David Albert Ovenell

July 26, 1947 – March 13, 2017

David Albert Ovenell, son of Fred and Dorothy (Lang) Ovenell, was born on July 26, 1947, in Mount Vernon, Wash. He was the oldest of four children. On Monday, March 13, 2017, in Wenatchee, Wash., Dave went on to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after battling cancer. Dave attended school in Sedro Woolley, Wash. where he graduated in 1966, and then attended Skagit Valley College to study auto mechanics. Dave also worked as a box boy and was promoted to produce manager for Thrifty Foods in Sedro Woolley.

Dave married his high school sweetheart Susie Riggles on Sept. 30, 1967. Together they raised four children: Shelly, Tom, Colin, and Brandon. As a father he encouraged his children to pursue their dreams and dedicate themselves toward doing the things that mattered most. One of his greatest contributions to their lives was his steadfast example and love for those around him.

Dave began working for NC Machinery in Mount Vernon as a parts salesman in 1969, and was transferred to Anchorage, Alaska in September of 1972. In July of 1976, Dave relocated his family back to Washington state where he began working for Farmway Implement, now Washington Tractor, in Quincy where he worked the remainder of his career. Stemming from his love for the farm community, he was also an active member and for a time the president of the Columbia Basin Antique Power Club.

Dave was a member of First Baptist Church in Quincy for 40 years. Over the course of that time he was very involved in the ministries of the church serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and worship leader, assisting with youth programs and helping support the ministry in a variety of other ways. One of his greatest passions was in helping the church to establish a ministry to the Spanish-speaking community in Quincy. Dave also served for a short time as a Quincy reserve police officer. He had a servant’s heart and filled his time helping others, always putting their needs above his own.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Dorothy Ovenell and nephew Jeremy Imes.

He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife Susie, daughter Shelly (Brett) Black, son Tom (Amy), son Colin (Teena) and son Brandon; 14 grandchildren Taylor (Josh) Friesen, Brady Black, Devan Black, Makenzie Ovenell, Neely Ovenell; Ethan Ovenell, Eliana Ovenell, Elias Ovenell, Jeyda Ovenell, Brynli Ovenell, Landry Ovenell and Autum, Mason and Payton Rookard; two great-grandchildren Dawson Friesen and Jazmyn Rookard; three sisters Carol Ovenell, Adelle (Dean) Wahlster, and Elaine (Perry) Linzay and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017, at 3 p.m. at Faith Community Church located at 1005 10th Ave. SW, Quincy, Wash.