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DAVID R. STURDYVIN
August 4, 1935 ˜ December 11, 2018
David R. Sturdyvin, 83, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on December 11, 2018 at home from effects of Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) surrounded by his wife Barbara and five adult children. He was born August 4, 1935 in Santa Monica, CA to Evelyn and Alva (Gene) Sturdyvin. He grew up in the L.A. area and Cleveland before finishing high school in the San Fernando Valley.
It was love at first sight as he married Barbara Gurnsey on March 19, 1960 in Arcata, CA. They raised 5 active children.
David worked for Weyerhauser after graduating from Humboldt State College with a degree in Business and an AA in Forestry. The family moved from Arcata, CA to Grants Pass, OR; Milwaukie, OR; Longview, WA and finally settled in Vancouver, WA in 1971. He soon caught the entrepreneurial spirit and owned a franchise 7-11 and other convenience stores.
David was heavily involved with the Cub Scouts. As an Eagle Scout himself, he mentored many young men in their quest toward Eagle rank. He was honored with a Boy Scouts of America award. Athletic involvement of his children led to many road trips in the NW and California to watch diving, volleyball, tennis, softball, and baseball. They added soccer, bowling, and basketball trips as he and Barbara could be found in the stands or on the sidelines watching their grandchildren compete.
David was a member of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 7th Ward. He had a talent and passion for woodworking; family and church members are blessed to have his creations.
In retirement, they traveled across the country and various places in the West. He was an avid reader and collector of books. David has over 3,500 books in his collection and has compiled movies from Disney to classical musicals.
He had the gift to connect with people he met, making them laugh. His wit, wisdom, and knowledge will be missed.
David is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, David; daughters, Kathy Scobba (Richard), Linda Codi, Jennifer Brower (Jerry) and Debbie Meisner (Lance); sister, Susan Sturdyvin; grandchildren, Ryan Codi, Katelyn Scobba, Samantha Codi-Walker, Kindra Scobba Halseth, Madison Brower, Angelina Brower, Payton Meisner, Bryce Meisner, Conner Brower and Kyle Brower; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents; his brother, Gene Sturdyvin; and his son-in-law, Ron Codi.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
In loving memory of a kind person that I knew for a short while. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Acquaintance
January 6, 2019
Words can not discribe what this man has meant to me. He taught me life lessons of honesty, hardworking, integrity, family and laughter. I will forever be grafeful that I had the best Daddy and "Cookie" Grandpa to my kids. I will miss our conversation, forever in my heart. Love you Daddy!
Deb
January 2, 2019
What a remarkable man to share your lives with. The memories will be boundless. My prayers are with you.
Nancy Dreshr
December 30, 2018
I recognized David's picture in the paper this morning. I did not know his name, but knew his face from his shopping at the Friends of Three Creeks Book Sales. He was always full of jokes and teasing. We will miss him, a fellow book lover! So glad to have met him.
Elaine Gilbert
December 30, 2018
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