Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David Ramsdale Obituary
WAXHAW -- David, 60, died after a brief hospitalization, went to be with the Lord on April 19, 2008.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and servant of God.
David served for 36 years as a missionary pilot, writer, and photographer for Wycliffe Bible Translators. He was a jungle pilot in Peru for 13 years, in the Philippines for three, and was for many years in Waxhaw at the JAARS Center in aviation administration and creative services. He enjoyed hiking, kayaking, gardening, writing stories, taking pictures, and camping with his wife.
David is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Nancy; son Jeff, daughter-in-law Cris; grandson Lucas; granddaughter, Wren; daughter, Michelle, son-in-law, Josh ,and their unborn daughter.
A Celebration of David's life will be held at 2:30 on Thursday, April 24 at JAARS. The family will gather following the service to greet friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in David's name be given to: JAARS, The Kodiak Project, P.O. Box 248, Waxhaw, NC 28173.
The Ramsdale family is in the care of Gaskin Services, Matthews, www.gaskinservices.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Ramsdale
Larry & Jan Shafer
July 9, 2008
Nancy & family,
We were saddened to recently hear of David's passing. We fondly remember are visits with you at JAARS and when you were in OH. We will always remember flying with David at Kidron. May God surround you with His love & peace.
Bob Creson
May 4, 2008
Dear Nancy and Family,
David was a good friend and trusted colleague, and I will miss him greatly. Please be assured that Dallas and I continue to pray for you as you go through this transition.
Warmly,
Paul and Karen Smith
April 28, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
We will always remember Dave as a good friend and fellow pilot. We have many happy memories of good times spent together, especially at Yarina. Now that he has traveled on ahead we are praying that God will give you the grace and comfort that you need. We are so thankful that we will one day all be together again.
Bryan and Shirley Burtch
April 27, 2008
We don't often go on the Internet; but we do it now to send our condolences to Nancy and family. We could hardly believe that another colleague was taken to glory so soon after we said goodbye to Herb Fuqua; but the Lord must have wanted both of them up there ahead of some of us older folks. Well, not older than Herb, but older than Dave.
May the Lord continue to comfort and sustain you through the lonely days ahead; and we will be praying for you, as we are already doing for several others who have left us not long ago. With love in Christ, Bryan and Shirley P. S. -- It brought back many memories just reading through all the other notes friends have written, because we knew most of them.
Rosemary (Davis) Clayton
April 26, 2008
Aunt Nancy, Jeff, & Michelle,
My thoughts and prayers are with you...
Uncle Dave was influential, not only as a pilot, but in the hearts of the Yarinacocha High School students. He always seemed to have a cheerful smile for us. I remember the time Uncle Dave was our high school youth leader. You kindly allowed us into your home for Bible study, sing and share, as well as fun activies--such as my first time ever to watch t.v. at Yarinacocha! (In amazement we watched unfold the fairytale wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles.) Although years have passed, our lives have twisted and turned in ways we could not have imagined, Uncle Dave's inspiration, the smile on his face, and the fond memories he created in our lives remain. Thank you for the part you played in supporting and allowing him to make a difference in our lives.
Phyllis Burtch Porter
April 25, 2008
I was saddened when my parents forwarded an email telling of "Uncle" Dave's passing. I remember when you first came to Peru and lived in Woodwards house. I must have been in high school then. My prayers will be with your family.
Larry & Graace Rau
April 25, 2008
Greetings, Nancy and family,
We were saddened (and surprised) to hear of Dave's sudden home-going.
Our daughter, Cindy, and I (Grace), and a little Sharanahua boy, were with Dave on the "eventful" flight he made to the Culinas for me to spend a month with Arlene-- the one that eventually led to Dave's good article in Beyond magazine a number of years later, and, subsequently, to the placing of GPS systems in all our JAARS planes. Lots of other good memories too of our time together in Peru.
Larry's sister, Sharon, aged 57, also moved on to Heaven--on April 10 in Alberta, Canada. Services were held for her on April 19th. While we were at the cemetary for a short family service (prior to the Memorial Service) we were engulfed in a real spring blizzard--lots of big wet, snowflakes and a strong, cold wind. (Not the "normal" weather, even for Canada!) We drove up from Texas, and will be here in Canada for several more weeks as Larry does the Sunday sermons for May at our home church (while the pastor and family are on a YWAM-associated sabbatical).
