David M. Chisholm, 76, a longtime Clear Lake area, resident passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 4, 2017.
David was born in Bellingham, WA on May 27, 1941, the son of Robert & Mary Helen (McDonald) Chisholm. He was raised and attended school
in several communities around the state as his father was a school administrator. They finally settled in the Skagit Valley and David graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1959.
David worked for a while in law enforcement and with water search and rescue. For many years he drove school bus for the Sedro-Woolley School District, including many sporting events and ski trips to Mount Baker. He later worked as a general repairman for the Department of Natural Resources, where he was a jack of all trades, retiring in 2009. David also worked as a locomotive engineer with the Mount Vernon Terminal Railroad for many years. For 42 years David volunteered with the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Dist. 4, serving twice as commissioner.
David was a private man, but also an adventurous man, in the 1990’s he rode as navigator with his 70 year old uncle Mac in the Great American Race, driving a 1940 Chevy from Ottawa to Mexico; he enjoyed sky diving, SCUBA diving, Hydroplane races, and boating and fishing in the salt water; he was a gourmet cook; an avid collector of Studebaker cars, and a member of the Whatcom Chapter Studebaker Drivers Club; he cherished his friendship with friends, George Stephenson, owner of the MVTRR and with MaryLou & Jimmy Cabe; the times fishing in Alaska with his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Roberta & Ralph Sawyer and working with is step-sons, Hugh & Mike Stephenson.
David is survived by his wife of 34 years, Nancy ’Rusty’ Chisholm; his children, Rebecca Hetland (Mark), Nancy Ann Tompkins (Brin) and Dave Darrah; step-children, Hugh Stephenson (Renee), Mike Stephenson, Janina Garland and Rossann Gibson; sister, Rebecca Benson (Ed); brother, Donald Chisholm (Robin); 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Helen (McDonald) Chisholm and his father and step-mother, Robert & Jean L. Chisholm; step-daughter, Mary-Lyn Osburn and brother Richard Chisholm.
At David’s request there will be no services. Memorials in his honor are suggested to the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. Dist. #4, PO Box 186, Clear Lake,WA 98235 or to plant a “fig tree” and enjoy the fruit as much as he did.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Rusty I am so sorry for your loss he was a really nice guy.
Butch and Bonnie Huhn I worked with Dave at DNR for many years. He was always
there to help. Nancy, we are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you and
your family.
I was saddened deeply to hear of David’s passing. I pray for the family and most of all for Nancy. I feel your pain and send love and comfort your way. Know that I am thinking of you always.
I worked with Dave at the Department of Natural Resources for many years. He was dedicated to his service and I will miss him. He was always willing to help you with any need you had. I am so sorry for your loss. My wife Helen was his rehab nurse many years ago,
Great photo. I had the honor of serving @ 20 years with Dave in the Clear lake Fire dept. The entire community will miss Dave. Dave was a unique individual of many talents and good humor. A first class firefighter and a good partner in any crisis. RIP Dave.
So sorry about the loss of an exceptional man. Thinking of you and your family. Gerald and Marilyn chandler
So very sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these times.
Dave you will be so missed by so many.
My heart and thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss Rusty. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Sam
My prayers and thoughts are with the Chisholm family and friends. My Dad (Donald Dick) was a fire fighter along side of Dave for many years and he became a beloved family friend.
Dave, I would like to thank you for the many years of service to the Clear Lake Fire Department. May you rest in peace and Nancy may you find comfort knowing that Dave is in the arms of our Lord.
Such a tremendous loss for all the communities that David was an active part of. Our Studebaker club will be missing him greatly. Our prayers go out to Nancy and the rest of his family.
Rusty I was so sorry to hear about Dave we have known and worked together so long we are like family. I have a lot of good memories of Dave and will miss him love you Dorothy
Nancy, No words can my sorrow. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. I have been thinking about your family every day.
Love Jeanette Darrah
Such a shock and great loss to the Clearlake community. We were fortunate to have Dave & Nancy as neighbors for 32 years. Our thoughts and prayers to the family at this very sad time.
Thank you Dave for your 42 yrs of service to the fire dept it was a pleasure to know you and to go on call’s with you thank you again
I did not now David, but know Nancy , and Nancy is such a wonderful person , full of ideas, love and adventure, that i feel like I have a little insight into this interesting man. In order to raise adventuresome children you have to possess a good bit of it yourself. I am sad that he had to die so young when he was still so vibrant. I hope he is on “the adventure of his life.”
So sorry for your loss
You will be missed , I will take of your daughter Becky for the rest of my life .