David Spivey
Obituary
David Spivey, 69, of Seattle, died suddenly of causes incident to cancer on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. He fought a courageous battle with clear-eyed composure, grace, and dignity.
He is survived by his wife and partner of 12 years Anne Sorensen and his stepdaughter Adrian Ashworth, both of Seattle; his twin sister Diane Francis, sister Jennifer Williamson, brother-in-law Dave Williamson, all of Beverley, England; his nieces Sarah McAloon of Dallas, Claire Chapoulet of Buckinghamshire, England, and Kate Wilson of Boston, and several great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Henry, mother Elizabeth, and brother Mickey.
David started in the road construction business in England, moved to Australia for 17 years and then eventually Seattle, where he had a fulfilling career as an asphalt and pavement construction executive with the Australian company CSR (Rinker), and later consultant to the industry. David was appreciated at Rinker for being a skilled and generous mentor; it was the part of his job he later remembered with the most satisfaction. He served as Director for Washington Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) from 1998 to 2003, an experience which enriched his life greatly and where he acquired many wonderful associations. He received his degree in photography from Newport College of Art and Design as a young man, after serving in the same British army regiment as his father. He loved world travel, good food and drink, and socializing with good company. He noted he had always lived by an ocean where fresh local oysters were available. Having grown up in Hull, he was a life-long Hull City Tigers fan. David had a musical ear and could pick up a song in a heartbeat, and sing it with the most articulate, intelligent phrasing. We will miss his sense of humor, shrewd judgment, and big heart. We are loath to say goodbye.
A small private memorial service for immediate family and close colleagues was held Sept. 16 at Bonney-Watson on Capitol Hill. On Oct. 21 extended family in England will gather to celebrate David’s life and return him to Yorkshire. Afterward, David’s Seattle-area colleagues and friends will gather for an informal celebration of his life, time and place to be determined.
The family wishes to thank the incredible medical teams at Virginia Mason, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and University of Washington Medical Center for the very high quality of care David was provided during these challenging years. We request any donations in David’s name be made to Virginia Mason Nephrology Fund, Seattle.
David was a friend, colleague and mentor to many of us at the Washington Asphalt Pavement Association and throughout the paving community. He molded the Association into it’s modern form and he nurtured it with wisdom, wit, perspective and his always unique insight during all the intervening years after his retirement from WAPA.
David touched many lives here in his “home town” of Seattle. He was truly a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime type of personality. He will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Best wishes to the family at this trying time.
With my deepest sympathies – Dave was a larger than life friend and colleague .Will miss him greatly. Loved his wit and intelligence
Always a mentor, and a dear friend
Rest in peace
Many of us remember David for his passionate advocacy of the transportation industry in Washington. He succeeded and we all are the beneficiaries of his efforts.
We will miss David’s witty sense of humor and his ability to hold one’s attention with a great story!
I thank you my friend for sharing your wisdom, humor and friendship. You will be missed. God bless.
Happy Birthday David. Miss you.