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David Christian Lindley

1963 - 2017

David Christian Lindley obituary, 1963-2017, Olympia, WA

BORN

1963

DIED

2017

David Lindley Obituary

David Christian Lindley November 14, 1963 - June 26, 2017 Master sailor, expert bow-hunter, fisherman and much loved son, father, life partner, brother and uncle. David started sailing at 5 years of age and continued honing his skills to become expert by his teen-age years. He continued sailing as an adult as often as possible (as both crew and skipper) until he physically couldn't manage the task. After years of illness David died at his home Monday evening, June 26th, at age 53. David was born in Olympia, WA to parents David H & Ruth, joining older sisters Barbara & Kathy. He graduated from Olympia High School in 1982 and studied naval architecture until he found he needed a job to fund his sailing hobby. He worked for a printing firm for years and ultimately was employed by the Washington State Department of Printing. David is survived by his father David H (Sharon) Lindley, mother Ruth (Mel) Steffenson, son Trevor Christian Lindley, life partner Barbara Dudley Lindley (granddaughter Paxton), sisters Barbara Welch and Kathryn (Todd) Kincaid, nieces Sarah (Stacy) Gosney (children Garrett & Hayden), Karina Lee (children Kally, Ayla & Elli), Katie Rains, and nephews Daniel Wilson-Rains, Colten and Kyler Lundy. He was predeceased by brother-in-law Jerry Welch and nephew Bryan Wilson-Rains. There will be a private gathering for family and close friends at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Olympian on Jul. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Carla Lougheed

May 6, 2020

Im so sorry for your loss of Dave. I did not know he had passed.

Lori Burke

September 4, 2018

Rest I. Peace my friend.

Kari Bakotich

August 19, 2017

In the summer of '82, David & I briefly dated. I live in Florida now & for some reason he popped into my head. I had to look him up. Needless to say, I was quite shocked to read of his passing. I remember his passion for sailing & we laughed a lot.
To his family, I'm sorry for your loss. I will always remember him.
I'm not sure if his parents remember me. My name is Kari, maiden name Shattuck.

Barbara Welch

July 3, 2017

David was my little brother, and my close friend.
When I was in my 20s David would take me, along with a number of my girlfriends, out sailing with him, and many times with HIS friends as well.
After spending years sailing with my family it was David that finally got me over the fear, and worry, that the boat was going to capsize.
After the death of my late husband, Jerry, David invited me to race on Slither with him and his long-time friend Brian. David and I ended up buying a 34' sail boat together, which we did race, but that is a whole other story.
David was goofy, funny, crazy, and could have me dying of laughter at any moment.
He loved little kids, and spent an unbelievable amount of time with his niece Sarah when she was little and he was a teenager. They had a very special relationship.
I know that he adored his little grand daughter Paxton, he would always talk about how lucky he was to have her in his life. He loved being able to give her bottles when she was a baby, he said it was such a special time, and that he really bonded with her because of it.
David also loved animals. He had cats, dogs, rabbits, a rat, and who knows what else. There is a story of him missing work because he was so sad when, I believe it was his rat that died. Weird I know, but that's how much he loved animals.
I am going to miss him so much! I can't believe he is gone!
David, I love you so much. I always will. You took a piece of my heart with you when left. Love you, Your big sis, Barbara

Barbara Lindley

July 2, 2017

Dave was an incredible man. His humor and wit were contagious. He taught me how to love the water and I am blessed for the memories we made cruising the San Juans and the adventures we had. It was the time of our lives. I am forever grateful for his unconditional love. He will be forever missed. With him, went my heart. I love you so much. Forever yours as you will be forever mine.

Chris Hibdon

July 2, 2017

Dave lived for race days... you could see the excitement In his eyes. If the wind was up he couldn't get off the dock fast enough. He was a fierce competitor and a gracious winner, and was the most knowledgeable sailor I ever raced with. Keema was synonymous with Dave, he made that boat sing. I will forever be grateful that I called him my friend and one of my crew. Thanks Dave for your energy and passion, may the six o'clock westerly be always on your beam.

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