In Memoriam: Dave Koland

In Memoriam, Dave Koland

David Koland, known to friends as Dave, passed away on May 8, 2018, at the age of 75. Born in Oregon and raised in North Dakota, Dave attended the University of North Dakota, majoring in business. He put his skills to good use in many endeavors but ultimately directed them to his passion: water.

Known as the Water Guy by many, he was inducted into the North Dakota Water Users Hall of Fame in 2016. Most recently, Dave served as general manager for the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District for 13 years, executive director for the North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association for 11 years, and president of the North Dakota Water Education Foundation. Dave also served as president of the National Water Resources Association and on the NWRA board for many years. Prior to his career in water, Dave was a North Dakota legislator.

Dave was an active community member, involved in many organizations. He enjoyed golf, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Tudy, of 44 years; his daughter Stacey and her husband Todd Thorsell; grandsons Tracy Thorsell (Brooke) and Jesse Thorsell; one great-grandchild, Willie Thorsell; one brother, Gerald Koland; and two sisters, Janet Houle and Sharon Koland.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Koland, and his mother, Bessie Koland.

John Leininger (left), Garrison Diversion former board chairman, and Dave Koland, former Garrison Diversion general manager, in 2011.

I think the key is to look where you didn’t think you had opportunities before. Most people are disbelieving and say “no, that’s never been done before.” We have to find new ways to do things because we’re in a whole different world in agriculture now. Some situations don’t pay off right away. You might be able to come back later with some new players or technology and make something work that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

—Dave Koland, Irrigation Leader, 2011

Dave was such a great guy. A real out-of-the-box thinker and problem solver. His good-natured advice and solid counsel will be missed by the western water community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

—Kris Polly