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David Lancaster Obituary
LANCASTER, David N.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. Born in Eureka, Calif., on June 4, 1926, he died in Auburn, Calif., on May 30, 2008. A WWII Navy veteran, Dave served as machinist mate and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received at Iwo Jima. Dave worked as an airline mechanic for United Airlines from 1949-1952 until realizing his dream of becoming a teacher. He began his 35 years of teaching and administration in Honeydew, Calif., then subsequently taught throughout Northern California in Scotia, Livermore, San Carlos, and Redwood City. Although he retired from education in 1987, he never ceased being a constant educator. He volunteered his time, expertise and passion for education with projects for the numerous service organizations he belonged to, including the Kiwanis and Elks. Dave was always a man in motion whose curiosity served him all his life. From his passion for automobiles, motorcycles and boat engines to his attempts to master computers and machinery of the digital age, he was always interested in figuring out how things worked. As a life-long San Francisco 49ers fan, he enjoyed football and motor sports of all kinds. Dave was preceded in death by his wife Catherine Suchanek Lancaster in 1990. In 1995 he met the Joy of his life, Joye Castorina. They were married on December 12, 1998, and were an inseparable and loving couple until his passing. He leaves behind a loving family and an enormous extended family of friends and acquaintances that have all been touched by his enthusiastic passion for life. A memorial service will be held at the Elks Lodge 195 Pine St., Auburn, Calif., on Thursday June 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Lancaster
Dan Hurst
June 23, 2008
I always looked forward to seeing Unlce Dave at family functions and get-togethers. I enjoyed his gentle, good natured teasing and his up beat outlook. I knew that if Dave was there, the party would not be boring. I will miss him and I am thankful that he was my uncle and that I have many great memories of him. My sympathies to my cousins; Gerry, Scott and Patty and the rest of Dave's extended family.
Alicia Castorina
June 23, 2008
I started going thru all the photos of the Castorina family events and there you are, Grandpa Dave, smiling in all of them. It was obvious to anyone watching that you were as much Grandma Joye's 'joy' as she was yours. We are all deeply saddened by your passing, but grateful to have gotten to know you. We love you, Grandpa Dave!
Charles Johnston
June 23, 2008
I only knew David for a short while, While I was visiting with him,there was a free day to do fishing. We made fish bait early that morning and went down to the river..Never caught anything that day, but it was nice to be with him...He Will be missed...
helen Dimmick -Bennett
June 22, 2008
Wonderful memories of the Lancaster family in Eureka.
Henry (Hank) Redmond
June 22, 2008
GW is Boss
Melissa Caya
June 22, 2008
Dear Cousins,
Uncle Dave was a loving and FUNNY man and a great uncle. There are many memories I have of him - but I'd have to say one of my more fond memories is when we were visiting you all at Big Bar one time and your father & Uncle Don were teasing me about going out on a "snipe hunt!". Aunt Cathy and Aunt Mary would not let them tease me too much- but they had fun while it lasted (and so did I!).
Your are lucky to have had him in your lives and you all are truely blessed.
Love,
Melissa
DER FAMILY,
MY NAME IS MARK CAYA AND I HAVE HAD THE BLESSING TO KNOW DAVE HE WAS SUCH A GREAT GUY FUNNY LOVING & CARING . HE WAS VERY GIVING IF HIMSELF. I WILL TRUELY MISS HIM.
MY BLESSINGS TO YOU AND I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
MARK CAYA
Angie Grech
June 22, 2008
Dave came into my and my families life in 1996 when he began seeing my (2nd Mom Joye). Dave always was there when we needed help setting up our new preschool business. He was always very warm, kind & giving. He is AKA "Captain". This is the name my daughter Audra always greeted Dave with. My son Christopher had lots of help in putting office furniture together and play structures and he helped until the job was done!
Thank you for being so good to my 2nd mom. We miss & love you Dave and you are in our thoughts always.
Love Angie and John,Audra, Nick, Christopher, Lil and family.
Scot Gresham-Lancaster
June 13, 2008
Dad,
We are all missing you already. I will be seeing you on the other side when my time comes. We can all pray to go as peacefully as you did. I wonder what you will be building in heaven?
with love, Scot
Pam Pavlica
June 11, 2008
Dave was a patient at the dental office where I work as an assistant. I can speak for Dr. Duisenberg, Vera and myself in saying it was a honor to know Dave. He was always such an upbeat and pleasant man. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam Pavlica
Shannon Jacinto
June 9, 2008
Dear Family,
Your father came to my school annually to inspire kids to write about patriotism. I pushed them and they did well. He was amazing. I so appreciated his annual trek up the hill on behalf of the Elks, and his inspirational talks. As a friend, I so admired David. It is an unbelievable loss. I miss him dearly.
Shannon Jacinto
Principal
Foresthill Divide Middle School
Dona Wright
June 9, 2008
You are in my prayers and thoughts.Take it one day at a time and one step. It does get easier. Love to all, Dona (Pomeroy) Wright
Jim & Marlene Hayes
June 6, 2008
To all of the Lancaster Family,
Dave was a good friend & neighbor when he lived in Big Bar and we kept in contact with Dave & Joye when they moved to Auburn. Sincere sympathy in your loss. Jim & Marlene
Bill Lorimer
June 5, 2008
We worked together at a Fifth Street School in Livermore over fifty years ago.
Here we were in SIR together.
My sympathy to you and yours
Jerry and Bonnie Carter
June 4, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
gayle susan
June 4, 2008
That 2831 I St. kitchen in heaven is way too full too soon! My love and sympathy to my cousins, Joye and all who knew and loved Uncle Dave.
Patty Hess
June 3, 2008
I'm going to miss you Dad.
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