David Pember

Monday, February 4, 2013

With the geese having flown, David Alan Pember followed their lead and with wings spread wide, passed on Feb. 2, 2013.

David was born Sept. 5, 1947, to Walt and Marylou Pember. He was raised in Buhl, on a farm with three sisters and a brother. He learned early to love the great outdoors, along with the meaning of hard work.

While attending school at Buhl High, David and his high school friends hauled hay and worked at Clear Springs Fish Hatchery in the summers. He attended Idaho State University for one year and had more fun than any college student should have. He then joined the Idaho National Guard in 1965 and served his country for six years.

On New Year's Eve 1967, at a party in Sun Valley, he connected with the woman who he would share the rest of his life. In August 1968, he married his wife of 44 years, Suzie. Together they attended school at Idaho State University's School of Technology, where he received his degree in crop and soil technology.

That education allowed them to live in various cities in Idaho, Washington and North Dakota. David had an opportunity with American Oil Farm Service to go east and become an oilman, but his love for the outdoors and Idaho brought them back home.

They settled in Glenns Ferry, and raised three daughters. This remained his permanent home until his passing.

His education allowed him to help farmers and corporations reap better harvests. He eventually achieved his dream of owning his own business, "Dave's Lawn & Garden." He took pride in the services he provided for his friends, neighbors, and community.

His girls were his pride and joy, especially with their sports. He attended their dance recitals, gymnastic meets, track meets, volleyball games and especially basketball games. He was an avid fan and once found himself ejected from a basketball game, which in turn, helped the girl's team win third place at the state tournament.

He loved playing fast-pitch baseball. He played left field for the Faux Cigar team in Buhl, which were state champs for several years. When he moved to Glenns Ferry he had to settle for slow-pitch softball, where he was known by all as the "home run king." He tolerated coaching his wife and girls in their games, but he was most proud of coaching the Pony League Baseball team. The boys he coached admired him for all he stood for and they still do today.

David also had a love for music and dancing. Any time he was at a dance, he was always known as "twinkle toes" for dancing with all of the ladies.

David was dedicated to serving his community, which included being on the Glenns Ferry Planning and Zoning committee and also serving four years on the city council.

True to his heritage and love of being in tune with Mother Nature, he enjoyed hunting deer, elk, pheasants and geese. He also loved sturgeon fishing in the Snake River when the opportunity arose. He often bragged about the day he and his friends fought all day to bring in "12 footer."

He is preceded in death by his parents, an older sister and his favorite dog, "Chancy."

He is greatly missed and survived by his wife, Suzie, daughters Marcee', Pamela and Jeannie, one granddaughter, twin grandsons and a large extended family.

His family wanted to extend a special thank you to all his doctors and caregivers, as well as everyone who provided services to the family during his battle. He received excellent care throughout.

Services will be held on Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Glenns Ferry School in Glenns Ferry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mountain States Tumor Institute, Health Foundation, 190 E. Bannock, Boise, ID 83712.