Car crash claims life of Dreamland Farm owner David Molski remembered for love of animals, farm and community service BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer Marianne T. Kinnear (l-r), David Molski, driver John Patterson Jr., Richard Orbann, Paul W. Kinnear and Clara Molski celebrate Yankee Dreamboat's victory at Garden State Park. UPPER FREEHOLD - A single-car accident on July 20 took the life of a man who many say had one of the most colorful personalities in town. David Molski, 62, the owner of Dreamland Farm on Stagecoach Road, died in a crash on Holmes Mill Road. His two small dogs, which were in the 1992 Ford F-150 truck with him, survived the accident, according to Animal Control Officer Mary Klink. Molski was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the New Jersey State Police. Bob Baggitt Jr., who has trained Molski's racehorses for the past three years, spoke to Molski twice that morning. Baggitt's wife also spoke to Molski at 9:45 a.m. Molski left his farm shortly after the phone call with Baggitt's wife and was on his way to a local bank at the time of the crash. The state police report estimated that the accident took place at 9:56 a.m. Baggitt, who met Molski at a horse sale, recalled him as "a fun guy who led his life to the fullest." Baggitt also described Molski as a "very hands-on" horse owner who made sure that everything related to his animals' care and breeding was top of the line. Many people in the area were shocked to learn of Molski's death. Planning Board Administrator Susan Babbitt said his sudden passing is devastating to her. She said Molski lit up a room when he walked into it." "He was a close friend, a good person, and I will miss him very much," Babbitt said. Babbitt said Molski and his wife, Clara, love Dreamland Farm and that the place is "his dream come true." "He was very passionate about it and the land," she said. "And he so loved his horses and his dogs, which he brought everywhere with him." In May, the township's Planning Board had approved a subdivision of Molski's farm. Babbitt said Molski intended the subdivision "to enhance, rather than take away from the beautiful property." "He was very smart, a quick study, [and] became very knowledgeable about every aspect of his subdivision," Babbitt said. "Particularly, when it came to the soils and soil testing." Babbitt said she used to kid around with Molski, telling him that he should change professions. J. David Holmes also remembered Molski as a quick study, as well as a creative, analytical man who lived the lifestyle he really wanted to live. Holmes said that Molski came to Cream Ridge knowing nothing about farming or equipment and that he learned everything. "He wasn't educated, but [was] more astute than he was given credit for," Holmes said, adding that Molski had built up a successful business despite his lack of formal education. Holmes also said Molski had a terrific memory and would often repeat word for word what Holmes had said months earlier. Ivan Olinsky, president of Princeton Nurseries, called Molski a unique individual. "Dave was real," Olinsky said. "There was no fluff. "He was a man of his word," he added, "and once he considered you his friend, he would do anything to help you." Olinsky said he spoke to Molski almost every day and in a conversation they had the night before the accident, Molski spoke about his two fillies that were going to race. Molski assisted Olinsky with the GiveBack Foundation, a local nonprofit that helps raise support and funding for various community endeavors. "He was a person who really cared about helping others and has been there over the years working side by side with me to help others," Olinsky said. "Dave never wanted the recognition - just [to] get [it] done." Olinsky remembered Molski as a "very sensitive individual" with a great love for animals, especially his dogs. He added, "Don't get me wrong. If Dave didn't agree with you, you would know it." Olinsky said Molski never backed down from a heated discussion if he thought he was right. "But most people didn't know that under that choreographed exterior was a beautiful person who made a difference in many people's lives," Olinsky said. "I and many others will truly miss my friend Dave." Bob Marks, the marketing director of Perretti Farms in Cream Ridge, agreed that Molski was a unique and colorful individual. "He was also a good friend if he was your friend," Marks said. "No pretensions. What you saw was what you got. I will miss him." While Molski "was always throwing a curveball with his antics," according to Holmes, at the same time he was sizing people up and trying to figure out where they were coming from. "He was a trip," Holmes said. Holmes also said Molski once told him that he never expected to live to old age. A New York City native, Molski is survived by his wife, many nieces including Gina Ghent, and many nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service was held July 24 at Peppler Funeral Home in Allentown.