David Lee Hallstrom

David Lee Hallstrom, 80, a long time resident of Paradise Valley, AZ,
passed away on Friday, June 9, 2006. David is survived by his wife Patti; son Billy (JoAnne) and grandchildren Mitch (Alissa), Laura and Cooper; daughter Melissa (Cecil) Lane and
granddaughters
Katherine and Christina Lane; sister Virginia Wilson of Milbank, SD; brother Robert (Beverly) Hallstrom of Magalia, CA; and sister-in-law Irene Hallstrom of Webster, SD.       David was born April 27, 1926 on the family farm in Webster, South Dakota. He enlisted in the Navy the summer of 1944 after graduating from Webster High School and proudly served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Salmon, USS Randolph, and USS Philippine Sea. He returned from the war and started college in the fall of 1946 at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, where he founded the Augustana Flying Club. He transferred to the University of Nebraska and graduated in June 1950. David was President of Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity and founded the University of Nebraska Flying Club. He met Patti Reed in February, 1950 and they were married September 3, 1950. From 1950 to 1952, he managed the Chamber of Commerce in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and then became Manager of the Chamber of Commerce in Dumas, Texas. David and Patti adopted their first child, Billy, in September 1954. In the fall of 1955 David moved his family from Texas to California as Manager of Lyon Butane Co., Ben Lomond, California, and he then served as Assistant Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Redevelopment Agency.   In March, 1958, David relocated his family to Scottsdale, Arizona accepting the position as Manager of the Chamber of Commerce in Scottsdale. He served in this capacity for 5 years. In December 1960, David and Patti adopted their daughter, Melissa. David then worked as Vice-President of the Strand Land and Development Co. of Scottsdale. In 1963 he founded Western Advertising Co. which he sold in 1985. In May of 1985 he returned to the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce as Executive Director, serving in that capacity through June 1989. In the early 1990's, he represented the Scottsdale School District as a Real Estate Consultant facilitating the sale of the Scottsdale High School property. In 1995, he obtained his Commercial Real Estate License and specialized in commercial property with Collier's Classic in the Scottsdale Airpark area. David planned to retire a final time on July 17, 2006. During his 48 years in Scottsdale, David was blessed to work alongside many wonderful individuals and had a deep respect for so many people in the community. The organizations and activities in which he was involved included the: Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Scottsdale Charro's, Scottsdale Rotary Club, Scottsdale Jaycee's, Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Independent Auto Dealers Association, Scottsdale Partnership, Scottsdale History Maker's Hall of Fame, Phoenix Metrogroup, Scottsdale Leadership Training, and Mag's Ham Bun Bunch. He was a founding member of the Scottsdale Charro's and was instrumental in bringing the Boston Red Sox to Scottsdale for Spring Training.    He loved flying and fishing as well as spending time with his family. David and Patti have been involved with various Bible Study groups. Patti, his children, and his grandchildren were his 'Sunshine.' He was a living model for the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." David's life was dedicated to serving the Lord through humble service to his family, friends, acquaintances, and those he represented in the Scottsdale community. He had a rare and unique vision for the city that he truly loved: Scottsdale, Arizona: 'The West's Most-Western Town.' A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 13 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd. in Scottsdale.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14 at Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E. Shea Blvd. The family is requesting donations be sent to Christian Family Care Agency, 3603 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013.