David Louis Elia

David (Dave) Louis Elia, age 77, of Blue River, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2024, in Springfield, Oregon, holding the hand of his firstborn granddaughter, Samantha. Born on June 15, 1946, in Portland, Oregon, to Lorene Elia (Benedict) and Louis Elia. Dave lived a vibrant life defined by his passion for cooking, devotion to family, and love for the outdoors.

A proud graduate of McKenzie High School in Blue River, Class of 1964, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1964, serving honorably as a Lance Corporal (LCpl). He pursued his culinary passion by attending the Culinary Arts Program at Clark Community College in Vancouver, Washington, from September 1965 to December 1966. On July 17, 1971, Dave married Rose Elia (Kirkpatrick) of Blue River, Oregon, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love and shared adventures. In 1973 and 1975, Rose and Dave welcomed two beautiful children, Micah L. and Heather Marie.

Dave and Rose were longtime residents of Blue River, where they co-owned the Forest Glenn Restaurant with Dave's mother, Lorene, and sister, Bernadette Fleischer. The restaurant, a cherished part of the Elia family from 1960 to 1994, was lost to a fire in 1994. Dave continued his culinary career, cooking at the Log Cabin Inn in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, until 2006, and later at Bliss McKenzie River Restaurant in Walterville, Oregon, until his semi-retirement. Even in semi-retirement, Dave's love for baking shone through as he crafted desserts for Walton's Half-Way Coffee Café in Walton, Oregon, until his passing.

Renowned for his legendary monster cookies (massive, indulgent treats that mirrored his generous spirit), Dave's kitchen was a place of creativity and joy. Whether experimenting with new recipes or bringing his grandchildren's wildest food ideas to life, he delighted in sharing his culinary gifts. His vibrant personality, marked by a quick wit, occasional colorful language, and boundless warmth, made him a beloved figure to all who knew him.

An avid outdoorsman, Dave cherished skiing, bike riding, and the vibrant fall colors of Oregon.

His love for nature was matched only by his devotion to his family and community.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Elia of Eugene, Oregon; his son, Micah L. Elia of Christmas Valley, Oregon; his daughter, Heather Shaffer (Chris) of Bedford, Indiana; and his grandchildren, Samantha Shaffer of Bozeman, Montana, Benjamin Shaffer of Bedford, Indiana, Micah D. Elia of Christmas Valley, Oregon, and Chloe Elia of Burns, Oregon. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Poff and Bernadette Fleischer; his brother, Michael Elia (Catherine); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a great-great-niece and nephew. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Lorene and Louis Elia; his brothers, Peter and Stephen Elia; and his sister, Virginia Elia. His sister, Marrietta Donohue, has passed at the time of this publication.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held at the Upper McKenzie Community Center, located at 54745 McKenzie River Drive, Blue River, OR 97413, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Please bring a dessert to share. Everyone is welcome. Please join us in helping the family celebrate Dave's life.

Dave's legacy lives on in the recipes he shared, the laughter he sparked, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered