Andrew David
January 22, 1946 - May 29, 2014
Obituary
CAPTAIN ANDREW DAVID
January 22, 1946 TO May 29, 2014
Andrew David was born in Ames, Liberty County Texas to Dennier David and Anna Mae White David. He was baptized March 24, 1946 at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Ames, Texas.
The family moved to Seattle in 1954. He was a life-long member of St. Therese Catholic Church. Andrew graduated from Garfield High School and attended Western Washington University. His education was interrupted by his induction into the Army. Andrew David was distinguished, along with the 9th infantry, during his service in Viet Nam.
In 1968 Andrew joined the Seattle Fire Department. He was one of the first Black Fire Fighters hired in the City of Seattle. During his 28 years of service, Andrew was awarded numerous awards and commendations for his bravery. In one notable incident Andrew, while off duty, rushed into a burning building and rescued an elderly occupant. Andrew retired from the Fire Department in 1996.
While working as the Fire Department Legal Officer, Andrew met Assistant City Attorney Marilyn Sherron. After a long but fun-filled courtship, Andrew and Marilyn were married in a beautiful ceremony in April, 1994.
Andrew’s greatest joy was family; his son Jason and daughter, Analise, and his grandchildren. He was a serious fisherman (in fact, Marilyn and Andrew’s first date was a fishing trip), an avid golfer, great cook and he could entertain endlessly with long funny stories about his rich life experiences.
Andrew was an active member of the Cathay Post of the American Legion. He maintained active associations with retired Black fighters.
Captain David was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Rose Mary Neal and Audrey Washington, his brothers Jack Edward and Roland. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, and two children, Jason and Analise David; two grandchildren Jason II and Kalia, his sisters Mary Ann Thibodeaux, Margaret Nicols, Beatrice Sledge and Cynthia Tippen, and brothers: Dennis and Michael, and his father-in-law, Robert Sherron. He leaves behind numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he loved like family.
My name is Mary Ann and I am Andrew’s older sister. Andrew was remarkable in so many ways. He lived his life to the fullest and touched so many people during this time here with us. As I began to reach out for the right words to express my thoughts about my brother Andrew, I remembered the many conversations we recently had. We talked about many things: doctors and cancer and how we felt the first time we were both told we had cancer. We talked about how fulfilling his life was…. And about his children.
My brother, no more pain…. No more suffering…. The pages of your book will never be closed because of the wonderful legacy you leave behind.
Your sister
Mary Ann
Uncle Andrew’s love will always be remembered. I was a little girl when he came into my life, and he played a big role I will never forget.
I lived in Tacoma with Grandpa Robert and Grandma Clara, but I will never forget my trips to Seattle and how much fun I had with him and Aunt Marilyn. He would always say goodnight to us with a kiss on the forehead. One for me, one for Aunt Marilyn. His burgers were perfect, his gumbo was the talk of the town.
Years later, he made sure I had every newspaper clipping from The Seattle Times during the 1994 Olympics when the “Magnificent 7” gymnastics team danced their way into history. I still have that folder with each aand every newspaper clipping.
The Jeep Cherokee with wood side paneling is still remembered today, usually with laughs and stories about how the way things used to be. Stories were his specialty. He was always good for a story from yesteryear. It could be a warm summer day in Seattle, but his stories would make you feel like you were sitting around a campfire. One was an old story about how Aunt Marilyn wanted to gather the pine cones during one of their camping adventures back in the day. (And yes, apparently she did say “gather”!) One of my biggest adventures was the summer of 2005. I spent the entire summer, three months solid, in Seattle. Analise was just 7 years old and every night he would tuck her in bed, give her a kiss on the forehead and then the exchange began…. I love you, I love you two, I love you three, I love you four… then they would race each other to say, “I love you more!!”
I’m going to miss you Uncle Andrew. You called me your second daughter and I’m honored and proud because of it. I love you.
We are so sorry for your loss. Marilyn, we love you and our hearts ache for you.
Marilyn,
I am so sorry for your loss. My God give you and your family peace during such a difficult time.
Marilyn: Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Your extended work familly is thinking of you and is here to support you in any way we can.
We sincerely send our deepest sympathies to you and Analis on the loss of your husband and her father. God’s Peace and Comfort to you.
My deepest sympathy to all Uncle Andrews (DeAndrea David) family.
My heart and prayers go out to the whole family. May The Lord comfort you as you morn the loss of your beloved.
Prayers and Blessings Always!
Dearest Andrew
The house is empty without you. I miss your stories and your laugh. I miss the bar b que and the trips to Sun Yun. I miss the western Channel. You knew every ending. Your life was in reality bigger than those simple tales. Your courageous acts of heroism on and off duty will be felt for generations. Your heart was so big your kindness to my father and the stories from your son Jason tells make me a better person.
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. A MAN IS JUSTIFIED BY HIS WORKS AS THEY COME FROM HIS HEART.
I was honored to serve with you as training officers for new recruits. Seattle is a much better place because of your efforts on & off duty. RIP my friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Love,
Bishop Alfred Roberson, Class of 65, Garfield High.
R.I.P. Fellow Bulldog, you will be missed.
Marilyn, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Thank you for being a good friend when I was in the fire dept. And for all the help you provided during my times of trouble.
Andrew was in the 1965 graduating class at James S. Garfield High School as I was. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
We are heartsick at your loss. I know words cannot ease the pain but I want to share my favorite quote that may help in the difficult days ahead:
And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth.
-Raymond Carver.
Rest in Peace Dear Andrew..
Love,
Monica
I met Andrew thru my kids, who went to school with Analise. Sometime later he and Marilyn moved into our neighborhood. Andrew was a quiet and friendly presence who I would often run into when I went for walks with the dog. I would stop and chat, knowing that I would be there for a while as Andrew would spin a yarn for me. God speed Andrew, you were the salt of the earth.
Marilyn, Analise and Jason
I have known Andrew for many years. As a member of Cathay Post 186, he was always there
when we needed volunteers for the firing squad, or spaghetti feed dinner. It was at one of these events when another member dropped.
David King was a veteran of WWII and always in failing health. But low and behold there was Andrew David by his side getting vital signs, while on the phone to 911.
Andrew loosened his shirt and was starting CPR. When as sudden as he went down, David King came to, sat up, and promptly looked Andrew in the eyes, and emptied his stomach all over him. Without missing a beat Andrew told David King that he was going to live. That was not the only time that Andrew was in the right place at the right time.
Andrew could be difficult at times, but always a friend. And I will miss him.
Terry Nicholas
Commander
Cathay Post 186
American Legion
Seattle
My sympathy to Marilyn and family.
Former Principal of Marilyn.
Willie Stewart.
Marilyn –
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Julie
Marilyn, Annalise, and Jason….
Sending my condolences to you and your family. Sorry to hear about the passing of Andrew! Have you and your family in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Erica Watson
Dear Marilyn,
I’ve been traveling and just got back and read about Andrew’s passing. Please accept my deep condolences and know that I’m thinking about you.
Dewey
What a loss to our neighborhood! Andrew and I talked so many times as I walked around our neighborhood, and he was so ironic and funny. And he always, always waved when I drove by.
Marilyn and Analise, we are so very sorry. Russ, Morgan and I send our deepest sympathies to you.
what a good man. i remember watching andrew speeding down 32nd Ave E with his fishing pole tethered to the bar of his bike. he was on his way, as was i (on foot), to the arboretum lagoon to catch perch, sunfish, crappie, catfish. he was so focused, determined.