David Leroy Crist was born on June 10, 1941 in Stuart, Iowa to Charles Wesley and Betty Marie Crist. His family moved to Portland where he attended Ockley Green Grade School and Wilson High School where he graduated in 1959. He became well known as a tap dancer during these years, performing many times at schools in the area. After High School Dave joined the Army and served 3 years receiving an honorable discharge in 1962.
Dave then moved to California where he met his first wife and had 2 daughters Marchelle and Stacey. Dave spent many years as a salesman for companies such as Montgomery Ward, automobile dealers, and a mutual insurance company. He ultimately retired from Men’s Wearhouse after a 22 year career in California, Washington and Oregon.
David married Barbara in 1977, blended their families and moved to a city in the Sierra Mountains named Arnold, California. There they owned a motel, a small grocery store, a Christian book store and a flower shop. After a few years in Arnold, they moved the Bay Area. Dave and Barbara loved the ocean and the mountains so much they decided some time later to make Oregon their home.
Dave’s hobbies included tinkering on cars (until everything became electronic), reading the Bible (at least an hour a day), and gardening (specializing in roses which he loved).
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Crist; mother, Betty Harry; sisters, Charlene Ryan and Colleen Berg; sister in law, Judy Pederson; children, Stacey Carter of California, Marchelle Crist of Oregon, Susan Hukkanen, Brian Hukkanen (and all their spouses); grandchildren, Cassandra, Rachael, Hannah, Stephanie, Kyle, Aaron, Andrew, James, Brian R., Rebecca; 3 great grandchildren and many wonderful additional relatives and friends.
Dave was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church for many years. He and Barbara joined Glen Cullen Reformed Baptist Church at 4747 SW Cameron Rd, Portland, Oregon a few years ago. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a gift in his memory to the Glen Cullen Church.
A Memorial Service will be held in Glen Cullen Baptist church on January 14, 2012 at 12:00 PM (noon)
A Private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Friday January 13, 2012
Arrangements under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Tigard, OR.
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