Our love and prayers are with you as you make the needed adjustments to life without Dave being there.
Larry and Grace Rau
of Fort Worth, TX
(Currently in Canada for awhile.)
Billie Mishler
April 25, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff, and Michelle,
We were so saddened for you all at the loss of Dave. We had been praying those two weeks he was in the hospital and shocked to hear of his quick homegoing. Shocked but yet knowing he was with our Lord and celebrating with Him. We always enjoyed our times with you and with Dave. The last time was in Lima at the Hinson guest house, in our apartment, when you were in Peru for a visit. Or was it when we were in Waxhaw in the Dining room? I'm not sure! I remember well our ride out to the Yaminahuas to visit our daughter, Becky, and Lucy and Norma. The strip was short and we stopped at the very end! It was quite an adventure. :) Please know we love you and hold you all in our prayers! Billie (and for John) Mishler
John and Elsie Bush
April 25, 2008
Dear Nancy,Jeffand Michelle,
Our prayers are with you. We will miss Dave but know he is in a far better place. It's been a joy to know and work with you folks. May the Grace of our Lord be upon you as you go through this time of his home going.
barb Inman
April 25, 2008
Hi to Nancy, Michelle, Jeff,
My short time at Yarinacocha allowed me to be acquainted with your family. I do so grieve with you and rejoice that God was served when he called Dave "home". How wonderful to know that God also sends the comforter to comfort family and coworkers. Please be aware that memories come forth with great pleasure. May you allow God's presence to surround you in the light and in the night. God be praised.
Barb Inman, Yarina teacher for a bit of time.
Lucy Lindholm
April 25, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
It has been a privilege to have known and served with you and Dave when we were all in Peru. He helped get the the Word to the Yaminahuas, as well as so many others, and we're grateful. My last fun memory of Dave was seeing him in the lawn mower race when we were in Waxhaw last year. We're praying for each of you, as we know that it hurts as you strongly miss him, while at the same time you're rejoicing for him for all the wonderful experiences he's having right now. We love you,
Lucy, and for Don Lindholm
Jim and Lorraine Smotherman
April 25, 2008
Dear Nancy and family,
Lorraine and I are saddened to learn of Dave's rather sudden departure to his heavenly reunion with our Savior and many fellow servants who have gone before.
We grieve with you and pray that "the God of all comfort" is wrapping His arms around you assuring each of you that His timing is perfect. We love you.
1 Peter 1:3-4
Stanley Burtch
April 24, 2008
So sad to hear of his passing or as we say in the Salvation Army "Promotion to Glory" I have many fond memories of our times together at Yarina and for being an owner/user of the "Pig" while in High School.
May you be comforted in your time of loss.
Eric Ruple
April 24, 2008
Dear Nancy and family,
Wanda and I wish to express our deepest condolences on David's home-going. You two were so instrumental in us joining JAARS 10 years ago during Quest. We will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer.
Debbie Ottaviano
April 24, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
We are sad that we will not be with you today for the memorial service. I am in Billings helping my mother and Steve is at the Spokane Turbine Center. We will be with you in our thoughts and prayers.
May God comfort you greatly,
Debbie and Steve Ottaviano
Eldon Barkman
April 24, 2008
Dear Nancy and Family,
Sandi and I join the voices of others in expressing our condolences at Dave's death. We are grieving with you as we considered him a friend and co-laborer in the great task of Bible Translation. We will miss him. Contact us if/when you need us for things that come up.
We are with you in our thoughts and prayers,
Butch and Sandi Barkman
Gene and Sue (Kenny) Hudlow
April 24, 2008
Nancy:
I remember flying with Dave back in 79/80 at Yarinacocha. And Gene was there even longer, both of us with fond memories of him. Our prayers are with you. It won't be long, and we will all be together again....
Dean and Becky Rhodes
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
How shocked and saddened we were when we heard of Dave's passing. We have so many wonderful memories of our time together in Yarina. Be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Russ And Donna Reinert
April 23, 2008
Hi Nancy, Jeff and Michelle. It was special to talk with you, Nancy, the other day. As I mentioned to you, when Donna and I heard of Dave's death, we both sat on our couch and cried. Once we composed ourselves, we prayed for you. We know that he is better than the rest of us right now. But we felt so sad for you. We were praying for Dave when he was in the hospital. We didn't want it to end this way.
