FERNER, DAVID CHARLES

David Charles Ferner left these earthly confines on April 28th, 2016 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. His final days were spent surrounded by his loving family. David will really be missed by all of us.
David was born in Rochester, N.Y. on March 14, 1933 to John and Dorothy Ferner, and the universe was immediately better for him being here. He graduated from Amherst College in 1955, and then attended Teacher’s College as a Doctoral Candidate at Columbia University. 
David devoted his life to the betterment of humanity, the furthering of the arts, and perfecting his unique talent to convince the wealthy to give to outstanding causes. Known as “Dangerous Dave” on the tennis court, he had many passions that he pursued throughout his life. A culinary and wine connoisseur, he traveled extensively throughout the world and had an extraordinary talent for accepting all beliefs and opinions on a purely intellectual basis. He never tired of turning the uninitiated onto the wonders of classical arts and the merits of eduction as a means to furthering personal growth. An opera expert and a sports fanatic, his accompanying humility and lack of ego, combined with an unparalleled sense of humor, commanded an unspoken respect from all who came in contact with him. His wit and pragmatism will be sorely missed.
David began his career at Sarah Lawrence College, then joined Franzreb & Pray in Manhattan, doing fundraising for small liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. during the tumultuous 60’s, eventually becoming a partner in that firm. In 1973, the firm moved to Northern Virginia, continuing their work in non-profit fundraising and charitable giving. In 1980, David was offered the position of V.P. and Director of Development of the Minnesota Orchestra, moving his family to Minneapolis, MN. He stayed in that position for 9 years, ultimately raising over 31 million dollars for the Orchestra, and in the process putting it on the map as a world class symphony. In 1989, he left the Minnesota Orchestra to form his own consulting partnership; Currie, Ferner, Scarpetta & DeVries. Focusing their talents on such worthwhile pursuits as orchestra’s, ballet’s, opera companies, educational institutions, religious organizations, hospices and other non-profit businesses, the partnership carved out a national presence in the fund-raising arena, with clients including the Honolulu Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra, Education for the Arts in Kalamazoo and other notable leaders in education and the arts.
In 1997, David entered semi-retirement, and moved to Destin, Florida with his wife, Ursula. David’s passion for his work led him to continue to take on projects that interested him, including pro bono work for the Emerald Coast Symphony Orchestra. In 2011, David moved to Nocatee, Florida to be closer to his daughter and her family, and continued his support of the arts through pro bono work for the Jacksonville Symphony. 
David was married to his love, Ursula Milda Thieme, for 44 years, and together they raised 3 children. He was predeceased by Ursula in 2002. Surviving to cherish both the memories of David, as well as Ursula, are 2 daughters, Heidi Oberhelman (and husband John), and Krista Miller (and husband John) of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; and his son Kevin, of Memphis, TN. David will also be lovingly remembered by his 5 grandchildren, Rory, Ryan, Rhiannon, Avalon and Ian. David is also survived by his brother Jack, sister-in-law Judy and his sons Scott, Jeff, Clayton and Kendal. 
A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Palms Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 11 am, located at 3410 3rd St S., Jacksonville Beach, FL (904) 246-6427. 
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in David’s name to the Jacksonville Symphony.