David Ray Gorsuch

June 4, 1949 – March 2, 2020

In the early hours of Monday, March 2, 2020, David Ray Gorsuch took the hand of Christ Who led him into everlasting joy. Having fought health issues for many years, David’s time with us ended at the age of 70. He was born in a Navy hospital in San Diego, California June 4, 1949, child of Evelyn Mae Gouldin Porath and Ray Ernest Gorsuch.

David is survived by his loving wife Linda and four children Buffy Kilbury, Regina Hansen, Teresa Jank and Matt Van Dyken. He was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Living brothers and sisters are Ginger Gorsuch Wicklander, Patrick Rhodes and William Gorsuch. Step siblings are Terri Williams Kinneen, Butch Williams, Nancy Williams and Eloise Williams Whitehorn. Deceased siblings are Jonathan Rhodes, Bruce Williams and Keith Williams.

David lived a robust life to say the least. Early in his teenage years he moved from Washington state to live with his father in Cordova, Alaska, and obtained his commercial fishing license when he was only 16. Not many years later he became fully enmeshed in the 1960s and all that those years entailed including serving in the U.S. Army 196th Light Infantry Brigade from 1969 to 1972 which included a brutal tour in Vietnam. David proudly served his country with valor and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery, singlehandedly attacking enemy combatants who had his company pinned down under fire, earning him the in-country name of “Animal.” Additionally, he was awarded two Purple Hearts. As with many of our veterans, David left Vietnam, but it never left him. He suffered from that war all his life, the effects of which contributed to him leaving us earlier than he should have. He was a proud, active member of the American Legion in Ephrata, Washington, Post 28.

David worked for BNSF Railroad and retired after 42 years. The salmon, steelhead and deer will sleep easier now that he’s moved on. An avid outdoorsman, he was always more himself when camping, boating, fishing and hunting, and he spent much of his retirement time enjoying these.

After living in various locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, he and Linda finally settled in the little peaceful town of Soap Lake, Washington, and he enjoyed bragging that it only had one stoplight. It was there, in his own home, with Linda that he passed. We will all miss him so much.