David Dahlgren
Mystic — David “Dave” Dahlgren, 68, died Dec. 30, 2020. He was born in Westerly, son of the late Thorsten and Eleanor (Muntimurri) Dahlgren.
Original, brilliant, frequently entertaining, occasionally irascible and always interesting, Dave was a one of a kind. He set his own course and followed his own values. As an engineer, Dave approached his work with rigorous mental discipline combined with a high level of craftsmanship, and more than a touch of the classic Yankee tinkerer. He did not suffer fools gladly and was utterly unimpressed by posers and self-preening careerists, regardless of any certifications and credentials they might have possessed. There was also more than a bit of an artist hidden in that sometimes-crusty exterior as well; he expected the results of his work to possess a certain organic beauty, one that would reflect the thoughtful processes that went into the task itself. There was a definite sense of ethos in the way he conceptualized his work and then realized that concept in physical material, and the resulting harmony of form and function was the proof of its integrity.
Dave was a largely self-educated person. Offered an attractive scholarship to one of the best engineering schools, he stayed in Mystic to care for his father and developed his extensive collection of skills on his own. Dave’s passion for racing was sparked at Fitch’s automotive program. He later apprenticed with Ed Lanier at Ed’s Autobody and cut his teeth at the Waterford Speedway. Dave’s technical expertise eventually resulted in his holding some impressive positions such as running Moroso’s NASCAR engine shop. Nevertheless, even an occupation like that could not fulfill the breadth and depth of his hard-won knowledge; an institutional career was never going to be the right place for his talents.
Engine Management Systems, his own business, was the outgrowth of his desire to take on the most interesting and demanding work available. To call EMS a “shop” would be an immense understatement; EMS was a one-man factory and prototype house combined. When asked to provide a system, Dave would design all the physical components needed, and then go on to fabricate and machine all the pieces himself. He would also specify all the electrical components and build up the wiring harnesses. Then he would do all the programming and mapping of the system, install it, and supervise the tuning of it for its specific application. His many competition successes included two first places at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and at least 13 land speed records at the Bonneville and Australia across multiple classes with both cars and motorcycles. Also an inventor, Dave holds a patent for a pulse width modulated controller for nitrous oxide and fuel delivery.
Those who knew Dave well got to know some of his hidden sides, such as his love of and pride in his children. Then there was his knowledge of history, his appreciation of aesthetics, his interest in the arcane; he was also a fine cook and a romantic. The many favors he performed, such as when he rebuilt the pumping mechanism for B.F. Hoxie’s historic horse-drawn firetruck or the gratis consulting he did for so many people, was how he expressed his connection to others. In an age of increasing slickness and preoccupation with superficial values, Dave stood out as someone who was willing to pay the price through hard work for his deeply felt sensibilities.
A lifelong resident of Mystic, Dave’s grandparents Holger and Martha moved to the area so their son Arvid, who was born deaf, could attend the Oral School. Originally from Sweden, Holger operated a tailor shop on West Main Street and then at the family home on Ashby Street, where his sons Hans, Arvid and Thorsten also worked as tailors. David is survived by son Christopher Hans Dahlgren; daughter Jennifer Lea Dahlgren; and granddaughter Adeline Gail Sweeney. He will be truly missed.
To honor David’s commitment to resourcefulness and self-education, donations may be made in his memory to the Mystic Noank Library. Website for donations is www. mysticnoanklibrary.org (reference David Dahlgren when making a memorial gift).
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, and is open for everyone who would like to attend. COVID-19 precautions will be observed. To leave an online tribute or condolence, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com.