David E Simpson

David Eugene Simpson, 94, died at his home in Port Orchard, Washington on January 18, 2017. He was born August 6, 1922 in Tacoma, Washington to Eugene and Margaret (Olsen) Simpson. David graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington. He married Mary Elizabeth Owens on October 18, 1946 in Tacoma, Washington.

David was a member of the United State Navy, from March 23, 1944 to May 31, 1946. He was assigned to Service Landing Craft Unit #62 as a ship fitter third class before being honorably discharged. He received the American Area Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. Upon being discharged he continued to serve his country as a Naval Architect Technician at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard until his retirement on December 30, 1977. During his tenure at PSNS, he worked on projects involving jet blast deflectors, aircraft elevator systems, and catapults on various aircraft carriers, receiving beneficial suggestion awards for his innovative solutions. His work and experiences provided several opportunities for travel to Spain, Japan, and many US Naval installations.

Other activities David was involved in included his various associations: the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, a 55 year member of the First Lutheran Community Church congregation, a proud member of the National Rifle Association, and a Life Membership with the Sons of Norway – Oslo Lodge #35 in Bremerton.

David will be best remembered for the many talents and interests he had. In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting all kinds of game, fishing, digging for razor clams, and crabbing. Two of his prized trophies were a black bear and deer which Mary refused to allow him to mount within the family home. He was well known for his ability to fix just about anything, helping with many projects and maintenance task as part of his ‘work parties’ at First Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway. Most projects allowed ample time for coffee and ‘chewing the fat’ with other committee members and friends.

He was also known for the many wooden bowls and other items he ‘turned’ on his lathe. Many of his handmade bowls were given away, as well as a number of lefse turners and krumkake cone rollers. He was delighted in making krumkake for many bake sales or taken to the homes of friends he visited throughout recent years. While he made several rum cakes too, his attempts never reached the perfection of the rum cakes Mary had become famous for. He was most proud of having built his own house. This became the home he shared with Mary and enjoyed every day for the 55 years he lived there.

He was content with his home life playing scrabble, daily crossword puzzles and reading history to keep his mind busy. His homemade flagpole regularly honored a US Flag he proudly displayed every holiday. He was committed to visiting friends who may be sick or needed help and he generously supported several charities. Those which were dear to his heart and demonstrated the values he and Mary embraced were the Salvation Army, Carter Center, Seattle Union Gospel Mission, SMILE Train, Lutheran World Relief, Haiti Foundation of Hope, and Hospice of Kitsap County.

David loved and gave special care to his kitties. While not outwardly demonstrative in showing his affection for others, he loved many people and his family. David quietly lived his faith, charitable to others, was committed to his principles and values, and lived a practical life. He will be fondly remembered by many as being honest, fair, proud, respectful of others, and respected by many for being the man he was and how he lived his life.

Surviving are sons Dennis and Gary and daughter Colleen of Port Orchard; sister Shirley Kiesz of Bremerton, 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 12:00 PM at the First Lutheran Community Church located at 2483 Mitchell Avenue in Port Orchard. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.