Remembering “Compassion Guy,” David Breaux, at posthumous birthday celebration
By Sean Campbell
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–
On Monday, Feb. 26, friends and family of David Breaux gave away free Boston Cream Pies at “Compassion Corner” in Downtown Davis, from 10 to 11:30 a.m, to commemorate what would have been his 51st birthday.
Breaux was the first victim of last year’s serial killer, Carlos Reales Dominguez. But he was so much more than that.
“The impact David (Breaux) had on Davis is immeasurable,” Kari Peterson, a friend of Breaux, said. “By the virtue of his kindness and his ability to connect with people one-on-one, he touched thousands of people.”
Breaux was known for sitting on what would become “Compassion Bench,” where the event was held, to record any who would answer his question, ‘what is compassion?’
Peterson was the editor of Breaux’s book, “Compassion: Davis, CA,” which compiled the first 1,000 definitions he obtained. Peterson also worked with Breaux on his compassion tour, where he visited more than 20 states to share his message.
Breaux’s death sent shockwaves through the community.
“It is shocking when anyone is murdered,” Peterson said. “But when it is someone like David (Breaux), who is such a positive presence in everyone’s lives, it is unfathomable. It is something many people are still grappling with, including myself.”
David Breaux’s sister, Maria Breaux, is thankful to be supported while processing the loss. “I am so blessed to have my family, a supportive community, both at home and in Davis, as well as my own resilience,” she said. “Having all of these things allows me to grieve and come to terms with losing someone I loved.”
Maria Breaux currently lives in San Francisco, and was in town to view the retrial of Reales Dominguez, David Breaux’s murderer. The initial trial was postponed due to Reales Dominguez being found mentally incompetant for trial. The retrial happened to begin on the 26th as well.
“It could be a time to be despondent and have a lot of despair. But we are celebrating, because that is what David (Breaux) would have wanted,” Maria Breaux said.
Maria Breaux was the organizer of the event. She picked Boston Cream Pies because when she moved with her brother to Stanford, where they both went to college, eating cafeteria cream pies became a tradition for the two of them.
“We didn’t grow up very well off, so when we got to Stanford, what is often seen as a downgrade for college students, the mess hall food, was an upgrade for us. Like wow, three meals a day,” Maria Breaux said. “Eating the cream pies together was always a joyful moment for us and I wanted to give that to the community.”
Amidst the trial and the grief, the event was a chance to show compassion for everyone, and make the community a better place.
“I hope we can continue this and make it an annual event,” Peterson said. “It helps us remember that life is about love and compassion, and reminds us of our memories with David (Breaux).”
View more about the event at the link below.
