Honoring the Life and Legacy of Co-Founder David Hartsough 

With deep sadness, we share the passing of David Hartsough, co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce and a lifelong advocate for nonviolent action. David has passed away at the age of 84 after a battle with cancer. David dedicated his life to the unwavering belief that peace is not only possible but must be actively built. His vision and commitment to nonviolence shaped countless movements, from the civil rights sit-ins of the 1960s to peacebuilding efforts in Kosovo, and to the creation of multiple peace organizations, including Peaceworkers, World Beyond War, and Nonviolent Peaceforce. His memoir, Waging Peace: Global Adventures of a Lifelong Activist, tells the story of his decades spent on the frontlines of nonviolent action. 

It was at the 1999 Hague Appeal for Peace that David’s vision for a nonviolent peaceforce found powerful resonance. In collaboration with Mel Duncan, Mary Lou Ott, and other visionary activists, David helped transform this dream into reality. In 2002, he stood among peace advocates from 49 countries in Surajkund, India, to officially establish Nonviolent Peaceforce. Just one year later, NP’s first civilian protection team was on the ground in Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of an enduring commitment to nonviolent peacekeeping. 

David was more than a founder—he was a pillar of nonviolent action. He lived his principles with extraordinary courage, standing on the frontlines of justice, resisting war and militarism, and tirelessly training others in the art of nonviolent resistance. He understood that isolation is lethal for peacemakers, and that solidarity can be lifesaving. His life’s work ensured that communities facing violence were not alone, that unarmed civilian protection became a tangible practice, and that nonviolence remained an unshakable force for change. 

David’s impact was deeply personal as well. NP Executive Director Tiffany Easthom shared: 

“David Hartsough was a force of nature in the peace and nonviolence movement—his belief in the power of unarmed civilian protection was not just theoretical; it was how he lived every day. Without his vision, relentless optimism, and refusal to accept violence as inevitable, Nonviolent Peaceforce would not exist as it does today. His work shaped our mission, and his legacy is woven into every act of protection we carry out. David had remained deeply committed to the work of NP. 

Over the years, I often found myself in San Francisco representing NP in various capacities, and spending time with David and his wife, Jan, became a meaningful part of my visits. These were never just friendly catch-ups—David was always prepared. Sitting across from me with his clipboard in hand, he had reading materials and a list of pressing topics to discuss. He asked thoughtful, probing questions, challenging my thinking and modeling the perseverance that defined his life’s work. His unwavering commitment to creative nonviolence offered solutions even for the most intractable situations, leaving an enduring impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.” 

NP Board Member Tiff Tool shared: 

"When I moved to San Francisco in 2012, David and his wife Jan were our first friends, who opened their community to me and Frank, lovingly. I spent years going to his Echo Lake Cabin with my family and even spent a trip with him there. He is absolutely and truly one of the most amazing people I have and will ever meet—with so much love, no judgment, and caring for all. I am heartbroken, yet I know that NP could not have existed as it does today without him, and he lives on through everything he has built, including the work we continue today. I will miss him beyond words.” 

As we mourn his passing, we recommit ourselves to the vision David carried forward: a world where conflicts are met not with weapons, but with courage, presence, and the steadfast belief in our shared humanity. 

Rest in power, David. Your light continues in the work of all who walk the path of peace. 

“David’s unwavering commitment to justice, his deep kindness, and his boundless belief in humanity will continue to inspire us,” Tiffany Easthom shared. 

"We will honor his life by carrying his vision forward."