David Sauer

1939 - 2019

David Sauer
May 29, 1939 - December 26, 2019
Sacramento, California - David Lee Sauer was born May 29, 1939 in Mobile, Alabama to Mabel Elizabeth (Betty) and Kenneth Wayne Sauer and passed away December 26, 2019 at age 80. He is survived by his sister Judy W. Railing, of Tempe, AZ, and brother Donald J. Sauer, of Pismo Beach, CA; nieces Catherine Rice, Lori Kothe, and Donna Casner; six great-nieces and nephews; and extended family.
From an early age, Dave's passions were electronics, broadcasting, and theatre organ. After graduating from South Pasadena High School (class of 1957), he earned his AA in Electronics at Pasadena City College and BS in Management at Los Angeles State College (now Cal State LA). He then served as an electrical equipment procurement officer in the USAF (Captain) from 1964-69.
In 1969, Dave moved to Sacramento, where he called home for the next 50 years. He worked as a broadcast engineer for KOVR Channel 13 Sacramento from 1969-1975, then joined Sacramento City College as Chief Engineer. He retired in 1996 after 21 years of dedication to television and media production at Sacramento City College.
Dave was an avid theatre organ enthusiast and lifelong member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS). He was active in Sierra Chapter ATOS since its founding and enjoyed many years at the Towe Auto Museum in Old Sacramento as a staff organist and host for Sunday theatre organ concerts. He loved to play golden oldies and his concerts always included several pop tunes from the '20s, '30s, and '40s on The Mighty Wurlitzer, a 1920s-era theatrical organ located at the Towe.
As a teenager, Dave received his amateur radio license (K6QFS) and first class radiotelephone license. He was a life member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and served as the webmaster and treasurer for SBE Sacramento Chapter 43 until his death. He lived a healthy, fit life and planned to live to be 100, but died unexpectedly at his home a few days after celebrating with longtime friends at the SBE annual holiday event at California Historical Radio Society's Radio Central.
He is buried at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery with his radio call sign K6QFS on the headstone. No memorial services were held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations may be made to SBE or Sierra Chapter ATOS in his memory.