David Michael Zeit

David Michael Zeit was born on November 20, 1945 in Steubenville, Ohio. He died on Monday August 6, as a result of complications from his 18 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease and other conditions. David moved to Salem with his parents, Charles and Maxine in January 1949. David was a devoted husband to Donna for 44 years and a cherished brother to Dan Zeit, both of Salem. He is survived by many cousins: Doug, Daniel, Debra, Linda, Laura and Ken Zeit of Illinois, Steve Zeit in Florida, and Joyce Jones of Cle Elum, Washington.

David graduated from South Salem High School in 1963. He was active in the Salem Sons of the American Legion Post 136; AKA Flamingos and the Announcer’s Club. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1967 from Willamette University and his Master’s in Extreme Learning Problems from OCE/Western Oregon University in 1973. He taught in the Woodburn and Salem school districts and at the Oregon State Penitentiary. He worked for Adult and Family Services, State of Oregon as a Job Developer and Food Stamp Certifier until he retired due to health issues. He followed the Zeit family tradition of donating 18 gallons of blood for the American Red Cross.

David was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Salem. He was quick-witted. He enjoyed the Statesman Journal newspaper for decades. His love and passion for music never waned. He was a drummer and manager for several local bands in the late ‘60’s and ‘70’s- including the Stoics, the Capitol Street Balloon and Moring Reign. His hobbies included playing his drums (which he wanted to move into his nursing home room), watching tv and movies, the evening news and the weather- 5, 6, and 11pm, watching Western tv shows and movies, non-stop listening to music- especially the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s Rock and Roll and Jazz. His 400 record albums and 1500 CD’s of all types of music confirm that!

Following his favorite sports teams- Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trailblazers, and especially the Seattle Mariners Baseball individual players and team, which came so close to making it to the playoffs last year and reminded him of playing baseball with his friends. He was also a fan of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Salem Senators, Willamette University Bearcats, Oregon State baseball team and the Oregon Ducks football team.

A service honoring David’s life will be Wednesday, August 14 at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church, 600 State St Salem, OR with a lunch to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, or the American Red Cross.

David and Donna want to thank the many kind Doctors, Nurses, Cooks, Support Staff, Administrators, Therapists and CNA’s who patiently cared and helped him and tended to his needs in their local offices. Salem Health ER and Hospital and Palliative care, Dentists, Agape Hospice and Avamere Transitional Care at Salem Sunnyside, Avamere Boone Rd, Bonaventure South, Mennonite Home Health, Home Instead and Wilson House! Please NEVER EVER FORGET the Difference EACH of You made in David and Donna’s lives, and the lives of others you help and care for non-stop on a daily basis. You are each greatly appreciated! Never Forget that!