David R. Furrey

David R. Furrey, a life Tucsonan, 74, recently passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Natalie, neighbors, friends, and family. He is predeceased by his parents Elbert Meryl Furrey and Amy Elizabeth Roberson Furrey, and his siblings Lois Ann, Martha Elizabeth, and Paul Robert. David attended NAU Forest and Land Management School and worked for Flowing Wells Irrigation District for 30 years, rising to Superintendent. His family was connected to Arizona water acquisition and ranching from the mid 1800's. He was well versed in all aspects of water system delivery, from well drilling and fixing broken water mains to administration. He served as a colorful and highly - respected lobbyist for water and environmental issues, offering his hands-on-knowledge and a working no-nonsense long-term perspective on the making and enforcement of water rules and law. He was a life member of the Arizona Water Pollution Association, a Governor Hull appointee to the Superfund Water Quality Revolving fund representing Arizona water companies, as well as a member of numerous water committees in Southern Arizona and at the state level. David served his community as secretary of both Saguaro and Catalina Rotary Clubs.  He was a Paul Harris Fellow, a board member of the Arizona Boys Ranch and Southern Arizona Rescue Association, a volunteer Red Cross first aid instructor.  He donated 40 gallons of blood to the Red Cross, was a first aid instructor and an EMT. He was a prize-winning flower arranger and an active outdoorsman, a small aircraft owner and pilot, a fixer and builder of anything not computerized. He loved to adventure off-road in his 4-wheel vehicle, and excelled in blacksmithing and metal fabrication. He loved his beloved wife and his dogs.  He will be missed greatly.