David Arthur Short

David Arthur Short was born on August 2, 1943 in Portland, Oregon, the son of Vincent and Elizabeth Short. Dave attended Ockley Green Grade school and Jefferson High graduating in 1961. In his early teens he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a caddy working at Columbia Edgewater Golf Course. He always boasted that he had money during those years and he never had to work in the berry fields like many of his friends. During high school, he was an enthusiastic member of DeMolay, North Portland Chapter. He often said it was there that he learned how to dance, talk to girls, and obey the rules.

In 1962, he married Margret Ellen Fuller after meeting on a blind date arranged by their best friends, respectively. Later a daughter, Holly, and two sons, Tim and Bill were born. In 1966 at the urging of his favorite uncle, Dave took the Fire Department exam and was hired 11 months later. This began a stellar career that lasted 27 years until he retired as Deputy Chief in 1993.

Throughout the years Dave became a beloved tutor and mentor to many recruits. Even after retiring he couldn’t stop. He was always looking for someone to extol the glories of the Fire Department. Once while at Home Depot and wearing a shirt with a Fire Department logo (his way of advertising), he convinced a young clerk to take the exam. He also persuaded the son of his dental hygienist to consider a career in firefighting. Both are now thriving as happy firefighters.

Over the years, Dave and Margret traveled widely having walked on China’s Great Wall, bartered for fake Rolexes in Moscow’s Red Square, marveled at the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, and visited Fire Stations and art museums all over the world. In addition to traveling, Dave was always involved in politics, served on school boards, library boards, and HOA committees when not driving his ’38 Ford.

Dave and Margret celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary this past February. Over the years, they have lived in several communities including Portland, Gladstone, and most recently Lake Oswego. Dave leaves behind his wife, Margret, sons Tim and Bill, and daughter, Holly, a son-in-law Craig Brown, and grandson Jordan Brown.