David Walker Brock never needed elaborate costumes or special effects to capture an audience. He simply stepped onto the storytelling stage barefoot, with a warm smile and an invitation to imagine. From the time he joined the Youth Storytelling Group at the Zula B. Wylie Library in Cedar Hill, Texas, under the mentorship of Toni Simmons and Traphene Hickman, David discovered a love for storytelling that would stay with him throughout his life. His bare feet became part of his signature, reflecting the way he moved through the world—with curiosity, freedom, and delight. Whether telling at local events or later as a National Youth Storyteller, David had a remarkable ability to make every listener feel as though they belonged inside the story.
One of David’s most memorable storytelling traditions was the magical “foo-foo powder.” At just the right moment—especially in favorites like The King Who Liked Diamonds—he would invite everyone to toss imaginary foo-foo powder into the air so that something extraordinary could happen and then activate the magic by clapping three times. Children and adults alike eagerly joined in, discovering that the real magic wasn’t in the powder at all, but in the shared imagination between storyteller and audience. David instinctively understood that storytelling is something we create together, and every audience left feeling they had helped bring the tale to life.
David’s love of animals was woven through both his life and his stories. His beloved donkey, goats, dog, and cat were constant companions, and animals frequently found their way into the tales he chose to tell. Stories such as Jack and the Animals and The Lame Donkey reflected his appreciation for the loyalty, humor, perseverance, and wisdom found in the animal world. Just as he delighted in climbing trees barefoot, exploring nature, and observing the world with wonder, he invited audiences to see animals not merely as characters, but as treasured friends and teachers.
Although David’s life ended far too soon after a courageous year-long journey with cancer, he leaves behind a legacy far greater than his twenty-three years. He continued telling stories, serving the storytelling community, and sharing his gifts even while pursuing groundbreaking work in science and technology. As storyteller and friend Viveca Deanes wrote, David will be remembered for “his stories, willingness to serve… his freedom to live barefoot, and his determination to live until he died.” Those who experienced David’s storytelling will always remember the barefoot storyteller, the handfuls of imaginary foo-foo powder, the laughter, and the joy he shared so generously. His stories continue to remind us that wonder is real whenever we choose to imagine together.
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You can see more details on David Walker Brock with the Story Artists Memorial.
Do you know a Story Artist who has passed on and want others to remember them? Memories? Pictures? You can submit names and memories of Story Artists who have passed on through our online form.
One of the gifts living near the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is seeing many of the National Youth Storytellers perform in connection with that event. David Walker Brock was one of those storytellers. I had the joy of hearing him perform at National Youth Storytelling events, where his barefoot charm, playful imagination, and authentic connection with audiences made him truly memorable. It is an honor to help celebrate the life and legacy of someone who brought so much wonder to the storytelling community.
David Walker Brock still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.
