Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David BETTS Obituary
David William 'Vasilios' BETTS Born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky on May 27, 1952, where his father, Lt. Col. Thomas Betts and family were stationed in the Air Force. Before moving to Seattle in 1962 with his family, David enjoyed traveling to other air force stations in several different states. He graduated from Shoreline High School in 1970, and went on to attend Washington State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Bacteriology and Public Health. There he met Mary, his beloved future wife. They were married in November of 1976 and moved to southern California where he attended the Southern California College of Optometry, earning his Doctorate of Optometry in 1981. After moving back to Seattle, Dave went on to establish successful optometric practices in both Seattle and Mountlake Terrace while maintaining membership in the Washington Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. During that time he had two children, Michael William and Megan Margaret Kay, to whom he became a respected role model while immersing himself in their lives as a sports coach, scoutmaster, and loving father. During his life, Dr. Betts was active in his community as a member of the Mountlake Terrace Planning Committee, served as president/treasurer within the parish council of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, which he also helped to establish in its current location. He was an avid camper, boater, fisherman, skier, and part time farmer at his in-laws' fruit ranch in Grandview, Washington. He and his family enjoyed traveling to many places including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Mexico, and even the Matterhorn in Switzerland upon which he skied for his 30th wedding anniversary. Dave was a true leader and an example to everyone whose lives he touched. He loved his family, religion, and cared deeply for his friends and patients alike. David is survived by his wife Mary, children Michael and Megan, son-in-law Brandon, mother Kay, mother-in-law Sarah Baumgartel, brother Mike, sister-in-law Sue, their children Kristen and Thomas, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. David was preceded in death by his father, Thomas, in 1989. His unequivocal kindness, generosity, and fun-loving personality will forever remain in our hearts.He is irreplaceable, and we will love him always. Please celebrate the life of this wonderful man with us on Monday July 11th beginning at the Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church @ 11 am. A time of viewing will be held the night before on Sunday, July 10th from 5-7 at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home in Seattle.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David BETTS
Kris Sanderson
July 14, 2011
Dr Betts was a wonderful eye doctor. He was not only our family eye doctor but also served many of my work colleagues and friends. He always had a twinkle in his eye and was one of the best. We were all saddened and he will be missed.
Mark McEathron
July 13, 2011
Dear family of Dave, I am so sorry for the sudden loss of your dear Dave. He was a little behind me at school at SCCO and I remember working with him with contacts. My sincere condolences to all you family, you are in my prayers.
Andrea Barrineau
July 13, 2011
Dr. Betts has been my eye doctor for many years. I'm just so shocked and saddened about his passing. I send my most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Dr. Betts always had such a kind smile and way. He often had a good mystery book to recommend. I will always remember him fondly and will miss him. - Andrea Barrineau
Wendall Smith
July 12, 2011
Dr. Betts you have been our eye dr. for over 20 years. My children have known no other. We loved you and will miss you. I bragged about you all the time. There was no better eye dr. than you. In a time of disposable things you were a true stand-out. You built relationships with your patients and truly cared about us. You were one of a kind. My heart breaks for your family but I know Gods eyes are in good hands.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Pattie Gorham
July 12, 2011
Dr. Betts has not only been our family eye doctor for over 20 years, but a true friend as well. When you went for an appointment, you went for a visit with a friend. You were always greeted with a smile, a smile that will remain in our hearts. Dr. Betts will be missed and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to know this remarkable man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Those of us in attendance at his service yesterday could see by the over flowing crowd how much Dr. Betts was thought of and loved. He truly will be missed.
Denise Grissom
July 11, 2011
Dr. Betts has been our friend and eye Dr. for many years. He always had a smile, good words for each of us and a story when there was time. He was so gentle and kind and every night when I take my vitamins, he told me to take I will think of him. We saw him three weeks ago and I am so glad for that visit even if it was for eye test. My prayers go to the family and we want you to know that we saw in him what you did. We will miss him. The Grissom Family
July 11, 2011
Dr. Betts has been not only our family eye Doctor for the last 20 years, my two sisters and their families as well.
When I went to see Dr. Betts, it was never just an eye appointment, it was visit. An actual visit. He always made the time to talk to you. We would talk about our families, everything and anything.
An eye Doctor, you can find. Someone like Dr. Betts? Well, there isn't anyone like him, and there never will be. He will be missed by so many. I still see him smiling.
My heart goes out to his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Marrs. Seattle, WA.
Kelly Cornwall
July 11, 2011
Dr. Betts has been my eye doctor since 1985. He made every visit pleasant ~ his warm and generous spirit really shone through in everything he did. We shared stories about travel and families, and laughed at every visit. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
July 11, 2011
Dearest friends, family & patients~
Words cannot express the thankfulness that I feel today that I was able to share in the life of my wonderful husband & friend Dave. I am so greatful for all the love & support you have all shown.
