David Webb Povey

On Monday March 24th, 2025, DAVID WEBB POVEY passed peacefully away. Loving family surrounded him as he fared off on his last big fishing trip. Dave was born July 2, 1947, at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California, to Francis Richard Povey and Myrtle Elizabeth Webb Povey.

An avid fisherman his entire life, Dave could often be found on his boat, fishing with lifelong friends Dennis Wilson and Joel and Larry Minegar. In more recent years, he took nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and nieces fishing, passing along his love of fishing to many.

Dave was an active part of the San Diego birding community where he served as president of the local bird club for a time, planned and organized Pelagic birdwatching trips off San Diego, and conducted Christmas Bird Counts off San Diego and Oceanside. Dave was always eager to help someone find their lifetime bird. He himself wouldn’t hesitate to drive for hours to seek some rare bird that was reported as sighted. He absolutely loved when young folks joined bird trips so he could share his knowledge and enthusiasm.

In 1966, Dave and his buddy Joel went afield for a few days. Dave frequently told the story of how, upon his return, he found a draft notice in his mailbox. He immediately called Joel, who reported that, yes, he’d received one, too. Together, they immediately enlisted, wanting to have the opportunity to choose their own Military Operational Specialty (MOS).

Dave served in the U.S. Army from October 24, 1966 until October 23 1969. A helicopter crew chief, he served two tours in Viet Nam. Dave would share some stories from this time, editing for his audience. Once, when asked whether he would ever want to visit Viet Nam today, he said no. Asked why not, he replied thoughtfully, “Too many ghosts.”

Dave attended Mesa Jr. College, San Diego State University, and earned his degree in Wild Life Management from Humboldt State University. He worked most of his years for Thousand Trails recreational parks at Pio Pico and Oakzanita Springs as manager and regional manager until his retirement.

In June of 1971 Dave married Susan Hyslop, with whom he shared his love of hiking and camping. When Sue became ill, Dave faithfully helped her with her daily care for 7 years, until she passed on January 31st, 2018.

You might think Dave and Sue never had children, but in truth, they had many: all their nieces and nephews belonged to them. They loved them, worried about them, and did their best to see them at least yearly.

David was preceded in death by both his parents, his sisters- in-law Sally and Lisa Hyslop, his brother-in-law Jay Hyslop, and his nephew Clinton Elwood Steele.

Dave is survived by his sister Barbara and her husband John Franke, their girls and respective husbands Jennifer and John Robinson, Erin and Jeffrey Hubbard, and Kristen and Richard Smith, and all of the grand nieces and nephews: Josh Smith, Ryne Robinson, Vanessa Mckenney, Vivian Hubbard, Gennavieve Smith, Kathyrn Mckenney, Olivia Robinson

Edwards, Alexandria Smith, Zachary David Smith, and Zane Robinson. Great-grands are Regan, Jack, and Declan.

From Sue's family, he is survived by Sue’s brother Stephen Hyslop and his wife Karen and their children Ashley and Nicole, including Nicole’s spouse Robbie and their children Cameron and Morgan. He is survived by Sue’s sister Claudia Hernandez and her sons Mexico and Dakotah.

David is also survived by a multitude of friends and he greatly treasured them all.

In recent years he met and became engaged to Teri Robertson.

She was his new lease on life, his new purpose and new love. She definitely brought him Joy. Teri will tell anyone willing to listen how much she loved Dave, that being loved by him was a privilege, and that she will miss ‘my guy’ so very much every day.

Teri’s family also wrapped Dave in love. Her sons Jeremy Quinn, Joe Robertson, and James Robertson considered him their step-dad. The entire large family welcomed Dave, including her stepson Jason Robertson, the many grands and the great-grands. Many of the youngers thought “Grandpa

Dave” was their special papa.

Dave was a uniquely special man. So many thought of him as ‘their’ person. For years, Dave dedicated his time to others: Mondays he took an elderly neighbor shopping and to lunch. Thursdays, he took his sister's mother-in-law to lunch, as well as to doctor appointments as needed. Fridays, he cared for

Jay’s wife Lisa, shopping, running errands, and helping with appointments.

Dave helped his brother-in-law John with the yearly Tucson gem shows, which were 15 – 18 days.

After Lisa’s passing, Dave took care of her estate and selling her home.

Every night, Dave telephoned his sister Barbara to connect and discuss the dealings of the day. He helped her with her move to California from Washington, even helping her drive here. He was her constant support and cheerleader and trusted advisor.

When Teri had health issues, Dave would hold her hand in the ER and be at her bedside as much as possible.

Dave planned and rounded up leaders for bird boats excursions, often scouting in advance in his boat to find where birds might be. He purchased chum, made arrangements, assisted birders, and wrote reports on each trip.

Dave always appreciated when anyone helped him, and would love to show his thanks by cooking a meal. He especially appreciated his hard-working nieces who would visit and work so hard cleaning up his property – they were served many a lovingly prepared meal.

If you knew Dave, you know he was the kindest, most patient, and most giving man you can imagine, actually actively anticipating the needs of others. Teri shares the story of when the two were eating at a restaurant, and she saw Dave looking over his shoulder. “That older man is having trouble.” Teri turned around, and saw a gentleman struggling over mud puddles. She turned back around to say something….to an empty chair. The door to the restaurant was already closing behind Dave as hurried on his way to help.

It has been said about Dave, “That is the blueprint of a good man.”

We are all trying to be more like Dave. Join us: reach out a hand to someone today!

Services - Monday April 28th, 2025

Memorial Service 11:30-12:20 (Park requests not to arrive more than 30 minutes early)

Glen Abbey Memorial Park, Chapel of the Roses 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902

Followed by motorcade to

Miramar National Cemetery

5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

Committal with military honors 1:30 – 2:00

After service gathering (Please RSVP to TeriQRobertson@gmail.com)

6393 Balsam Lake Avenue San Diego, CA 92119

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations be made to either: A scholarship fund to be established in Dave’s name to allow

young people to go on club pelagic trips. Details are currently being worked on. If you are interested in donating, please email:

TeriQRobertson@gmail.com or blabf1968@gmail.com and information will be sent to you once all is finalized.

Or

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Dave’s name.

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