David Ponkey, known as a pirate on the Sea Dog Deck at Renaissance Faires, was captivating and engaging no matter his role as storyteller, therapist, and teacher. Though, those who have a long history with Renaissance Faires and have passed on are said to have gone to the “SkyFaire.”
People remarked that David had a distinctive giggle and pretended to be shy before surprising people with the tale that would come forth. Besides Renaissance Faires, he could be seen at Dickens events or museums or really anywhere people were ready (or not) for stories.
He did study Theater at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and then became a graduate of the Dominican University Storytelling Credential Program. He was part of the San Francisco Asian Art Museum Storytelling Corps and served as a Board Member of the Storytelling Association of California.
He had a kinship with the trees. Thus, it was no surprise that people gathered at “Dave’s Grove” with such trees that twisted and turned in a way that felt like magical benches. When a new library was built, an oak tree was dedicated to David that still grows tall and strong today.
David often rescued “stuffies” by the side of the road. These stuffies were then adopted or shared with others. Each stuffie had a name. Here are some of those names: Giant Blue-Wings, Halloween Frank, Sally Salamander, Flat Frog, Rattle Ribbit, Proud Bear, Quacky, Two Face, Barret’s Bunny, Long Arms, Retro, Blue, November Rainbow Bear, Stripey, Whiskers, Goofy, Starlet, Hedgie, Snuffles, Bullwinkle, Froggie, Ballerina Bear, Amanda Panda, Softy Coffee Classic, Short and Cute, La La Lammy, Winters, Cutie Mouse, Boo Hoo Hoo Bear, Weird Woodie, One-eyed Tiggr, Erni, Bunny Hunny Too (as there used to be Bunny Hunny), Ella Fun, Santa Claus Bear, Eeyore, Big Paws, Little Pink, Heart Bear, Cool Lambie, Duckie Lips, Max and Ruby, Bow Bear, Furry Fun, Catty Piller, Eyeless Iris, Flower Power, Long Legs, Short Legs, Fuzzy, Cheesecake Bear, Chris, Antique Bear, Tree Bear, Simple Bear, and Grammy.
While you may find it interesting that we would include these names, we felt it fitting considering that David Ponkey worked for 20 years with emotionally troubled and severely abused children in Marin County, California. One of the Luminaria ceremonies at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life had a picture of David along with the word “Protector.” Other people have used the phrase “Children Defender” when talking about David.
Some memories from people:
Cassandra White – My sisters and I used to wear matching purple princess costumes at faire and when he saw us running around faire he’d cackle “PURPLE PEOPLE!” He was such a character he helped make my faire experience amazing. We met him during our first ever faire and still is one if the most memorable people from 12 years ago.
Lori Shuman – My family and I came to Faire as participants in 2007. My great nephew was not quite a year old, and he was quite a handful. While waiting in a line for something(costume approval, I think) my nephew was being squirmy and fussy. David came up and started making goofy faces and talking in funny voices and my nephew was in love with this guy. After that any time Ian saw David he broke out in the biggest grin. At a year old Ian would sit and listen to a story told by his best friend. When Ian came to Faire last year (at age 3) the first person he wanted to see was the “story teller.” It broke my heart to see his face when he was told the story teller wouldn’t be there. Thank you David for making a little boy, and many other boys and girls, so happy.
Bella Luna – I, like I am sure many of you, have had quite a few conversations with David about elves, half-elves, fairies, and other such creatures. David referred to himself many times as a half-elf, and confidentially confided in me that I was one as well. One day while hanging out with David in one particular tree in his area of tree forts, we spotted a hiker walking along the trail. Now we could see the hiker, but he really couldn’t see us very well, and if we were to hunker down we would be near impossible to spot. With a twinkle that David immediately spotted in my eye, and a smile on my face, I looked at David and said, “You know what would be really funny? If we were to toss an acorn at that guy & then hide.” David looked at me, grinned, waggled his finger at me and said, “Yooooooouuu may not be half elf after all. No, I think you might actually be part pixie. You’ve got that mischievous streak.” He always made me laugh and smile. I really miss our conversations, and his presence.
Mary Kondraciuk (younger sister) – He always had an “I know something that you don’t know…” look on his face. Very mischievous. That little twinkle in his eye, his impish grin, his dramatic flair….”
Back in 2003, David Ponkey said, “Stories allow us to examine our ideals, our imagination, our fears and dreams. But mostly, they help us recognize the universal connection between all people.”
Let us examine our ideas, imaginations, fears, and dreams. We are not alone, as David reminded us all.
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You can see more details on David Ponkey with the Story Artists Memorial.
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I appreciate David Ponkey for the attention and love for the downtrodden and those who needed protection. He told stories to bring hope and joy to all of us.
David Ponkey still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.