David Arthur Harper Shirah

February 7, 1955 - November 24, 2024

David was intelligent, charismatic, quick-witted, and immensely hard-working.

He possessed an innate need to fix things and make the world around him better, whether that be the community he lived in, or a leaky pipe in the kitchen.

His energy, enthusiasm, love for his family and friends, and natural interest in always learning and solving problems, made him a dedicated and helpful husband, father, brother, son, friend, and colleague.

David was born to Chester Shirah and Laverne Creamer Shirah on February 7, 1955, in Puerto Rico, while his dad was stationed there for the U.S. Air Force.

David and his brothers, Chet and Billy, traveled all over the world with their dad during their school years.

A memorable time for David was when they were stationed at Beale Air Force Base and he met the, love of his life, Valerie Harper, while attending Yuba Gardens School in Olivehurst, CA.

After leaving the Yuba County area, graduating high school and completing his tour with the Army, David returned to Olivehurst, CA, hoping to rekindle his friendship with Valerie.

It was one of those "once in a lifetime" romances and they were married within months, celebrating their 42nd anniversary this year. David and Valerie had two children, Ryan and Lindsey.

Shortly after getting married, they moved to Chico, CA, so David could attend Chico State and Valerie could work with the State. David earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Chico State.

Throughout their married life, they lived in Chico, Marysville, CA, and Yuba City, CA, then, recently located in Lincoln, CA.

David's expertise was Construction and Project Management, whether teaching it at Chico State, implementing it for his own projects, or assisting others with delivery of their projects.

He was so proud of his students when they helped rebuild homes during the disasters in New Orleans, LA, and Joplin, MI.

David was so much more than career focused, enjoying fishing, football, coaching, gardening, days at the beach with his kids and grandkids, and a good Hallmark movie.

He was devoted to his family, helping his kids with their D.I.Y projects, teaching his grandchildren to cook his famous chicken and dumplings, planning and hosting family get togethers with Valerie.

He was a fun and hands on "D-dad" to his grandchildren, quickly becoming a big kid himself whenever they were around. He was a "natural jokester" and the family loves telling all the stories about David's antics!

David is survived by his wife, Valerie; a son, Ryan (Vanessa); a daughter, Lindsey (Martin); three grandchildren, Arthur Stolliday, Iris Stolliday and Zacarias Shirah; as well as his brothers, Chet and Billy.

David's life, love, and memory will live on through his family, as well as all those that have known him throughout the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of California San Francisco Foundation, Brain Tumor Center.