John David Echols

David ECHOLS John David Echols died unexpectedly in his sleep on January 28. He was born in Denver, Colorado, 1938, the son of Mary and John Echols, and grew up in Santa Barbara, California. David graduated from Stanford University and spent three years teaching at the Diocesan Boys' School in Hong Kong before getting a DD from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. He then taught at St. John's and St Mary's Institute of Technology in Taiwan for two years. When he returned to theU.S., David continued teaching at Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware, and Crane School in Santa Barbara. He married Anne Echols in 1986 and taught for thirteen years at University Preparatory Academy in Seattle where he worked with middle school students teaching ancient history and world geography. He won acclaim for his teaching and dedication to his students. His enthusiasm for the subjects he taught and his positive reinforcement and belief in his students' abilities to succeed made him a popular teacher. He was awarded The Seattle Time's Teacher of the Year award in 1998. David led an active life after retiring from teaching. He loved to volunteer at his granddaughter's school whenever the opportunity arose. He was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking gourmet meals for family and friends, and served his neighborhood and community with his work as current president of his homeowner's association and years of volunteer work at both the Kenmore and Lake Forest Park libraries. He was devoted to the library staff, workers at his local bank, drugstore, and especially those at the Inglewood QFC. He refused to use the cash machines at the bank because he felt it was important to have a relationship with the tellers. He liked to shop daily at QFC so he could visit with his favorite clerks and entertain them with his latest jokes and stories. He will be remembered by all for his fabulous smile, his laugh, and friendliness. David was extremely ethical and dedicated much of his time to just causes. His compassionate nature was evident in everything he did, from encouraging his middle school students to prodding his "Progressive Pals" to participate in important causes. He gave generously to charities, and was a proud 30+ year donor at bloodbanks. David was devoted to his wife Anne, his stepdaughter Kristina Detwiler and granddaughter Emma Grossman, who was his special gift. He loved his niece Ingrid Lundin and nephew Jason Lundin. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and grandfather. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Lundin (husband John) and Craig Echols (wife Betsy). David's life will be celebrated on Sunday, February 26, at 3:00p.m. in University Preparatory Academy's theater/auditorium, at 8000 25th Avenue NE, Seattle WA 98115. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heifer International. He is deeply missed but remembered fondly in the hearts of those whose lives were so enriched by knowing him.