David Fishel Caplan

David Fishel Caplan, 89, of Sun City West, AZ, passed away peacefully on October 8, surrounded by loving family. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA in March 1934 to Betty and Harry Caplan.

Following his childhood in Weirton, WV (with summer vacations at his mother's family home in Portsmouth/Virginia Beach, VA), he worked at his father's wholesale grocery business and also at Weirton Steel. After high school he enrolled at the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate and law degrees.

David worked in private practice in Detroit, but after a couple of years was lured to NASA and the excitement of 30 years of aerospace work – culminating in the position of chief counsel at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Upon early retirement in 1994, he finally realized his dream of becoming a Jewish cowboy, moving to Sun City West. He was a resident there for just shy of 30 happy years.

Full of curiosity and enthusiasm for his many varied hobbies, he was an avid tennis player, horseback rider, target shooter, symphony goer and Chinese food cook. His number-one interest, though, was in lovingly parenting his two grateful sons and numerous pups. He, like his father before him, taught his sons to see and appreciate the best in people – and view life with a sense of humor.

He is survived by sons William (partner Jake) and Zhan, significant other Shirley Burton (daughter Karla Lee and her children), and his current best friend/miniature Australian Shepherd, Macey – along with a community of friends throughout Sun City West and particularly at Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley.

In honor of his memory, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley (especially the Surprise Inpatient Care Home), Jewish National Fund, Congregation Beth Emeth, or any community-serving organization that is meaningful to you. Please join David's family in sharing memories, pictures or videos on his tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com.