away last week at 77 years of age from cancer complications. A patriot and veteran … he will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him.
David was a kind and generous man with a flair for telling everyone how he felt about the world around us. You knew where he stood on issues … and being the gentleman he was … he wanted to hear what others had to say. David was a good man who never failed to think about the welfare of others. He supported several Bay Area charities with a cheerful heart.
I met David more than three years ago. We bonded by sharing stories about our struggles with cancer. We could not be more different politically, but our friendship meant more than being right. David would have it no other way. The most fun we had was meeting in person our buddy Wilfred who flew down from Anchorage last month just to have lunch. That’s the kind of friendship David inspired.
David is now with his beloved wife Carolyn who passed away three summers ago. When the Psalmist asks the Lord in Psalm 15, “Who may live on your holy hill?” The answer is simple … David.
There will be a celebration of David’s life Friday at 3 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church in San Mateo.
Ray Fowler
Redwood City
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(6) comments
I knew David through and his wife Carolyn through his steadfast support of Samaritan House. He was a really good guy. Sad about his passing.
I never knew David personally and I even called him derogatorily "Taffy". I always appreciated his responses although I disagreed most of the time with him. His contributions to civility and enlightening us with opposing views will be missed. Rest in peace, Taffy.
Thank you Ray for the update. Did not know David nor met him, but shared his many viewpoints. He and his thoughts will be missed.
Sorry to hear of the passing of your friend, Mr. Fowler. Taffy was always good for a laugh and he will be missed on these pages.
Thank you Ray!
Very well done!
Sad news indeed Ray. I'll try to make his memorial Friday afternoon although I never met him. He always seemed to harken towards a positive outcome in all the comments he made on these forums.
We all can take a lesson from his thoughtful demeanor and good nature. See you at Neals tomorrow noon.
Regards to all, Mike C.
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