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In Memoriam
Memories of a great friend and fellow Miata enthusiast
Earlier this year I was shocked to hear of the tragic passing of a great guy, known by many in the Bay area for his infectious enthusiasm, especially for “Blue” – his 1991 Miata. A quiet, unassuming and hugely likeable person, Dave Pripstein (known by many of his friends simply as Prip) was one of those people who would always jump in to help (especially on technical things) at the drop of a hat. He was passionate about his car (having brought it from completely stock to a full-on FM Turbo’d, high-tech suspensioned beast), and even more passionate about high-end audio equipment and home theater. I really think in the dictionary under the definition for “nice guy” you should find Dave’s picture.
Prip tragically left us far too early, just 9 days after his wedding in December, due to a massive heart attack brought on by advanced coronary artery disease. Sadly his family has a history of this.
A group of friends have come together to find a way to remember him which I’d like to share:
Friends of Dave Pripstein,
Many people have asked if there was a charity to which they could contribute in Dave’s memory. A scholarship to honor Dave has been established at Foothill College in Los Altos. The scholarship combines his love of physics, his appreciation of learning and problem solving, and his fondness for Foothill College. It honors him in a way he would have approved of.
Seven years ago, a long-time friend of Dave’s who is a physics instructor at Foothill enlisted his help on a big physics demonstration show they put on for the community. During the next six years, Dave helped with every show and became quite fond of Foothill College, its students, and what community colleges provide. They spent many evenings discussing these topics over good wine or scotch (sometimes both).
As we struggled to come up with a name for the scholarship, we decided the acronym should spell out “PRIP.” After all, most of us called him Prip; his license plate was PRIP; and his phone number was 750-PRIP. So, what we affectionately refer to as the “Prip Award” was born. We think he would have liked that most of all. This is a perpetual scholarship, so it will provide at least two awards per year for many years to come. One award will be merit based (our top physics student) and the other awarded for overcoming an obstacle or challenge. If you are interested, information on making a donation is included below.
Promoting and Rewarding Innovation in Physics: The David A. Pripstein Memorial Scholarship
The 'PRIP' Award
Gifts can be made online
Under Program: select “other”
Write in: Prip Award
Check mark the box that it is a Tribute gift (at the very bottom of the form)
Or, donations can be payable and mailed to:
FHDA Foundation
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
In the memo field indicate: “PRIP Award”
Prip…….your kindness, warmth, and smiles are sorely missed.