David George Sutton

David George Sutton, age 69, passed away on Thursday, June 6, following a year long battle with esophageal cancer. He was born in San Francisco to George Park and Marjorie Sutton of Maxwell, California.

Dave graduated in 1966 with a B.S. from the University of California, Berkeley, and subsequently received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from MIT, specializing in laser spectroscopy and molecular energy transfer. Following Dave’s graduation from MIT he took a postdoctoral assignment at the University of Toronto during the 1971-72 academic year, working on a laser related project sponsored by the US Air Force.

In 1972 Dave took a position on the technical staff at the Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo and began his career in laser related molecular science. During his years as a Staff Scientist he published twenty-five technical papers and garnered three patents. Eventually he became a Department Director of a group doing space materials research and testing. He retired in 2006.

Dave is survived by his wife Sandy, son Greg, grandchildren James and Marlena, brothers John and Robert, sister Nancy Dickson, and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He and his wife were high school sweethearts and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July.

Dave was a history buff, avid golfer, skier and Cal State Long Beach sports fan. He will be remembered for his zest for life, sense of humor and his continual quest for that elusive hole in one.

A viewing will be held at the McNary-Moore Funeral Home in Colusa, Ca. on Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, an organization for which Dave did volunteer work. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on June 14 at the Maxwell Cemetary in Maxwell, Ca.