David A. Lingwood
April 18, 1941 - February 17, 2011
Obituary
David A. Lingwood was born April 18, 1941, in Seattle to parents Thomas J. Lingwood and Elizabeth R. Watkinson Lingwood. An outdoorsman from the beginning, he spent his early days playing in the woods, listening to baseball on the radio, and tending to the tomatoes and corn on the family’s Normandy Park farm. He became pals with his grandfather, John Edwood Watkinson, as a teen, and the two of them shared many adventures together: fishing, hunting, learning to drive, and his only somewhat disastrous first crew cut.
After he graduated from Highline High School, he attended the University of Washington. There he joined Acacia Fraternity, met his wife-to-be, Toni, and became a proud member of the Husky Marching Band; years later, he stood on the field with his son, Mark, as they both played in the drumline for the Band’s 75th anniversary. His post-college years took him to Colombia with the Peace Corps and to Stanford University, where he earned his Ph.D in Communications and discovered his love of computers and data.
After a series of communications research jobs that took him to the University of Michigan and then back to Seattle, he settled down at Fircrest School, a DSHS facility where he spent the final 20 years of his career. He and Toni also raised their daughter, Stephanie and son, Mark in Seattle. The close proximity to both mountains and sound meant that the family spent countless hours camping, fishing, and sailing; he was also a fixture at Stephanie and Mark’s various sports events, and could boom a ‘Go, Steph/Mark!’ across a full-sized track.
David passed away on February 17, 2011 and is survived by his wife, Toni, kids Stephanie and Mark, daughters-in-law Julia and Kristen, and various other relatives and friends. Their lives have been forever touched by his caring, wit, and ability to wordsmith a well-turned phrase or pun. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 25, 2011 at Washington Memorial Park: 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to the University of Washington Husky Marching Band: https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift?page=funds&source_typ=3&source=BANDCS
I have fond memories of Dave helping me with Karen/Dougs’ engagement party. He had the script taxi gift idea & collected the funds for the project; so practical and needed. He was so happy and really into being the cameraman at their party, taking many great photos. They really enjoyed his,wanting to be included,attendance and helping out at the party. I am sad to see Dave not being able to enjoy more of his retirement but he was so lucky to have a wonderful, loving, supportive family both at home and at Fircrest. We will miss him!!!
Sharon
Dave is one of my most respected and treasured friends. So many great and strange memories! Running network wire under buildings with a slingshot and fishing line! Lunches playing billiards; fish n’ chips; Snappy Dragon; Pecos Pit; painstaking hours hashing over database design and usability; and trips to Oly for meetings and treasure hunts at State surplus. From the moment I met Dave he became a role model for me – a confident, hardworking individual with quick wit and genuine concern for everyone he encountered. And how he loved his family! Recollections of Dave in his quirky fishing hat, razor clamming boots, the makeshift pop-top camper, and boisterous cheers at Mariner’s games are but a few of the images I carry that will always bring a smile to my face. I miss my dear friend but take comfort that he has found rest in the presence of his Savior.
Dear Dave,
You were a great friend, colleague & great educator. I am sorry about your untimely passing from this earthly life. We will miss you greatly. My friend may you have an eternal peace forever!
You friend AK Akalu
I’ve been missing Dave. No one to call me “weasel” yell “get out of my office” or comments about “what the cat dragged in”… all said with a smile on his face followed by a sincere “how can I help”. In life we seldom come across such a remarkable person as my friend Dave Lingwood. His brilliance was always tempered by his humanity and gentle soul. Thank you for being a wonderful friend and teacher. In a quiet way he made the world a better place. To Dave’s family and friends please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of this dear man. I think perhaps a new star rose into the sky on February 17, 2011
Tim Cullinan, Dave’s friend and Fircrest colleague
It is always a shock to hear when someone you know has left our world. Heartfelt sympathy to Dave’s family. I also worked at Fircrest and enjoyed my trips to his cave of an office, piled high with arcane electronic devices. Dave’s corner was plastered with pictures of the things he loved and he always had time to tell a an interesting and entertaining story. Often this would brighten my day. I also think of him everytime I use the cursed database which is just about daily. I will miss Dave.
I knew Dave as a dependable parental figure smiling a sly smile from the background of many of my childhood memories. Things that are pure Dave: Husky Marching band, Volvos, Mariners baseball, the family truck, and great action shots at gymnastics and track meets. He could calmly hold his own with a herd of teenagers and withstand days of frigid weather in the stands at West Seattle sports events. His passions found their way surely into the hearts of the next generation; I even found myself dancing along and yelling my head off during several Husky band–takes–over-frat-row evenings at UW. Dave was a warm and caring father and he will live on in style through Mark and Stephanie, and others who knew him the whole fam-dam-ly, as Dave might say. Thanks Dave, for giving all that you did.
I express my sincere condolences to you all. I was so saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. Like many folks I worked with Dave at Fircrest. I worked in the Clinic and he was the mentor for many of us learning computer skills and all that hardware, software and programming entails. Thank goodness for ITs but more, that Dave in particular was such a character! I learned so much from Dave and appreciated his knowledge certainly but also his crazy, dry wit. It was a pleasure to work with him. I was sorry to have missed his retirement party, but I had preceded him in retiring and was honored with his gift to me – some of the family heirloom tomato seeds. I will them plant this year and treasure the gift again. I’m so glad to have known you Dave Lingwood!
Therese and I want to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I have known Dave since college days. I was Dave and Toni’s Maid of Honor. He was so much fun and had such a good wit. The angels will be laughing! He has left us too soon. Dianne
Mark & Kristen and family, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts are with you.