David Lee Eaton

David Eaton, the youngest son of seven to Clyde and Blanche Eaton, was born in Portland Oregon as “Unnamed” male Eaton, a fact he was unaware of for 20 years until he went to obtain his official birth certificate and had to have his given name added. He graduated from Parkrose High School where he ran track. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War where he learned his trade as a mechanic. He became service manager at Kupp Ford in Portland in the late fifties and early sixties. He moved on from there to build a successful automotive repair business of his own called Eaton Automotive. Never afraid of tackling a new challenge he reinvented himself in the 1970's to become a real estate agent and soon became a partner of Campbell/Eaton Realty. He went on from there to become an independent Real Estate Broker with his own brokerage D L Eaton Realty. During his working life he was an avid out-doors man who enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing throughout Oregon and Washington. He also spent extensive time sailing the Columbia in his 28 foot sailing boat.

After his retirement, Dave was a jack of all trades and was always building or fixing something for family and friends, but especially loved fishing, music and writing stories. David had an amazing ear for music, a wonderful singing voice, and could pick up a tune effortlessly. He was an accomplished musician playing numerous instruments; Piano, guitar, banjo, saxophone, flute and accordion to name a few. He also enjoyed all types of literature; movies, books and stories of every type. When he wasn’t tinkering with something he could be found immersed in a story or enjoying his music. Dave was always working and making some sort of plans right to the end. He was actively seeking a career as a writer of short stories and submitted several for publication. He had also planned to build his own house, a dream he was more than capable achieving. Always generous, always giving and understanding, he was a wonderful man who easily made friends. He taught us how to succeed in life but not to compromise our integrity in achieving our life goals.

Dave is survived by his two sons, Bruce and Charles; as well as his five grandchildren, Stephanie, Blake, James, Sean and William. Dave hated funerals, so in keeping with his wishes holding one would be unthinkable. Private Burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the American Heart Association.