Samuel David Self, known and loved as Dave, 52, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023, after a long battle with complications resulting from a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He lived a fulfilling life surrounded with an outpouring of love and laughter, in spite of the hardships and pain he bravely faced in everyday life.

Dave was born to Sammy Ray Self and Myrna Ruth Johnson on September 16th, 1970 in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up and lived the majority of his life in Minnesota, where he attended the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities studying Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology, and Computer Science.

Dave worked as a UNIX Engineer providing database support, development, and consulting services to companies in and around the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. He is remembered well by his colleagues for his thoughtful and innovative approaches to everyday problems. 

Dave was a man of action throughout his life.  He was a talented wrestler, football player, summer lifeguard, and all-around natural athlete during his high school years.  Despite the traumatic spinal cord injury, Dave refused to be sidelined physically.  He participated in the Canadian Winter Games in 1992, earning the U.S. sledge hockey team the bronze medal. He participated in numerous MS 500 bike rides, and was an avid camper.  When tent camping became untenable, he pivoted to his pride and joy Cricket Camper called "Poppy Took" to take him on more camping adventures.  Yes, to all fellow LOTR fans, you will notice Dave named his Hobbit camper to reflect the comforts of home while on adventure!

He was a true Renaissance man.  Dave shared a passion for music with his surviving brother, Matt Samudio, and preceding father, Sammy, through singing, drums, guitar, and sound production. He had an endless curiosity towards the fine arts and poured his creativity into various hobbies, including drawing, pewter-smithing, jewelry-making, soap-making, leatherwork, calligraphy, and creative writing. 

Dave is survived by wife, Kyong Yun; daughter, Sophie Halvorson; brother, Matt Samudio; foster mother, Sherry McKenzie and her children; cat, Poe; and numerous family and friends. 

A private ceremony to scatter his ashes at sea will take place September 2023.  We will post a video recording of Dave's sea send-off on this site at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the notable charities listed to the right, or one of the following foundations researching ongoing treatments and cures for spinal cord injuries. Dave devoted his life to helping those around him and continues to help others in his passing.

• Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation - https://www.christopherreeve.…
• Craig H. Nielsen Foundation - https://chnfoundation.org
• Travis Roy Foundation - https://www.travisroyfoundation.org/

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