B. David Daly

Owner, President and CEO of Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Homes and Cemeteries died Saturday, July 31, 2004. Dave was born April 12, 1937 in Seattle, WA. He was a life long resident of the North Seattle area. He is a descendent of an original Washington pioneer family. He attended Roosevelt High School and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959. Following school, Dave entered the US Navy where he served as an officer. During his 5 years active service in the Navy, Dave served on a destroyer and as part of the admiral staff based in San Diego, California. Dave later retired from ROTC as a Navy Commander.

He was married to Louise "Lou" Augustin in 1960. Together they had three children, Scott, Chris and Laura. Dave and his family returned to Seattle following the military and joined the staff of Evergreen- Washelli Cemetery on April 13, 1964. From his early beginnings of a desk, a chair and a five-foot office, Dave learned the cemetery and funeral industry. He soon became recognized as a leader and a change agent in an industry that was not used to change. Dave became involved in many National and State industry organizations. He served in a variety of capacities. He earned the highest honor of the International Cemetery and Funeral Association, the "Hall of Fame Award". He was one of only 18 people in the country to have received the honor of Certified Cemetery and Funeral Executive. Daly was Past President of American Cemetery Association and Washington Interment Association; he received the Distinguished Professional Service Award of the Washington Funeral Directors Association, and the Person of the Year award from the Washington Interment Association. He was a past Director of International Order of the Golden Rule, Recognized by the Washington State Funeral Directors Association for his activities in Legislative affairs. Dave, along with the staff members of Evergreen-Washelli won numerous "Keep it Personal Awards" from the International Cemetery and Funeral Association, and received countless other honors and distinctions in over 40 years of service and leadership at Evergreen-Washelli.

Three different governors appointed Dave to the State Cemetery Board, the first appointment being in 1974. He was elevated to the position of Board Chair where he served for 12 years. Throughout his career in the funeral and cemetery industry, Dave has made a significant impact. He is recognized across the United States and many countries as a creator, a leader and an innovator. His inventions, ideas, and concepts are witnessed throughout the country. Early on in Dave?s career, he pointed out the funeral industry must fill the needs of a changing new consumer. He professed cremation would become the wave of the future and that the funeral industry should be positioned to meet that need. This philosophy is reflected in how Evergreen-Washelli performs today. Customer rights, needs and wishes were involved in every aspect of Dave's decision-making process.

Dave saw the traditional funeral (minister speaking to audience) ultimately being replaced by participation on the part of funeral attendees. He invited the funeral industry to think outside of the box and to help create memorable events that were personal and deeply meaningful.

Dave was married to Robyn Donnelly in the Chapel of Evergreen-Washelli on October 28, 1994. Dave and Robyn traveled, loved and grew together throughout the past 10 years. Together, they helped conduct workshops on personal growth and development throughout the world. They traveled frequently to Australia, where Robyn hails from. While traveling on vacations Dave was always discovering new ways to change, improve and innovate in the funeral industry.

Work was David's vocation, his avocation and one of his true loves. His hobbies included woodworking, radio controlled bi-planes, bridge and he crewed on sailboats over the years. He will be remembered for his creativity, his innovation, his unique sense of humor, practical jokes and the many meaningful relationships he created with others.

Dave is survived by his wife Robyn of Seattle; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Penny Daly of North Bend WA; son; Chris Daly of Seattle, daughter and son-in-law; Laura and Mike Angotti of Waltham, Massachusetts; 3 grandchildren; a Twin sister, Pat Wheeler and her husband Don of Snohomish, WA. and step-mother, Virginia Bathrick of Seattle.

Funeral services for Dave will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2004 at 4PM in the Chapel of Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home. Burial will take place on Sunday, August 8, 2004 at 1PM in Washelli Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday August 6, from 10 AM until 8:00 PM at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are recommended to the King County Crisis Center.