David Mote

David (Dave) Mote was born on October 31, 1930 in Denver, Colorado and passed away at age 87 on April 22, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. He was born the eighth of ten children to Louise and Ross Mote and spent his early years in Denver. He graduated from Colorado State University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) degree. Following graduation, he spent two years in the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany with the Army of Occupation. Following his discharge in 1955, he went to work for the Long-Bell Lumber Company in Weed, California. In 1957 he began work as a forester in Longview, Washington with International Paper Company. It was there that he met Delores Qualley, whom he married in 1960. They started a family with Jennifer (Graber) being born in 1963 followed by Stephanie (Gilbert) in 1964. Dave was promoted to Manager of Land and Timber for the West Coast operations of International Paper and relocated his family to Beaverton, Oregon in 1976. He retired in 1984 and began a successful career as Vice President of Westwood Timber Corporation where he was responsible for logging and timber procurement. Just as his career was taking off, Delores lost her battle with cancer and died 1986. Dave kept himself busy with work following her death. He attended a gathering of old friends in 1990 and was introduced to Carol (Rafferty Cole). After a short courtship they married in 1991. He retired from Westwood Timber Corporation that same year and started up his own forestry consulting business. He and Carol eventually moved to Central Oregon where they enjoyed building homes in Crooked River Ranch, eventually moving to Redmond where they enjoyed their true retirement. They moved back to Portland in 2015 to be close to family. Dave was diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma a month after moving to Portland and fought that battle courageously until his passing.

Dave is survived by his wife Carol; his daughters, Jennifer (Charles) Graber and Stephanie (Greg) Gilbert; stepdaughter, Jennifer Cole (Jeffry Quinn); and grandchildren, Garrett Gilbert, Griffin Gilbert, Jonathon Small, and Gabe Small; his brothers Max and Jim Mote; and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved gardening and being outdoors, his time spent in the forest, being a grandfather and taking care of his beloved dogs Raffi and Emma. He was committed to all of his loved ones, reminding us each and every day that, "Family is everything!"

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave's name may be made to Kaiser Hospice. Special thanks to the Kaiser Hospice staff, especially Midge RN and Chaplain Tom; and to the wonderful caregivers at Hopewell Hospice House. Friends and family are welcome to attend the memorial service on Saturday, May 19 at 1:00 p.m. at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW Sunset Hightway, Portland, Oregon, 97225.