David Dale Tipton

David Dale Tipton, 71, died August 17, 2011 at his home in Brentwood, California. He was born to Cordia and Carl Tipton in Paris, Texas on September 3, 1939. In 1943, he moved with his parents, older sister, Gloria (Jackie) and younger brother, Stanley to Richmond, California. They joined other family members who had moved to the area to work in the shipyards during World War II. His mother was a welder. His father was a carpenter. The extended family was large, and his many cousins viewed David as a leader. One cousin said she always felt safe when he was in charge.

He continued throughout his life to be respected and honored for his good judgement and ability to command in challenging situations. He proved himself over and over.

It began when, after attending Richmond schools, he joined the Air Force at the age of 17. He received training in the Tech School and became a supervisor in the Data Processing Unit. After his discharge in 1960, he worked in Richmond and San Francisco as a supervisor in the Data Processing Center. Seven years of office work in this field led him to decide he needed a new challenge and he made a career change.

In 1967, he joined the fire department. There again he showed quality leadership skills as he performed bravely in many serious and dangerous emergency incidents. He became a pilot, and along with his regular duties, flew aircraft for the fire department. He worked his way up the ranks to the position of fire captain and was highly respected by fellow firefighters. Just one of the many testimonies to his amazing talent is the story of David staying focused and calm while directing his crew as they negotiated a steep grade and sharp turns on a run away fire engine. He served for 31 years and retired in 1998.

After his retirement, he continued to maintain a position of leadership. He became a member of the Brentwood Methodist Church. Although a modest man, he was a capable and informative speaker. His demeanor and intelligence inspired confidence in his advice. David became instrumental in guiding the church to overcome obstacles and achieve important goals. He formed lasting friendships and talked often about the trip he took to Alaska with some of the congregation.

This busy man had many interests. Besides flying, he loved riding horses, boating, riding snow mobiles, traveling, welding, and spending time with his family.

He also tried his hand at raising various animals; horses, ponies, chickens, sheep and the many dogs and cats his family convinced him were necessary. He would protest but none were turned away.

This is not to say he was an easy touch. If he were to be cast in a movie, (and he was handsome enough to be a leading man), he would play the role of the strong and silent type. He was steadfast in his principles, calm in his approach and quick to accurately assess and take care of whatever came his way. He set a fine example for his friends and loved ones. David will be missed, but his influence will be with us always.

David is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra Tipton; daughter, Carrie Burke and husband, Chad of Redding, California; daughter, Jenny Feliciano and husband, Gene of Brentwood, California; grandchildren; Cameron and Brittany Feliciano, Ethan, Thomas, Haley and Austin Burke; great-grandchildren; Nathan Feliciano; brother, Stanley Tipton and wife, Sherry of Danville, California; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. His parents, Carl and Cordia Tipton and his sister, Gloria (Jackie) Tipton Nelson, predeceased him.

Services will be held at the Brentwood Funeral Home, 839 First Street, Brentwood, California. Viewing will be on Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and funeral services on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Dan Sturdivant will be officiating. Pallbearers are Mike Bailey, Chad Burke, Gene Feliciano, Jim Hope, Brad Kershaw, Mark Nelson, Jeff Tipton and Stan Tipton. Internment will be at the Brentwood Union Cemetery immediately following the funeral services.

The family wishes to thank you for all the support and prayers you have given to David throughout his life. We are grateful for all you have done for us.

Keep him in your hearts and remember...family, horses, flying, boating, riding ski mobiles, welding; he loved them all. He would like to have added more to the list, and we are sorry that it cannot be.

Arrangements under the direction of Brentwood Funeral Home, Brentwood, CA.