Alvin David Christopher

at home surrounded by loved ones. He had been diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia in 2024. He faced his cancer treatment and other health problems with extraordinary courage. He was truly a brave man.

Dave was born in Galveston, Texas and moved to Yakima at age seven. He attended Yakima schools and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1967 and later attended Yakima Valley College.

Dave honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1969 - 1971. He is a Vietnam veteran. After his military service, Dave attended Perry Technical Institute and graduated from the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning program, although he did not pursue that line of work. He had been working part time at United Parcel Service while attending Perry but then was offered a full-time package car driver position. He retired from UPS after 27 years. (And boy, was he happy!)

Dave married Devone Pyle in 1969 and together they welcomed their son, Shane, in 1975. Dave and Devone remained very close friends throughout his life.

Dave married Glory Violette in 1981. He adopted her son, David, and was a wonderful father. They were also blessed with their son, Heath, in 1983.

Dave very much enjoyed the outdoors, camping, family parties and game night. But his greatest passion was remote control airplanes. He didn't just fly; he was a respected and talented builder and meticulously crafted many planes over the years for others and for himself. He was a longtime member of Yakima Valley Aeromodelers and The Academy of Model Aeronautics. As his illness progressed, he was not able to fully participate in club events which was so disappointing for him.

Something else Dave loved was building infuriating models his sons gave him for Christmas. But he gladly built every one of them.

In retirement, Dave very much enjoyed playing golf with his former co-workers from UPS. They also got together regularly for breakfast at the Powerhouse Grill until his health made it very difficult to attend.

Dave spent many hours over the last year at Northstar Cancer Treatment Center. Dr. Siva Mannem was his wonderful doctor. The loving nurses and volunteers in the infusion room were a special part of Dave's life for many months. They made him feel special, welcome and safe. Their care was so comforting. It meant the world to Dave that they always laughed at his never-ending jokes.

Dave is survived by his wife, Glory; his former wife, Devone Baker; his son, Shane Christopher; daughter-in-law, Tasha Christopher; son, David Christopher; son, Heath Christopher; daughter-in-law, Amy Christopher; granddaughter, Skylee Orr; grandson, Gavin Christopher; step-grandchildren, Breanna Alekhnovich, Rita Thompson and Bryan Zambetti; sister-in-law, Renee Stearley; brother-in-law, Tom Violette; sister-in-law, Carol Violette; mother-in-law, Ramona Violette; many nieces and nephews and his very good friend, Tim Roy.

Dave was predeceased by his mother and step-father, Pauline and Charles Boyce; sister, Sharon Christopher; and brother-in-law, Clint Stearley.

Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend with a great sense of humor. He will forever be missed and loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.