David Wilson Cornwell

Mr. David Wilson Cornwell of St Augustine, FL passed away at Advent Health Hospital in Palm Coast, FL on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at age 83. Dave was born to parents Francis and Florence Cornwell on September 22, 1936 in Dallas, TX. He was the eldest of three boys, graduating from Palatine High School in Palatine, IL in 1954. His father spent his entire career working for Eastman Kodak which no doubt influenced Dave to acquire an early interest in photography. He persuaded his Dad to build a darkroom in the basement of the family home where he would pass many hours developing the skills he would use all his life. Dave went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1960 with honors from the School of Fine Arts. Besides his artistic talent, Dave was also an outstanding athlete, playing football, basketball and track in high school; and freshman basketball and track at Michigan before a leg injury sidelined him. After college Dave moved to Hawaii to begin his lifelong career as a photographer. He became a well renowned specialist in commercial advertising photography both on location and in his studio with clients coming primarily from advertising agencies and corporations such as Hilton Hotels, United Air Lines, Coca Cola, among many others. He traveled the globe, most often in the South Pacific, photographing destination resorts. As he became successful, Dave loved mentoring other photographers who were just starting out, not only in photographic techniques, but also helping them establish client relationships. Dave was dedicated to exploring the inner world of his imagination and transforming those thoughts to visual images and written words. He loved writing poetry as a hobby, and leaves behind many verses for posterity. He was an avid collector of antique automobiles, and loved restoring them to their original showroom condition. There were many other wonderful aspects to David's life, and many ways that he touched each of us, making our own lives richer and fuller. He will be remembered as a wonderful brother and great friend. We will all greatly miss him. David is survived by his brother Greg, nephew Kevin, and many friends. Upon his wishes, cremation took place on July 20th, and a private memorial service will take place at a later date.

David Wilson Cornwell

September 22, 1936 - July 12, 2020