Dave was born October 8, 1956 in Fresno, California to Mabel and Hadden Dollar. As a young boy the family moved to the San Francisco Bay area where he and his sister Mary were raised.
In his youth he was an altar boy in the Episcopal church, and an Eagle Scout. He learned to play the piano, the clarinet and the saxophone, and became a proficient water skier. He worked as a caddie at the famous Olympic Club in San Francisco and at the local car wash to earn money for college.
Dave graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in civil engineering. He worked as a structural engineer for the U.S Bureau of Reclamation in Denver for 17 years, completing complex structural analyses of large existing concrete dams to ensure their ability to withstand flood over topping and earthquake loads and designing structural modifications as necessary. Most notable was his analyses and design modifications to Buffalo Bill Dam in Wyoming and Roosevelt Dam upstream of Phoenix, Arizona.
Following a move to Jacksonville, Florida he worked for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers for approximately 17 years until his retirement. His principle work included the structural design of Portuguese Dam near Ponce, Puerto Rico, a thick arch roller compacted concrete dam - the first of it’s kind for the Corps of Engineers. Since completed it has provided life-critical flood protection for thousands of residents in Ponce. Dave was a fine engineer and was known for his dedication, integrity, and trustworthiness.
Outside of work his favorite hobbies were fine woodworking and more recently the restoration of vintage woodworking machinery, and driving his beautiful 1973 Aztec Gold Dodge Challenger. He enjoyed NASCAR, and was a life-long fan of the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and University of California Golden Bears. Before cancer took it's toll he enjoyed sailing, and playing golf and league bowling with his friend Mike.
Above all else Dave loved his wife, Melissa and was most proud of his beloved son Matthew. His family meant everything to him and is why he fought cancer so courageously for so long. He is also survived by his sister Mary, and her family.
The family encourages donations to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.
Services will be private.
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