SALING,
David A.

David was born to James Melvin Saling and Lorraine Frances (Barton) Saling on November 1, 1959 in Spokane, WA. He passed away in Spokane, WA on July 2, 2011 after battling rapid onset leukemia. David's formative years were spent in the Spokane Valley, later moving to Elk, WA, where he attended and graduated from Riverside High School in 1978. After high school David played drums in the band "Black Rose", touring much of the Western United States and Canada. His artistic leanings led him to Eastern Washington University, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts as the 2002 recipient of the Frances B. Houston Award. After graduation he created two permanent public art installations, one at Joe Albi Stadium and one at Spokane Fire Station #8. Having a desire to teach at the college level, David then went on to the University of Arizona where he received his Masters in Fine Arts in May 2006.
With degrees in hand he returned to Spokane to be near family and soon to be wife, Debbie, whom he married November 10, 2007. Landing an adjunct teaching position at SFCC allowed David to enjoy his dream of teaching at the college level. David was also a full time employee at Triumph Composite Systems. David is survived by his wife, Debbie, stepmother Evelyn Scotten, Elk, WA, brothers Gary (wife Megan Mulvaney), Brian (wife Cindy), Spokane WA, nephew Matthew Saling, Tacoma, WA, Mike and Linda Saling, Boise, ID. The family would like to express extreme gratitude to the ICU doctors, nurses and staff of Sacred Heart Medical Center. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donation be made to Eastern Washington University's Arts, Letters, and Education General Scholarship Fund. A celebration of his life will be held at David and Debbie's home on Saturday, July 9th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Please contact Gary Saling at 509-458-4048 for more information.

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Published by Spokesman-Review from Jul. 6 to Jul. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for David Saling

8 Entries

August 1, 2011

I am tremendously saddened by the news of David's passing.

Although I didn't know David well, we often had class-related conversations while passing each other in the halls of the SFCC Art Department.

What stands out for me was his enthusiastic approach to teaching and genuine interest in what other instructors were doing in their classes.

David was a positive force and a caring instructor. and his presence will be very missed.

Keri Marion

July 10, 2011

At one time, David & I were very close. Even with physical distance and rare phone calls over the last few years, when we did talk, it was as if time had never passed. One of the most genuine people I've ever known, I'm grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing him. He always had solid advice provided by a wealth of experiences few people have the fortune to know. I have missed talking with him over the last couple years.

Dave's absence reverberates the way his presence did. He is greatly missed.

Bernadette Vielbig

July 9, 2011

David's energy was contagious. As a colleague one could not help but feel joy and warmth when around him. As an artist, David was fearless and a risk taker. His presence will be missed in the halls of the SFCC art department and in my heart.

July 8, 2011

David & I both taught drawing at SFCC and had many impromptu conversations in the hallway. He was enthusiastic about his classes and created innovative, thoughtful projects for his students which kept them engaged in the craft as well as contributed to their rendering skills. I always looked forward to visiting with David and, along with his students, will miss him and his positive presence here in the department.

Patty Haag

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July 8, 2011

Dave was a true friend and could always make people smile just by being around him..I have very special memories of Dave as we all stumbled through our high school years...i will always remember his laugh, which was contagious if you were around!:)
You are gone way to soon Dave...your absence will be very deeply felt. Fly with the Angels Dave. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
Terri Weatherford~ RHS Class of 78

July 7, 2011

The SFCC Fine Arts Department sends condolences to Debbie and to the family of David and Debbie. We art faculty so enjoyed having David teaching with us. He was really good in the classroom and often expressed his happiness to be teaching. We had many conversations about the problems and solutions in the classroom, what worked and what failed so badly that we could only laugh about it. And, of course, David liked to laugh.

Right now we mostly experiencing the shock of his death, but his absence will be deeply felt as the new academic year begins without him. We'll miss our good friend and colleague.

Carolyn Stephens, Chair, SFCC Fine Arts

carl richardson

July 6, 2011

so sorry for your loss. it was such a delight to have dave first as a student and then as a colleague. it was always nice to be greeted with his warm smiles and hellos every morning in the halls of art department. his presence will be missed.

July 6, 2011

Gary,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
Most sincerely, Mia Bohn

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