David Boyd Fenton

Dave was born October 16, 1925 in Seattle. The next day, October 17, he was formally adopted by Frederick and Elizabeth Fenton. For the next 65 years Dave celebrated his birthday on October 17 as that was the day his parents told him was his birthday. It was only when he retired from the Boeing Company in 1990 that he found out his actual birthday was October 16.

Dave's father was a civil engineer. Because of this, Dave spent his early life living in exotic places such as the small town of Diablo on the Skagit River while his dad worked on the building of Diablo dam. He also lived near Deception pass on Whidbey Island before finishing his youth in west Seattle. During his youth Dave discovered that he was talented musically. He began playing the piano when he was five. By his teenage years he was an accomplished pianist and had to decide if he was going to make music his career. His love of classical music was a focal point for the rest of his life.

He graduated from West Seattle high school at 16 years of age and began to study engineering at the University of Washington the following fall quarter. After two years of study he was called by Uncle Sam to serve in the navy. He was in boot camp on Lake Michigan when D-Day occurred. During his time in the navy, Dave traveled to Japan, the Philippines and Hawaii amongst other places in the south pacific. After two years serving as a radar technician Dave returned to the University of Washington to complete his degree in electrical engineering. During that time in October of 1947 he met the love of his life, Betty Jarvis, on a blind date. They were married the following June. Dave then spent another year at the U in graduate studies. With his wife pregnant with their first child, Dave went to work for Boeing where he spent the next 41 years until he retired in 1990. Most of his time at Boeing was spent on the Minuteman Missile system where he played an integral part in developing the guidance system.

Dave was known as a hard worker but his career was only one plank in defining who he was. He was a man of great faith. He treasured his wife Betty, their seven kids, 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Yes they knew how babies were made but early on they made the decision to have a large family. They wanted at least six kids but were blessed with seven with whom they would share their immense love.

No matter how busy Dave was with his career, when he was home his whole focus was his immediate family and his larger church family at Bethel Presbyterian Church. Dave's faith ran deep; he never wavered in his trust in Jesus. He was a rock. He served as a great example for all his children. Early on in his walk with the Lord, he discovered the joy of tithing even when it was very difficult financially. We kids thought at the time when we were having pancakes for dinner two nights in a row that it was a treat. We had no idea that our parents were struggling to make ends meet. But dad continued to trust in the Lord that He would abide and God always did. Years later, dad would marvel at the way God always provided.

Dad, we will miss you.

Dave passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2015 at the age of 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Fenton; sons, Robert, Jim (& wife Amy), John and Mark (& wife Judy); daughters, Patricia "Pat" (& husband Jim) Haslan, Robin (& husband Bruce) Schweitzer, and Cheryl Gallien; 18 grand and 10 great-grandchildren.