David Edward Herald
September 13, 1914 - October 3, 2007
Obituary
David Edward HERALD
At age 93, David Edward Herald passed away October 3, 2007, with his family at his side at Crista Senior Living, where David resided the past three years. Born in Seattle on September 13, 1914, David was the beloved husband for the past 12 years of Joan Falskow Herald; cherished father of Tina Bob Kirk and Dana Dan Whittaker; adored grandfather of Adam Flink and Megan Jeremy Long; revered uncle of David C., Leif, and Charraine Herald; loved stepfather of Lisa Steve Turnure and Chris Falskow; and treasured step-grandfather of Alexandria and Hailey Turnure. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Muriel Bogart Herald; his parents, Ernest and Emily Herald; and his brothers, Stoddard Adams and Charles Herald.
David graduated from Garfield High School in 1932 and from the University of Washington in1936 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemistry, building a successful 35-year career as a metallurgist at several local steel plants. He joined Broadview Community Church in 1958, supporting it throughout his lifetime with his treasures, time, and talent as the choir’s lead baritone, as a member and officer on its council board, and as a master gardener of the church grounds. Likewise, since the 1960’s, David contributed years of community service as a member and officer of the Ballard Kiwanis, receiving recognition and citations for his dedication to the community.
David enjoyed an illustrious local musical career as a popular baritone. His singing spanned more than six decades and included performing with the Seattle Opera during the 1960’s and 70’s, as well as in numerous other musical groups and theatrical productions from the 1950’s to the present. Some of his performances in recent years included his favorite soprano, his wife, Joan, also an accomplished opera singer.
David relished traveling. His daughters recall many carefree and happy family trips throughout the Pacific Northwest, California, and Hawaii. Likewise, many of his happiest times were those spent traveling with his wife, Joan, and their dear friends to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe. Particularly memorable were the musically-themed cruises down the Rhein and Mosel Rivers.
An avid fisherman from a very early age, David shared his love of angling with his father, brothers, and the many fishing buddies he made from all his walks of life. Though David cast his reel anywhere and everywhere, he favored fly fishing, especially in the numerous lakes and streams of the King/Snohomish county area. He savored the outdoors, delighting in nature; and fishing provided the perfect venue for that.
Another avenue to Nature’s wonders was David’s green thumb. First introduced to gardening at the age of four by his mother, also an accomplished gardener, the two tended one of Seattle’s first Victory Gardens of World War I. David satisfied his yen to work with all things growing by continuing to tend his family’s yard and garden throughout his formative years, and never lived anywhere that he did not have some earth to tend. He most loved his roses and his fruit trees, much to the delight of his family and neighbors.
Some of the most idyllic times for David were the more than 50 years he enjoyed at “Camp David,” the family cabin in Belfair on Hood Canal. Providing abundant opportunity for both gardening and fishing, David cultivated, dug, trolled, cast, trapped, and shucked to his heart’s content against the celestial backdrop of the Olympic Mountains.
David counted among his many friends his fellow residents and devoted caregivers at Crista Senior Living. He leaves them cherished and melodious memories of his daily piano playing and sing-alongs and the intoxicating beauty of the garden he nurtured to their delight. Completing his legacy are the many smiles and laughter David fostered through his silly jokes, puns, and quick wit. All at Crista loved him dearly and shall miss the spirit of joy he brought into their lives.
Likewise, David’s family cherishes memories too numerous to list. His wife, Joan, feels blessed to work at Crista, which afforded her and David opportunities for togetherness they might otherwise have missed. Her most treasured memories are of the wonderful trips they shared together, and the many happy times spent with loving friends.
What she most loved about him is how he made her laugh.
David’s favorite song was “I Love Life,” and every day he lived life to it fullest. Even when compromised by his illness, David reached for life’s gusto and found joy in the love returned to him by his friends and family. Ever the gentleman, David’s warmth, love, and endless sense of humor and wit shall remain always in the hearts of the many who loved him. It has been said that the true measure of a man’s success can be found in the quality of his relationships with others. Without question, David Edward Herald not only met, but most certainly exceeded that measure.
Memorials and remembrances may be sent to the American Heart Association, 1280 South Parker Road, Denver, CO, 80231, or to The Good Samaritan Fund at Crista Senior Living, 19303 Fremont Avenue North, Shoreline, WA., 98133.
My deepest condolences to the family of David Herald. What a great friend, singer and a man of principle. I will miss him, but what a great life.
With deepest heartfelt sympathy at this time of your loss.
Dear Joan,Tina,Dana and families,
I was saddened when I read about the death of your husband and father.I understand your great sense of loss, of this man who was life itself. He loved life and lived it accordingly. As the wife of one of his fishing buddies, Les Gamble,and as a fellow parishiner for many years, I fondly remember all the stories and laughs that followed each and every one of their fishing trip. He last sang for Les at his memorial service three years ago. Some how I know that they are up there in the great beyond laughing, singing and fishing once again.
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences. He truelly will be missed.
Dear Joan. So sorry we missed not meeting you or seeing David before he passed. I sit here with my wife of 60-years, Sandy lamenting David’s passing. Sandy is the daughter of Leo Saukko who knew David for many many years and they attended UW together. God Bless. John and Sandy Graham ♥️ Johngraham511@aol.com