Mary
Hattie Kimmel
July 11, 2011
Dr. Betts was our eye doctor for many years. My daughter had a problem with her eyes that her pediatrician and neurologist couldn't diagnose. We were so scared that it was serious. He gave her a bottle of "magic drops" and told her that she needed to promise to use them twice a day, every day. In his wisdom, he had a hunch that it was due to stress - I remember him winking at me and putting his arm around my shoulders. She was cured after the first application. My prayers go out to his family. He often spoke of his great love for his wife and children, with that twinkle he always had in his eye. A gentle, kind man. We will miss you Dr. Betts!
July 10, 2011
To those family members and friends who will miss Dave with all their beings, my profound condolences and prayers to his mom Kay, wife Mary and extended family.......In His love, Mary Dallas-Smith,
July 10, 2011
Our family has been fragmented and we will have a difficult time going on without you,as you are my nephew and Godson. You always had a smile for everyone and it was so comfortable being with you. You and Mary had a beautiful marriage, you seemed to be so joyful and happy all the time. I will really miss you in the choir. Our prayers are with your family and the Baumgartel family. May your Memory Be Eternal. Love Gene and Kathy Auer
Trey Cook and Family
July 10, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. You will continue to be in the future.
Dave and MaryJane's Murder Mystery Parties
Donna Lotton
July 9, 2011
MaryJane and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are all so saddened by Dave's passing. He was such a Gentle Giant of a Man, sharing his humor, kindness, stories and helping hands with each of us. I am thankful that you and Dave lived such a Full Life together, working hard hand-in-hand and playing together in so many ways. We will miss everything about him and celebrate his life with you. Blessing, Donna, Ron and Family
Crilly Ritz
July 9, 2011
I was reading the paper this morning, sipping on my coffee, and was then just absolutely shocked to see Dr. Betts photo on the obituary page. I send my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and staff at his practice. I always enjoyed my eye exam visits with Dr. Betts. I remember how excited he was when he moved into his new office location. You could just tell by the ease with which he conversed with his patients, his holistic approach to eye care, and his sincere demeanor that he was a special person. Dr. Betts was also very helpful in providing a great retina specialist referral when I needed one for my mother. Dr.Betts will truly be missed. I hope as you grieve that you will be able to find solace in a life well lived and that you can celebrate the fact that the world was a better place by having had him here for the time he was here.
Martha Andro
July 9, 2011
Nothing more precious to us all is life. Dave lived it how we should all choose to live our lives. He was kind, compassionate, generous and loving. He was a wonderful friend, a great optometrist, a loving father, a generous christian, a model husband and human being! His passing leaves us realizing just how precious time together can be. Cherish each other and pray for this wonderful family's peace. Martha Andro
Dave Ryynanen
July 8, 2011
The comments already posted here reflect many of my same feelings about David Betts. Dave's son and my son became close friends in grade school and have maintained their contact over the years. It was our family's introduction to the Betts family. Dave became our family optometrist. I agree with comments about his warmth and humor. He and I shared thoughts about fatherhood; his love for his family was abundant. Though I did not interact with Dave over the past several years, I'd often ask my son for news about their family.
Our communities of Bothell, Seattle. Mountlake Terrace and beyond were truly better places because of Dave's moving and smiling in them. Dave's website mentions patients from widespread regions, including Saudi Arabia! I am happy to know that his positive influence has been felt so widely! Rest well, David. You left us much too soon. But you surely led a "life well lived." Our communities will surely miss you.
July 8, 2011
Dearest Kay and family, I was stunned to read of David's passing. I'm simply speechless. We graduated High School together. So much loss for you, Kay, in the past year or so. My heart weeps for you. You have my prayers. Love, Leslie Fleury
July 8, 2011
Dr. Betts had been my optometrist since I was 13. (I am nearly 31 now) He always seemed to have a large presence, and yet was easy going enough that when I was younger any anxiety I might have had, disappeared. So I was quite surprised when my Grandmother (who has also gone to him several times) called me and told me of his obituary. Especially at such a young age.
I was just thinking about how I was due for an appointment as well. I'm not sure where I'll go now as he knew my eyes, and I trusted him with my eye care.
May he be at peace, and my sincere condolences to the family.
~Anaquita Rose
Paula Loud
July 8, 2011
My husband and I just saw David and Mary at Arnie's Restaurant the Saturday before Father's Day when we arrived there to celebrate an early Father's Day with my in-laws. David and Mary were both kind and friendly as usual when I introduced them to Tom's parents and we briefly recounted our trip to Greece with David before saying our goodbyes as David and Mary had finished their meal and were leaving the restaurant. Dr. Betts had been my optometrist for over 15 years. My husband and I were saddened by the news of his passing. Dr. Betts was not only my optometrist, but a wonderful man who was always kind, professional and had a genuine faith that demonstrated itself in his treatment of his patients, his love for life and how he did his best to make others feel special. God bless you, David. You are reserving a place in heaven for those of us who remain.
