This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, David Staveley, 62 years old , born on March 25, 1956 and passed away on August 12, 2018.
David left this world as he had lived it--with love, humor, and strength. He fought the pancreatic cancer that finally took him with that same love, humor, and strength so pervasive of his character and soul. He was much loved by his wife, Kathy, whom he described as a beautiful, leggy, fiery redhead, and good woman. His mother, father, sisters and all his friends adored him.
Ernest David Staveley was born March 25,1956 in San Diego, California to Ernest and Dorothy Staveley. The son of a Navy Commander, there were numerous moves--to Carmel, California; Annandale, Virginia: Dahlgren Naval Base in Virginia; and finally to Upper Arlington (Columbus), Ohio. David graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1974. He then headed to Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he was a religion major. He earned his BA from Kenyon in 1978. From there he moved east to New Jersey, living in various cities in NJ and working in advertising sales. He had friends in so many places he lived--Virginia, Upper Arlington, Gambier, Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center, New Jersey/New York, and Colorado.
David married Kathy on September 2, 2000 in Kinnelon, New Jersey, and was a loving husband and father to her daughter, Sarah. After decades of living in New Jersey, he and Kathy made the move to Ft. Collins, Colorado, which they had visited and fallen in love with. One look at his Facebook page and you know they both adored the mountains, lakes, biking and hiking trails cradled in the arms of the front range of Colorado. Another look at his Facebook page tells you how much he adored his grandchildren, Sophia and Noah, as well. Living so close to them brought endless joy to him.
David is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Staveley (b.1925, d.2009) . He is survived by his Mother, Dorothy Staveley, his wife, Kathy; daughter, Sarah (TJ); grandchildren, Sophia and Noah all of whom he loved so dearly; Four sisters (count 'em--FOUR), Mary (Paul); Helen (Tom); Joan (David); and Ruth (Ján). He loved his sisters fiercely and they loved him. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
David was known for his easy-going demeanor, fun-loving nature, good-natured teasing, intense loyalty to family and friends, his incredible intellect and supreme interest in history, trivia, travel, and simply a good meal and a good beer with family and friends. He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed by all who knew him.
Memorial Service TBA and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Domus Pacis Family Respite for cancer patients.
Tributes
Leave a tributeMy deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I learned of his passing as the sun was about to set last night, here in Colorado , and was filled with sorrow. This morning the sun rose bright and clear, and my thoughts of David changed remarkably in realizing that with the rising sun he remains with us, as long as our memory of his unquestioned integrity, and undaunted courage in facing life are with us. He was an example to all of us, who come from all parts of this world. His reach was long, his influence wide. His council was sought, his opinions were measured and sound. He now sits at the right hand, reducing the hills, and making straight the pathways for all of us to follow.
The Staveley family is very blessed to have had such a wonderful son, husband, father, and grandfather.
I will miss you brother.
Leave a Tribute
Soccer at Silver Bay
I first met David at Silver Bay YMCA in summer of 1976. We where working for the summer and both of us played on the soccer team. He played goal and was very good in the position. He said his skill came form studying ballet to rehab from a football injury. He never gave up on any play or game. “If you can’t block the shot, get the shooter”.