David Ernest Liddick

David Ernest Liddick was born on April 18, 1948 in Duncannon, Pennsylvania to Gerald Liddick Sr. and Laura Liddick. Dave passed away on November 22, 2025 at his home in Yreka with his wife Suzanne (Sue) and son Matthew (Matt) by his side.
If one were to ask Dave to describe his life, he would most likely borrow a line from a favorite movie, Secondhand Lions: "I lived, I really lived." And he certainly did!
If the measure of a man's life is gauged by the lives he affected, one would have to say he was bigger than life. To thousands of little leaguers from 1973 thru 1998 he was "Mr. Liddick, the umpire." During his 20 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force, Dave was both teacher and mentor to many. Several of his previous brothers-in-arms, friends for life, have shared their favorite stories mentioning his unwavering love of God, Country, family and friends. To them, Dave "always had your back." After his retirement from the USAF, Dave continued his financial career for the next several years as a loan officer in credit unions. Although he retired in 1998, many individuals Dave assisted would come up to him in public places and thank him for his professionalism and his sound advice. Dave valued his friends and they in turn had his loyalty and his love. It would be unfair to list names because I'm sure I would forget someone, but y'all know who you are. Never forget he loved you!
As a family man, there was no one who loved his family more. Often Dave would call our lives "the great adventure." Then we would both add "and more to come." In the beginning there was just Dave and Sue. After several years we were blessed with our son Matthew and we became The Three Musketeers. Matt always said his dad was his best friend, through thick and thin, and Dave felt the same way. Over time, grandchildren added to our family circle, and Dave proudly became Grandpa/Papa. His greatest joy was watching his grandchildren grow into good, kind, loving individuals. I would be remiss if I did not include Dave's devoted pal of 15 years, Jack, who though little in stature was a giant of a dog. As a family we mourn the loss of their physical presence, but both are with us in the memories of their love and devotion to us all. Dave's 77 years were filled with an interest in people, places and new experiences. Baseball with family, camping with family, family dinners, and muscle cars (especially his beloved '67 Pontiac GTO) were his passions. He also was a walking history book and saw value in sharing many stories with his grandchildren. All of this is what truly gave meaning to his life.
Dave is predeceased by both his parents, his oldest brother Gerald "Sonny" and his wife Bettye. Dave leaves behind his wife, Suzanne, and son, Matthew, along with grandchildren Danni, David, Reagan, Derek and Jase; his brother, John and his wife Vicky; and sister Mary Jane Casey, along with several nieces and nephews.
Our family wants to thank Dr. Richard Swenson for his friendship and care over the years, as well as all of the doctors and care givers who ministered to Dave during this last illness. A special heartfelt thank you goes out to the local Hospice In Home Care staff who assisted our family in bringing Dave home to say goodbye, thereby allowing us to follow his plan. Anyone who knew Dave knew he was a planner, down to the last detail. Matt and I also want to thank those at the local VA, who aided Dave in his quest to search for peace after suffering for many years from service related PTSD and its effects. We want you to know you made a difference. It was too late to mend the damage to his body, but his mind was finally at rest. It was his final gift to his family. Well done Dave – truly a life well lived!
Dave would not want his services to interfere with the holiday season, so we have decided to have a Celebration of His Life in the spring. If anyone wishes to donate to a charity in Dave's name, he would appreciate the donation going to Rescue Ranch, 2216 Oberlin Road, Yreka, CA 96097 (a rescue facility for dogs of all breeds until they find a loving home), or Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097 (an organization offering gentle, compassionate care to families when it matters most.)