David Riggle Van Aken

David Riggle Van Aken, 57, of Charlotte North Carolina died unexpectedly on March 13, 2025. Dave was born and raised in Holden, Massachusetts, graduating from Wachusett Regional High School in 1985. He graduated from Catawba College in 1989 and left with a BA in business and a deep love for North Carolina. 

Dave spent a few years in California, but eventually returned to North Carolina because, as he put it, he liked porches better than backyards. Dave made his home in Charlotte, where he met his wife Kathleen and raised their two children. He successfully ran his company Compensation Planning Group for over 26 years. 

Dave loved sports, but the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga was his favorite. He attended the Masters many times, and even named his daughter after hole #10, Camellia. 

Dave loved his cabin, bow ties, Catawba tailgates and pig roasts. He loved North Carolina beaches, and his dogs, but most of all, Dave fiercely loved his family and his friends. 

Dave is survived by his wife of 28 years Kathleen; children, Tristan and Camellia; father COL John Van Aken; and brothers John and Andy (Annalisa).  Dave was predeceased by his motherJane Van Aken.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 3pm March 29th at Catawba College Chapel 230 Faculty Staff Cir. in Salisbury, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the David VanAken 89" Endowment Scholarship Fund of Catawba College. 

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