I know that the Lord will get you through the pain of grief, so try to draw strength from Him. It will seem impossible at times, but over a period of time, the Lord will enable you to heal the hurt, and you will be left with wonderful memories of your life together.
Please know that we love and care for you. We'll be praying. We thought highly of Dave and you, Nancy, and enjoyed our visits through the years.
Grateful to God for knowing Dave and you all,
russ
Ezequiel/Elena Romero
April 23, 2008
Dearest Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
We were suddenly struck by the news about the departure of your husband and father. He is and will be our beloved brother in Christ. Our memories go both to those days in Yarina and also in Waxaw. I (Ezequiel) remember the many hours David flew me to the communities, and back to Yarina. We thank God for his life and many years of serving our King, Master and Pilot of our lives. We are looking forward to enjoy heaven with David.
Nancy, this is to tell you how much we love you.
Ezequiel and Elena
Joe and Jan Walter
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy and family,
We have flown many times with Dave to Ashaninca Campa land. He was always cheerful and accomodating, and was a very good pilot. We have many pleasant memories of our friendship with both of you.
We are saddened at his passing. May the God who desired him for Himself, be the God of all comfort to you, Nancy, and the family. With love, Joe and Jan Walter
Walden & Elfriede Schmidt
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
It’s in times like these that we realize the bond of family in a very special way. How often did we see and hear Dave driving up the hill from the hangar at Yarina. Now he is forever with the Lord, whom he loved and served. He has gone ahead of us. Last November he spoke in admiration of a colleague at a Memorial Service. Now we all look back with many fond memories of Dave. We promise to uphold you in prayer in the days to come. Michelle’s daughter will be a reminder that the LORD continues to give life and love, even in the reality of parting.
Reini Schmidt
April 23, 2008
Dear Aunt Nancy, Michelle, and Jeff,
I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know you are in my prayers. We look forward to all being together again someday on the other side of heaven and look forward to even grander times than what we had in Yarina. God bless,
Reini
Verna Mae Campbell
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss of David. He was a great guy and a wonderful servant of the Lord. May God richly bless you at this time of loss and throughout the coming days.
(former member of WBT)
Carolynn Parker
April 23, 2008
Nancy, Jeff, Michelle and family,
My love and prayers are with you at this time. How many wonderful memories we share! May you be enfolded by our Father’s loving arms.
Tali Alicea
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff, and Michelle,
I am so thankful I got to know you all at Yarina and that Dave was my pilot to visit the Taushiros, many times. He really helped many of us give out God's Word to the tribes. I praise God for his life and yours as well. I have been praying for God's peace on you and the rest of your extended family. Ps.23
God bless you,
Tali (now in Puerto Rico)
Kevin Lyon
April 23, 2008
Nancy, Jeff, and Michelle,
We were so saddened to hear of Dave's homegoing--he will be so missed, but remembered with great fondness as a great pilot, team member, and friend. I can't think of Dave without smiling--he had that effect on all of us.
We join our prayers with many, many others from all over the globe that the God of all comfort will make His presence and encouragement real to each of you in the coming days.
I would sure love to be with you all on Thursday, but please consider yourselves hugged from Texas. :-)
Kevin
Millie Lyon
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
It doesn't seem long ago that David and Floyd were flying in Peru along with other pilots. It was a joy to serve with you. May the Lord bless and guide you in the days ahead. Love, Millie Lyon
Doug Deming
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy, El and Jeff,
I am praying at this difficult time you remain strong and trusting in our Sovereign God. The comfort will be there at times and at other moments the question as to why God has allowed David to come home will fill our minds. God and heaven are thrilled with David's arrival and we are saddened in the empty place he has left. I wish I could be of comfort and assistance. Revelation 1:17-18
loys mundy
April 23, 2008
Dear Nancy, Jeff and Michelle,
Praying God's abiding peace for each of you. Our lives were richer for knowing and working with Dave, both in Peru and later when he edited Beyond. Great pilot and excellent writer.
Un abrazo y carinos, Loys
Ron and Linda Langford
April 23, 2008
Dear Ramsdale family,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of David but we are rejoicing that he is with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and that we will see him again some day.
We have been praying for you'all and will continue to do so. May the God of all peace be near to you during this time of sorrow. May He give you the strength to go through this.
If there is anything we can do, please let us know - we are not far away and can help in any way.
Love in Christ,
Ron and Linda
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in David Ramsdale's name
Memorial Events
for David Ramsdale
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Ramsdale's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
