David Royce Pearce

David with born October 17, 1932 in Rochester, WA to Edward and Alla Pearce. He spent his younger years on the family’s large dairy farm with his parents and three brothers. When he was 7 his idyllic life changed forever when his parents divorced and he moved to Port Orchard with his mother and brothers. He was estranged from his father, which was a great sorrow. His childhood was filled with hardship, but also amazing adventures. They moved often, as his mother struggled to support her children and keep them together. During this time he developed resilience to life’s uncertainties, and never lost his optimism and determination to rise above his circumstance. He spent his years in Port Orchard camping, fishing, and exploring with his brother and life-long best friend, Leroy. His rifle was often confiscated at school – to prevent him from leaving before dismissal. He worked small jobs in an effort to contribute and often searched the local dump for anything he could repair, fix up, or otherwise make use of - he built his first bicycle from parts he sourced there. He had a natural aptitude for building and especially loved architecture.

After he graduated from South Kitsap High School he enlisted in the Army. At age 18 he went to Korea, where he worked as a lineman during the war. Upon return he met Elizabeth Schantz, the woman who would be the love of his life. He was soon transferred to Alaska. Elizabeth joined him there, where they married on December 12, 1953. They spent three adventurous years in Anchorage, before Dave left the military and they returned to Washington, making Bremerton their home.

Dave accepted an apprenticeship at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. There he excelled at machining and toolmaking - it was a perfect pairing of art and craftsmanship. He had a wonderful career, designing and creating tools and machinery. He ultimately retired as General Foreman of the toolmakers division.

David and Elizabeth raised five children together. He enjoyed and supported their varied interests and activities. They spent every summer enjoying their property on Benson Lake, which they purchased sight unseen while living in Alaska. Dave built a large cabin and summers were a meandering cycle of friends and family – summer days we thought would never end.

Aside from his career, he was an accomplished woodworker. He built two homes for his family, and made beautiful furniture. Through the years he helped his children build their own homes and accomplish many remodels. He had a machine shop at home where he designed and manufactured cannons and a plethora of creative ventures. If his children wanted him to create something, consider it done!

After raising his children Dave transitioned from being a focused father to a fabulous grandfather. He always made time for his grandkids. He showed them the value of hard work and led by example. He encouraged their dreams and joined in many adventures. He was a friend and mentor to his kids’ spouses, and later his grandchildren’s spouses. He embraced them as his own. He loved family gatherings, especially Seahawk parties.

He was a man of quiet faith, a founding member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a member of Knights of Columbus, and a proud patriot. After losing Elizabeth in 2020 he spoke often of the beautiful reunion he looked forward to. In his final years he wasn’t able to do the work he’d always loved, and he missed spending time in his shop and being able to help others. He often spent his afternoons watching old

western movies and filled his evenings with prayers for his children and grandchildren. His mind remained sharp and steady until that final reunion.

In addition to the loss of his wife he was preceded in death by his daughter Linda Steffen, and son-in-law Steve Jennings. In his family he was the last of his generation.

Dave is survived by his children, Diane Jennings, Sandy Reite, son-in-law Jim Steffen, Susan (Bob) Corcell, and David (Kristen) Pearce: his granddaughters Katie, Jessica, Therese, Angela, Annie and Christina: Grandsons, Ben, Garrett, Kelly, Jamie, and Collin: and his great-grandchildren, Arianna, Jase, Jarrett, Miles, Maple and Sonya.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral service: Holy Trinity Church, October 22, Rosary at 11:30, Funeral mass at 12:00.