Passing: David Champlin

David Champlin

David Haskin Champlin died in Friday Harbor, Washington on June 11, 2012 at the age of 101. His three children were at his bedside. A memorial service will be held at Saint David’s Episcopal Church on September 10, 2012, at noon. A reception at the San Juan Island Yacht Club will follow the service.

Dave was born September 12, 1910 to Harry and Lesley Champlin in Glencoe, IL, on the north shore of Lake Michigan. He graduated from New Trier High School and attended Northwestern University. Due to asthma, Dave couldn’t join the Navy, his first choice, and the Army wouldn’t let him in. On November 9, 1940, he married Mary Gavin, the love of his life. They moved to Los Angeles where they raised their family and Dave worked for Douglas Aircraft during the war. After the war, he had a long career as a salesman in the hobby/model industry.

For Dave, family always came first. He was involved with church activities (at St. Albans in Westwood Village and St. David’s in Friday Harbor), Boy Scouts with his sons, Mariner Scouts with his daughter, family vacations, and many canoe, sailing, hiking and other outdoor adventures.

Dave and Mary moved to San Juan Island in 1980 after a 1972 sailing trip convinced them that this was the place to retire. Their love of traditional jazz music had them involved with the local Jazz Festival every year, with Dave serving on the board of that organization. He also is a past Commodore of the San Juan Island Yacht Club.

Dave was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary. He is survived by his children David Champlin (Bev) of Friday Harbor, Jan Champlin of Friday Harbor, and Richard Champlin of Anacortes, Wash. He leaves behind two grandchildren and one great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dave’s name be made to Saint David’s Episcopal Church, Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, or the San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services (our EMT unit).