David Elden Chesnes

David Eldon Chesnes or as most of us know him "Uncle Dave" was born in San Francisco California on 1/15/1942 the only son of Nicholas and Marion Chesnes. They lived in San Francisco for only a few short years before moving to the family farm in Clallam bay Washington. David led the life of a typical farm boy, tending to animals and helping his father with the usual chores before graduating Clallam high school and moving onto college.

Dave attended Cascade College in Portland Oregon. While in college Uncle Dave met many friends but one, Darrel Guy, he called brother.

Darrel and David spent many a summer while in college traveling locally which carried on for the rest of his life.

In the fall of 1967, after graduating from college with a B.A. degree in education Dave started a new chapter in his life by enlisting in the United States Air Force.

Dave completed basic training and was assigned to Headquarters command U.S.A.F at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

While serving as an administrative assistant to the base commander Dave was awarded Airman of the year out of 3200 eligible personnel.

After completing his tour in Maryland Dave was assigned to Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam where he served out his military enlistment.

Upon returning to the US Dave spent a few years in the management program for S.S. Kresge Company...what many may know as K-Mart corporation.

In the late 70's Uncle Dave moved to his beloved Washington again and began what would be a long and proud career working for the Boeing Company.

Dave bought a house in Renton near Lake Washington and started what would be come a signature presence in Uncle Dave's life his beloved boat the "Palada".

Dave loved the lake and boating. Many of us will remember the long days on the water just motoring around to see "Bill's house", water skiing, tubing or enjoying a swim in the lake, followed by a huge dinner he would prepare before spending hours just chatting about things. Dave went through a pair of his beloved "Palada's" and the day his last one departed it was like a loss in the family.

During his Boeing years he joined the Boeing Travel club and started his quest to explore the world. He visited many places, China, The Soviet Union, Australia, and of course his favorite New Zealand. Dave made many wonderful and life long friends during these travels and talked about trips sharing his photos with all who would listen.

Photos and Dave were like Peanut butter and Jelly. He had THOUSANDS of photos of these trips and carried a camera with him almost constantly throughout his life. One of his favorite things to do was "document" dinner and of course the host or hostess who delivered it! It was a ritual when dining with Uncle Dave to have the group photo just before the poor unsuspecting waiter/waitress was snagged for the epic shot.

As Dave grew older and closer to retirement he felt it was time to down size and settled in his final home on Fawn Lake in Shelton Washington.

Dave was most proud of this house as it was planned, designed and decorated just as Dave wanted it with no spot overlooked. He surrounded himself with his other love of life and that was gardening. Dave was a wonderful gardener and would nurture the most beautiful plants and flowers to brighten any yard or surrounding.

The Nursery would usually close early the day Dave came to visit due to lack of stock. He loved his flowers and knew each and everyone by glance.

Many of his flowers found homes elsewhere as he would decide you just had to take something home to plant in your garden. How many of us have a rose, shrub or even tree in the yard today courtesy of Uncle Dave.

No amount of words can express the magnitude of David Chesnes.

While he is gone from the earth there is no way his spirit will ever leave our hearts.

Right now we know Dave is enjoying family and friends in Heaven, but there is no doubt he still takes a glance earthward now and again to check in on us all.

We love you Uncle Dave and you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Cheers!