David Frank Dailey

David was born on January 5, 1947, in Bremerton, Washington, to Elouise Siewert and Henry Dailey. He grew up along Hood Canal, where he developed a lifelong passion for the water. In his youth, he became an avid water skier and proudly owned his first boat before he was old enough to drive, beginning a lifetime love of adventure, engines, and life on the water.

On May 23, 1983, David married the love of his life, Teryl Dailey, in Maui, Hawaii. Together they built a life centered on family, community, friendship, and life on the water. It was these years David and his group of devoted friends and avid water lovers formed a group that traveled, water skied and lived life to its fullest.

David dedicated much of his career to leadership and service. He worked as a Safeway Store Manager, where at the time was the youngest store manager in Safeway history and was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his team. Later, he pursued his passion for education at Bates Technical College, teaching Food Marketing before being promoted to Dean of Instruction. In those roles, David inspired students, supported educators, and helped shape academic programs that left a lasting impact.

After semi-retiring at age 60, David continued serving his community as a school bus driver, transporting students across districts in Tenino, Steilacoom, and Hoodsport, Washington, a role he carried out with pride before fully retiring.

David is survived by his devoted wife, Teryl; his children Harry Vaughn, Chelsi Dailey, Taryn Dailey, Jennifer Friedl & Tobin Dailey; his brothers Michael Dailey and William Dailey; his goddaughter, Aimee Taggart; his Holland host son, Jules Vieberink; his Germany host daughter, Carina Merseburger; and his 13 grandchildren: Christian, Nathaniel, Beckham, Owen, Sam, Henry, Zachary, Makena, Avery, Becca, Elena, Sophia, and Ashlynn Kay; along with many extended family members and lifelong friends.

David will be remembered for his unwavering love for family, his loyalty to friends, his passion for cars and engines, his love of rock-and-roll music, his curiosity into the mysteries of mankind and his joy for life on the water. Above all, he adored his wife whom he lovingly called Turtle, his family and the many young lives he proudly called his “Timberline Kids.” His legacy was built in relationships, service, adventure, laughter, and love.

David’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, the communities he served, and the memories he created with those who loved him. He was one of a kind and is now somewhere sitting with his two best friends Bruce Bamford and Lee Shriver on a boat under a beautiful sunny sky and warm air, staring out at clear calm water, asking… who’s skiing next?