David Leslie Whitcomb

David Leslie Whitcomb was born June 16, 1946 in Wichita, Kansas to Norman and Barbara Whitcomb. Dave had two brothers, Dennis Whitcomb of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Mark Meisel of Wichita, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Mandy Dawn, and Survived by his Wife of 49 years Linda Valdois Whitcomb and children Tyler and Shelly Whitcomb and Nikki and Michael Castillo. Three grandchildren all knew him as Papa. They are Miguel, Gabby and Cruz Castillo.

Dave attended Derby Sr. High School Class of 1964 and was a graduate of Wichita State in 1970.

Dave was quite the athlete growing up, lettering in football and baseball. On a warm summer night in his hometown of Derby, Kansas you would always find Dave down at the baseball fields. As a matter of fact, that’s where he met the love of his life and future wife Linda. Only twelve and thirteen at the time they were destined to be together. They were wed on Sept. 6, 1969.

Sports were always a large part of Dave’s life. He loved tennis and played for years with his partner and friend Larry Jaramillo. He and Linda played mixed doubles with the Jaramillo’s, Noll’s and Bode’s for years. Dave’s athletic prowess and competitive spirit carried over to simple games like ping pong and card games. His antics were well known, how he would play to other people’s abilities, showing his caring nature and to nurture others' enjoyment of sports and gaming no matter the skill level.

Through the years of courting Linda, Dave would ride his motorcycle through rain, sleet or snow every weekend to see Linda during college. He would ride at least 150 miles from Coffeyville to Derby to see her without fail. At times he would show up when she was not home, he was welcomed in with open arms by Linda’s father Vern, and Linda would find Dave sleeping on the couch waiting for her.

They had many adventures as Dave loved the outdoors. Even on their honeymoon, to Linda’s dismay, they camped in the Rocky Mountains in a tent, but their love for each other made any place the best place on Earth for the two of them.

Dave was the quintessential family man. He and Linda raised two wonderful children. They instilled their love of sports to both of their kids, Nikki and Ty. Dave had Nikki running circles around the boys, whether it was at tennis, golf, or throwing a perfect spiral. Dave prepared Ty for a life of sports the first time he ever saw him. As Tyler was placed in the hospital crib, Dave had a custom miniature baseball glove, just Ty’s size, placed in the crib to foster his love for sports.

Dave also cherished his time with his brother Dennis, while sharing a condo in Winter Park and vacationing together in Arizona.

Another great joy of Dave’s was his three grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and going to any and all activities of theirs. His frequent jokes and puns always had them laughing at one thing or another. However, his love for Nikki and Ty’s dogs and his cat Sophie were a close second to his grandchildren. He was known to many as “The Dog Whisperer”. Dave was always the gentle spirit that brought light and humor wherever he went. The time spent with his friends meant the world to him and his wacky sense of humor was one of a kind, as his golf buddies can attest to. Whether it was an exploding golf ball, or an over the hill ball carrier…his imagination and ingenuity always made for great gifts to his buddies. His thoughtfulness took over as he would tinker relentlessly working on the next gadget, sculpture, or commemorative toy car. You would often see him driving around in his little red sports car and recently a canary yellow convertible truck. He loved convertibles in the summer, winter, or even a rainstorm; he would have the top down almost no matter what! Heat on full blast in February, with the windows rolled up, he was in his happy place.

He was an avid fisherman who loved being out on a calm lake in his canoe with the sun shining and a cigar in hand. His buddy John Marvin at his side, they would spend hours together on the lake. He jumped at any chance he got to take the grandkids out fishing, or his long time fishing apprentice Tyler. Dave was so organized; he would have the canoe and gear loaded within minutes of hanging up the phone.

Dave enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved going to the movies with a diet Dr. Pepper, a tub of popcorn, and good company, there... he was the happiest. His life was filled with joy, family and a tremendous network of friends. His loving spirit lives on in all of us, as we remember the man that made us laugh, and enriched our lives for being a part of his. We will forever miss and love Dave Whitcomb with all of our hearts.

David Whitcomb, 72 of Arvada, CO, passed away on December 30th, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday January 5th, 2019 at Arvada Covenant Church; Located at 5555 Ward road, Arvada, CO 80002. A reception will follow at the church.