David Allen Droge David was born on November 8, 1947 in Escalon, California. On November 1, 2016 we lost a giving and caring man after an 11-year courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. A loving husband, parent, brother, uncle, and friend was lost far too soon. David came to the University of Puget Sound in 1979 to work to build the social science curriculum in communication. He was educated at San Joaquin Delta College (A.A.) and San Francisco State College (B.A., M.A.). David completed his Ph.D. in 1983 from Northwestern University with an award-winning dissertation on communication and social support in epilepsy self-help groups. It was through that work that he met his wife of 31 years, Jacki (Jack) Pearce-Droge. Following a thirty-year career at Puget Sound, David opted for career change in December 2009. He then completed the M.Ed. program in Counseling in preparation for work in the Tacoma Public Schools. David's concern for others was a personal core principle. His extensive community involvement included being a member of the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Association of Washington, the Special Education Advisory Council for Tacoma Public Schools, Puget Sound Kiwanis Club, Student Educational Equity Dollars for Scholars, Special Populations Advisory Council of Tacoma Metropolitan Parks District, and the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities. With devotion and pride, he coached his son Burtt in various Special Olympics basketball and softball teams. David also supported his wife Jack, as she welcomed 3 mobility assistance dogs into their home as well as supporting his wife's involvement in the Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound for 15 years. Cancer did not stop David from enjoying life. He played his dulcimer, raced remote controlled cars with Burtt, and enjoyed meals and coffee with close friends until his final days. David will be deeply missed by his family members. His brothers, Dennis (Stockton, CA), Nick (Fresno, CA) and John (Lodi, CA), and his nephew Josh provided a great source of laughter and comfort during his last several months. David and his family also received a tremendous amount of support from Jack's sisters Marilyn (Sheila) and Raven (John) and their families. Those smiles will never be forgotten. In addition, they took a great deal of time to provide support to David and Jack's son Burtt, the family's Special Olympian of many years. David's Celebration of Life will be held at Kilworth Chapel at the University of Puget Sound on Saturday, January 14th, beginning at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that friends make a donation to Greater Metro Parks Foundation, Lane Talmadge Fund.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Nov. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID DROGE

11 Entries

Karl Scott

March 3, 2017

Stagg HS Class of 65 will miss you.

Jane Brosseau

January 12, 2017

God's best to you, Jack and Burtt. David fought his illness with such bravery.

Sara Johnson

January 4, 2017

Dr. Droge was such an important part of my college experience. I thank him for all he did for me and my classmates.

Sara Johnson
UPS, Class of 1998

Don Alfera

November 30, 2016

Jack, much love to you and Burtt. A great legacy and testament to the many lives a good heart touches. My best always.

Barb Anderson

November 28, 2016

Peace be with you. Love & Light.

Dennis Droge

November 27, 2016

I first met David in 1950. That is the year I was born. He is my brother, friend, tutor, some times warden, and academic advisor. Two years eleven months separate us on the calendar, but academically we were galaxies apart. David knew how to use his fabulous mind to make life better for everybody. Geographical distance, interests, and now death may separate us, but blood, trust, and friendship will always bind us. I miss you and love you, David, and I know you will never be very far away.

Mary and Steve McGlone

November 27, 2016

We are saddened to hear about David's passing. I had him as a teacher and will never forget his vast knowledge and his compassion for education. I also witnessed how he embraced his new career as a counselor in Tacoma Schools. It was apparent that David was successful in all areas he ventured into during his years at UPS and beyond, however, it was clear that his first priority was his wife Jacki and his son, Burtt. When we'd run into David around town he'd always fill us in on how his family was doing and how proud he was of their successes. We will miss seeing David and send our deepest sympathy to Jacki, Burrt and his family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Mary and Steve McGlone

Marilyn Graham

November 27, 2016

David was a wonderful brother in law, loving husband of my sister, Jacki, great father to my nephew, coaching all of the sporting events that Burtt wanted to take part in and oh, so patient with him, encouraging, him through all of his challenges. He will be missed by so many far-ranging people, so many more than we will ever know at this point in time.

ann woolley

November 27, 2016

David was one hell of a good man! I only knew David for a short time in his younger years, but since my best friend Jack loved him and married him, he was definitely OK in my book! I knew he was an awesome father to his special needs son Burtt! In fact, the both he and Jackie were incredible, loving parents. And though we lived miles apart, we did manage to spend some time together in Santa Fe, NM. A wonderful memory indeed! David will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him! Deepest sympathy and love go out to my dear friend Jack and Burtt! And to all David's family and many friend's!

Kay Decter Slagle

November 27, 2016

David was a brilliant, warm hearted man who lived his principles. He was a deep and caring soul who made a positive difference in the lives he touched. I feel honored to have called him a friend, one of the best I had in college, and I was delighted to rekindle that friendship in the last years of his life. Rest in peace, David. You're greatly missed.

George Gunn

November 27, 2016

David was a good loving person and that's the best you can say about any of us. He helped many people along the way and had a loving family and friends and that's the most important thing in a life. Rest in Peace!

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