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David Summers Obituary
David's full of life heart, beat one last time March 15, 20214, after attending a reception with his wife of 54 years, Cheryl. He regarded everyone as a friend and found positive traits in all his many acquaintances.
David was born in Renton, Washington on October 12, 1946, to his mother (who was a Navy Nursing Officer) and his father (who was a WWII Navy Pilot). He is survived by his brothers, Daniel, and Stephen; sons Ryan and Scott (Courtney); and his most precious grandchildren, Makenzie & Mason.
After serving in the Army for three years, David earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from UNM. He immediately passed the national exam to be licensed as a Professional Engineer. But what would really shock his Sandia High School (1964) teachers, would be his dual masters from UNM in Nuclear Engineering and Business Administration. These degrees were put to good use as he represented PNM's ownership in the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and served for decades on the UNM Nuclear Reactor Safety Committee. He was named one of UNM's most influential engineering graduates. After spending a few years at Sandia Laboratories, David retired.
During these years lifelong activities continued to provide joy and deep friendships. David skied, golfed, boated at Lake Powell, and loved international cruising. To all of those who shared these experiences with David, please give him a smile as you view the constellations that he loved.
Join the family for a Life Celebration on April 12, 2024, at 1:30pm at FRENCH-Wyoming.
Please visit our online guestbook for David at
www.FrenchFunerals.com.
Memories and Condolences
for David Summers
6 Entries
Henry Gardner
May 7, 2024
Dave will be missed among his golf buddies at UNM.
Christine Conway
April 9, 2024
Very sorry to hear about Dave´s passing. Our families had some fun times at the lake. Give Crosby the dog a hug and say hi to Virginia. Bob and Vincent send their condolences as well. Christine Conway
Nancy Rothery
April 8, 2024
I smile every time I think of Dave. All I hear is his voice saying,"Cheryl". We used to tease him about that all the time. As smart as he was, I´ll never forget the time his boat stopped running while he took the ladies water skiing at Lake Powell. It was my turn skiing, when we became stranded in a cove. The guys were on the houseboat a few miles away. All of the girls were panicking as was Dave. He couldn´t figure out how to get the boat running. I said, but Dave you´re a nuclear engineer! He said " Nancy, we need a mechanical, not nuclear engineer". I somehow got the boat to go backwards and we were able to get to our houseboat. Cheryl, my prayers are with you and your family. Dave was a sweetheart. He will be missed.
Frank Tomaszewski
April 2, 2024
David we had some great times at Sandia High School especially when we decided to hike down the face of Sandia Mountain on High School Graduation Day and barely made to Graduation. David may you rest in peace and you family remember for years all the good times. David, you had a good life ❤ you will be missed at Sandia High School 60th Anniversary in September 2024
Pam McKeever
March 28, 2024
I worked for Dave at PNM as a student and new engineer in the 1978 to 1990 timeframe. He was so passionate about his work, his family, and everything he did. His laugh was contagious and he taught me a lot. My condolences to the Summers family. May God bring you peace and treasured memories.
Steve Albright
March 28, 2024
Dave supported me so much at PNM when I was a young engineer 1978-83. I recall a couple of fun excursions with Dave also
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