Dwight David Atcher

Dwight "David" Atcher of Lexington, Kentucky died suddenly on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at his home. He was born on December 9, 1952 in Louisville, Kentucky to Doris Conkwright Atcher and Luther Herman Atcher. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Everett of Salt Point, New York, his beloved sister Nancy Sue Atcher (Bill Payne) of Frankfort, Kentucky,  his daughter Nancy Tameson Atcher Diedrichs (Eric) and his son Clay David Atcher. He also cherished his relationships with cousin Jim Conkwright of Cecilia, Kentucky and classmate and lifelong friend Mark Greenfield of Seattle, Washington and many other cousins and friends. David was chosen to participate in Jefferson County School's "Advance Class" and went to advanced classes at Prestonia Elementary and Durrett High School from which he graduated in 1970. He then attended the University of Kentucky and made Lexington his home. He graduated from medical school and became a psychiatrist working at the University of Kentucky and Eastern State Psychiatric Hospital. He retired in 2004 and did consulting with the state of Kentucky and Stewart Home and School. He lived briefly in Seattle, Washington where he completed his residency and where his daughter Nancy was born. David became a proficient musician, learning to play the fiddle, banjo, hammered dulcimer, mandolin, guitar, piano and viola. He wrote and played traditional music and published a book of his tunes, which are played for and loved by musicians and contradancers around the country. He was on the founding board of the Lexington Traditional Dance Association contradance and played in the band Atcher, Beck and Kahl as well as many other bands in Kentucky and New York. He was much beloved for performing for the patients at his various workplaces. David loved basketball and played at Durrett High School and in pickup games at the University of Kentucky. He was an ardent fan of the UK Wildcats and watched the games everywhere he went. He moved to Salt Point, New York upon marrying in 2010 and purchased his dream farm with goats, chickens, pigs, turkeys, bees and a great dog. He built a large garden with a small orchard and entered his produce in the local county fair every year. He amassed hundreds of winning ribbons for his vegetable entries and won a ribbon for growing the largest potato in Dutchess County. His love for hunting and gardening resulted from his childhood summers on the Conkwright farm and his love of fishing was a gift from his beloved Uncle Ralph, who molded the "character" of David. David was the family genealogist, finding connections to Louisville's Randy Atcher and his great grandfather William Freeland Atcher, a decorated Civil War hero. He relished finding information on the family's Dutch and European connections. As a result of David's input, Randy Atcher received an Emmy award for his contribution to Louisville TV and music and William F. Atcher was recognized in a military service and received a headstone from the Veterans Administration. David was also a strong advocate for land preservation and was recognized by the Fayette Alliance for his efforts to block development on the north side of Lexington.

David will be remembered for his easy going personality and ability to see past the challenges of today to a brighter tomorrow, his generosity, his humble way of dressing, his sense of humor, his music and the prize winning vegetables he grew. He recently returned home to his beloved Kentucky to be closer to his children and sister. Private burial will be in Hardinsburg, Kentucky under the direction of Trent-Dowell Funeral Home. A memorial potluck and dance will be held on Saturday, October 7 at Artworks at the Carver School, Lexington, KY. The service is held in conjunction with the Lexington Traditional Dance Association, which Atcher helped found. Dinner starts at 6 PM and dance including David's former bandmates, musicians and caller friends playing some of his tunes at 8 PM. For more information: https://itda.us. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lexington Traditional Dance Association at www.Ltda.us

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