Obituary of David G. Nation

David G. Nation, 63, of Chestnut Hill, an attorney and corporate executive, died on Sunday, August 28 at home surrounded by his family. The cause of death was brain cancer. Until his recent retirement due to his illness, David was the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and General Counsel at Bentley Systems, the Exton-based infrastructure software company. He also supervised Bentley's Human Resources department, led various business development activities, and served on Board of Directors. During his tenure at Bentley, David negotiated dozens of acquisitions, expanding Bentley to over 50 locations worldwide. David was also instrumental in opening the company's satellite office in Philadelphia, positioning Bentley to attract young engineering talent from local universities. David was born in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Robert F. and Annette Mumma Nation. He graduated from Elizabethtown Area High School, where he excelled in sports and academics. He received his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and his law degree from Boston University School of Law. Prior to joining Bentley Systems, David was senior Vice President and General Counsel of Continental Medical Systems (CMS), in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He had previously represented CMS and Bentley while a partner at Drinker, Biddle, and Reath, the law firm he joined upon graduation from law school. David served on the board of, and chaired, the Business Software Alliance; was the co-chair of Corporate Advisory Committee of CampusPhilly; and was a member of Session and Chair of the Finance Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. He also co-chaired the church's Legacy Circle, led a minister search committee, and participated in Social Witness projects including mission trips to Haiti and post-Katrina Mississippi. He devoted countless hours to coaching his children's softball and basketball teams, assisting in Boy Scout activities, and heading his local homeowners association. He was a member of the Philadelphia Cricket Club and served on its Finance Committee. David was an avid golfer, skier, and hiker. He particularly loved exploring the Wissahickon Valley trails near his home with his beloved schnauzer, Maxie. He enjoyed travel, and treasured memories of trips with his family. After his diagnosis, he often told friends and family how grateful he was for such "an abundant life." David is survived by his wife of 34 years, Suzan Willcox, and three children: Emily (John Haskell) of Snowmass, Colorado; Christopher, of Denver, Colorado; and Robert, of Philadelphia. He also leaves behind his sister, Susan Collins (Dennis) of Lititz, Pennsylvania. Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by a contribution in David's memory to Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill or to The Friends of the Wissahickon , 40 W. Evergreen Ave. ,Suite 108,Phila.Pa.19118