God Bless,
Paula & Tom Loud
Shirley Sangrey
July 8, 2011
Our most sincere condolances to all of your family. It has been years since I have seem Dave, but I will always remember his smile, life is so fragile, my heart hurts for you all.
July 8, 2011
When someone passes unexpectedly, we often ponder what we would want to say if given just one more chance.
For me, I would want Dave to know how much I admire him as husband and best friend to one of my dearest friends Mary. I would want to thank Dave for the gift of laughter that he always manages to coax out of me. I would tell him how I delight in that twinkle in his eyes whenever he has a chance to brag about his kids Michael and Megan. I would tell him how impressed that I have been over the years observing firsthand his wisdom and dedication in his professional career. I would thank him profusely for his steadfast presence and caring at both some very good times and some very sad times in our lives. I would want to tell Dave how much we love him and have treasured his friendship all these years. I would want to pray that he wouldn’t have to go just yet.
There is so much more that I would want to tell Dave, if given just one more chance.
Love & Prayers,
Gloria & Joe Runte & Family
Debbie Haas-Berreth
July 8, 2011
Kay, Mike, and family,
I was just informed by a mutual friend about Dave's passing. I was shocked and saddened.
It seems like just yesterday that we were kids. Dave and I were good friends in our late teens. We both spent many days working together as young college students working at the Ballard-Greenwood Veterinary Hospital in Seattle.
He was a great friend, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was very dedicated to family.
My sincerest condolences to all of his family.
July 8, 2011
Kay, Mike, and family,
I was just informed by a mutual friend about Dave's passing. I was shocked and saddened.
It seems like just yesterday that we were kids. Dave and I were good friends in our late teens. We both spent many days working together as young college students working at the Ballard-Greenwood Veterinary Hospital in Seattle.
He was a great friend, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was very dedicated to family.
Debbie Haas Berreth
My sincerest condolences to all of his family.
July 8, 2011
Dave was a dear cousin to my wife, Karen, and a dear friend to me. He was a tremendous man and his loss leaves many large gaps in all our lives. Anyone who is wondering what it means to lead "a life well lived" need only look to his example. Our hearts are broken by Dave's loss but we know in faith we will meet again. To all the Betts and Baumgartels, we pray for the peace and comfort that only the Lord can provide in these dark times.
Charlie
July 8, 2011
I had an appointment with Dr. Betts a week ago Thursday and had to push is out to next week - sure wish I could have made that appointment. I've been a patient of Dr. Betts for over 20 years, moving with him from his downtown location, to the house in Mountlake Terrace and finally to the beautiful building he built. He was an excellent optometrist and a wonderful person. My sincerest consolences to his family, friends and co-workers.
Warmest Regards,
Mary Schultz
July 8, 2011
David:
Never in our wildest dreams would we have ever believed we would lose you so soon. We have been truly blessed to have such wonderful/glorious/funny memories from our youth and how you touched our lives forever.
Sleep well my good friend... God willing we shall say "hello" again!
With All My Love,
Pam Makos Panagiotou
July 8, 2011
I just heard the news today, after calling to make an appointment for my 2 children. I had heard such great reports about his practice that I wanted to enlist him to be our optometrist! My heart is heavy hearing the news and then reading his life story--I am truly sorry for everyone's loss! Our prayers are with the family and staff.
The Bourne Family
Anne {McCulloch} Gardner
July 8, 2011
I saw David's obituary in the Seattle Times this morning....I graduated with David from Shoreline HS in 1970. He was such a nice guy. What a shock!
I am so sorry for your loss--my prayers are with you and your family.
July 8, 2011
I was also a patient of Dr. Betts. He always had a smile on his face and made me feel welcome. My thoughts and prayers for his family and his staff at the office. Gayle Anderson
Don Navarre
July 8, 2011
I met Dr. Betts as the Fire Inspector for the City of Mountlake Terrace. In 2000 I became one of his patients. I will remmeber Dr. Betts as a kind and thoughtful man who help me through a difficult time with the side effects to my eyes do to cancer treatments.
July 8, 2011
Kay and family,
We are so sad to hear about David's passing. Please know we are thinking of you all, and wish you peace.
May God be with you,
Mike, Christine and Eleni Stollings
July 8, 2011
We were also patients of Dr. Betts. He was such a kind, caring and funny man - we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
John and Kelly Mattison
The Turners
July 8, 2011
Dr Betts was our eye doctor for over 20 years. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in David BETTS's name
Memorial Events
for David BETTS
How to support David's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor David BETTS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
