David Toll, a Legendary Writer, Journalist and Nevadan

David Toll, a renowned writer, journalist and Nevadan, passed away Sunday, February 13 after suffering from an extended illness. A member of the Nevada Press Association for over four decades, David earned awards for feature writing.

David’s most significant semi-professional achievement was reviving the Gold Hill News, an old paper last published in the 1880s. It was an experiment, but it paid off.

Early Life and Education

David Toll was born in Los Angeles, CA on July 24, 1936 to Carroll C. Toll and Jessie Gorham Toll.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles as well as a Master’s in Communication Studies. For two decades he taught in the public school system.

David is not only a teacher, but also an author and researcher. He’s creating a youth-powered movement to combat the stigmas attached to learning differences and give students the tools and confidence they need to advocate for themselves.

Professional Career

David Toll has dedicated his professional career to serving others. He has extensive experience in advertising sales, international business and political fundraising.

David has served on the Boards of Directors for multiple organizations. His passion for diversity and inclusion drives him to make Toll Brothers an inclusive workplace for all employees.

Professor of engineering, his research interests lie in unsaturated soils and how to create engineering solutions for natural hazards. Furthermore, he is the new chair of the British Geotechnical Association (BGA).

Achievements and Honors

David Toll, who passed away in February 2016, was an acclaimed author and small-time publisher renowned for his passionate appreciation of Nevada.

David Toll’s most recent book is Nevada: A 50-Year Tour of America’s Most Interesting State (2021). It includes tales he’s written for Nevada Magazine and other publications over the years.

Before becoming a director of photography (DP), Toll had experience as an AC and camera operator on commercials. His first big break came with director Carroll Ballard’s 1992 sailing-drama Wind, leading him to numerous credits on long-form films with top directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Robbie Greenberg; additionally, he is one of only four cinematographers to win back-to-back Oscars for Best Cinematography in 1994 and 1995.

Personal Life

On Sunday, February 13th, David Toll – author of the award-winning Nevada travel guide and founder of Gold Hill News – passed away after a long illness. His obituary notes that for 50 years his writing, publishing and speaking have done more to promote Nevada than anyone else.

He was an active member of the press association, wrote for numerous publications and was an original employee of Nevada Department of Tourism. His book “The Complete Nevada Traveler,” now in its 12th edition, was the best-selling book on Nevada ever published.

He is survived by his beloved travel companion and wife, Robin Cobbey; children Sam Toll of Gold Hill; Sarah Hinman of Pleasant Hill, California; Rachel Ching of Austin, Texas; Lt. Col John Toll from Fort Bragg NC; Alexandra Toll from Oakland California; Christopher Toll of Gold Hill; thirteen grandchildren and one great grandson; as well as many cousins around the world.

Net Worth

David Toll is a highly successful and esteemed financial planner. His passion lies in providing clarity to complex financial matters and aiding people make informed decisions with their money.

He possesses a comprehensive technical background and is dedicated to providing holistic financial planning for all clients. His clients include dentists, doctors, lawyers, executives and high-net-worth families.

Forbes estimates his net worth to be approximately $1.1 billion.

He was the co-founder of Toll Brothers, one of the nation’s largest home builders. Under his guidance, they expanded from their base in the northeast to include homebuilding operations throughout the West Coast, Southeast and Texas.

On February 13th in New York City, Toll passed away from Parkinson’s disease. Survived by his wife Jane and five children plus 13 grandchildren, he will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind.