David L. Shipman

David (Dave) Shipman of Fresno, California passed away on December 29, 2023 at the young age of 66. Dave was born to Calvin and Virginia Shipman on October 9, 1957 in Freedom, California. At the age of 15, Dave's family moved to Fresno, California where Dave's father managed the Fig Garden Golf Course, which was also where Dave got his first job.
Dave graduated from Bullard High School in 1975. Not long after that, he started his decades-long career in auto part sales. Through his 40+ years in that industry, Dave worked at a number of places and met so many friends, both coworkers and customers. Dave worked hard his entire life to provide for his family.
In 1977 Dave married his first wife, Pam. They had two children together, Rene and Matthew. After their divorce, Dave needed a roommate, and his best friend's sister, Tamie, was also looking for someone to share household expenses. Since they had known each other since the early 70s, they thought it would be a good fit. Little did they know that would lead to a 33 year relationship and 25 years of marriage. Dave and Tamie were married on July 11, 1998 in a beautiful park ceremony.
Dave and Tamie built a wonderful life together and their union gave Dave a bonus son, Bradley. Dave loved his family with all of his heart. His love for his children was only surpassed by his love for his grandchildren. His nieces and nephews also held a prominent space in his heart, and Dave adored his wife Tamie.
Dave was a man of great integrity and his word was gold; you couldn't ask for a better friend. His friends knew if there was anything they needed, Dave would do everything he could to make that happen. Dave was also a huge animal lover, and though he rolled his eyes every time Tamie brought a new dog or cat into their home, he was as smitten by them as she was. Through the years, Dave opened their home to many in need, including friends and family, and his generosity was unparalleled. When the post office had their annual food drive, Dave would go around to neighbors' homes to remind them to put out their food bags.
Dave had many passions in life; golf, fishing, muscle cars, classic rock, and especially the 49ers. He was an avid fan since the 70s and never faltered, even when they did. Dave also loved to travel and he and Tamie had many adventures together. Since Dave grew up on the central coast of California, he spent many days at the beach, and being near the water was always his favorite place to be, especially on a tropical beach with a snorkel mask in one hand, and a drink in the other.
A cancer diagnosis in 2020 led to Dave's retirement. From that time forward, he was in treatments every 3-6 weeks for over 3 years. He fought hard and long, but eventually his body wasn't able to continue and Dave's huge heart suddenly gave out. Dave was surrounded by his family and his passing was peaceful.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Shipman and Virginia Shipman; his sisters Paulina Shipman and Geneva Noreen, and his soul brother, Dwayne Spear.
Dave is survived by his loving wife, Tamie Shipman; his daughter Rene Perez and her husband Jaime Contreras; his son Matthew Shipman; his son Bradley Spear; his grandchildren, Brianna and AJ Perez and Emily Shipman; his brother, Allen Shipman and his wife Debra; his sister-in-law, Deanna Owens and her husband, Steve, and his numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.