David Theron Furuli

1940 - 2023

David Theron Furuli "Dave", 82, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023, at 9:15pm PDT, at his home in Kalama, Washington with family at his side. Dave was an extraordinary man with the most gentle, kind, and talented soul. He embraced life with love, grace, and wonder while spending his life imparting wisdom, life lessons, and helping others.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 17, 1940, David grew up as a quiet individual with an inquisitive mind and an avid reader which remained a love of his throughout his life. In college, David joined the U.S. Navy and served from September 30, 1961 - September 3, 1966, and gained his wings as a pilot. During the Vietnam war, among other planes, David piloted the T-28 Trojan, F8-Crusader, and the A-1 Skyraider where he maneuvered over 100 landings on the USS Ranger Aircraft Carrier. He often stated that every landing was a hair-raising experience. In 1966, David joined Continental Airlines as a flight crew member and over the next 35 years gained status in rank and retired as Captain David T. Furuli. Among other planes flown for Continental, David captained the Boeing 737, Boeing 777, and DC10 aircraft.

Prior to and during his retirement years, David remained humble and lived a full life as an avid reader, master wood worker, rock hound, highly skilled handmade jewelry artisan, stone carver, blacksmith, silversmith, as well as an instructor of silversmithing at the Centralia College in Washington State. He was truly amazing at anything he attempted and was a master of his skills.

David is survived by his daughters Deborah L. Lauro (Robert Esquibel), Dawn D. Sena (Joseph Sena) stepson Bill D. Harms (Luanne Harms), stepdaughter Carol L. Winten (Daniel Winten), sister Diane M. Mugford, brothers John A. Furuli, Michael J. Furuli, and Joel P. Furuli. He was the cherished grandfather of Shae, Mary, Maryssa, Logan, Amanda, Jacquelyn, Allessandra, Christian, Mahala, Moorea, and great-grandfather of Deucalion and namesake Finnegan David. He leaves many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Jacquelyn L. Furuli (2022) parents, Elmer Martin Furuli (1986), Virginia Minetor Furuli (2013), and stepson's Donald E. Harms (2009) and Tony A. Harms (1988).

As we bid farewell to David, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire. His life example, compassion, and kindness will forever echo in the hearts of those who were touched by his love. As a beacon of light and inspiration, he will eternally be one worthy of remembrance, who gifted the world with his beautiful kind spirit and his amazing awe-inspiring works of art.

A celebration of life service for David is scheduled for Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Riverview Community Church, 6325 Old Pacific Hwy S. Kalama, WA at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow. A graveside service will be in the spring of 2024 at the Granby, Colorado cemetery, where David will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Jacquelyn.