OCTOBER 24, 1933 – JANUARY 14, 2023
David Lee “Dave” Tawney, 89, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023. Dave was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on October 24, 1933, as the eldest son to Edward and Elsie Tawney. Early on, the family moved to Englewood, Colorado.
Dave was a hard worker who was dedicated to whatever job he had. From his first job as a paperboy to working at a print shop making bingo cards to the Rooster Drive-In and Western Oil, Dave gave his all. In 1952, he got the opportunity to learn a new profession -brick masonry. Dave proved to be a natural and went on to become a foreman for most of his career. He worked for a few companies including Soderberg Masonry. Some of the jobs he was most proud of include Coors Field, Denver International Airport, Gobe Middle School in Denver and Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.
Dave met and married Maxine Sharp in 1952. Together, they had 4 children: Linda, Beverly, Robert and Karen. Later, in 1972, Dave met and married the love of his life, Judy Parker. Judy had 3 children who Dave welcomed as his own: Scott, Tim and Tracey.
Dave and Judy lived in Littleton, Colorado for 24 years. Together they enjoyed camping, bowling, home remodeling and family get-togethers. Judy learned early in the marriage how to make authentic green chili and Dave was smitten forever!
In 1996, Dave and Judy moved to Fort Collins Colorado where he retired. This became one of the most fulfilling periods of his life, as he became a volunteer at Poudre Valley Hospital. Different from his days as the big boss on the job, Dave got the chance to connect with other volunteers, patients, and staff at PVH. Because of his strong work ethic, Dave was able to be an E.R. Volunteer for over 15 years. He and Judy were invited to be on the PVH Volunteer Board where they enjoyed the comradery with hospital staff. In total, Dave was a PVH Volunteer for 23 years and at the age of 86, he was still working there as a valet in the visitor parking lot.
Dave is survived by his wife of 50 years; children, Linda Cambron of Grand Junction, CO, Beverly Tawney of Grand Junction, CO, Robert Tawney (Karen) of Emmett, ID, Karen Ahlers of Boise, ID, Scott Parker of Littleton, CO, Tim Parker (Karen) of Littleton, CO, and Tracey Clark (Ron) of Fort Collins, CO; 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents and 2 brothers Bud and Jerry, Dave is preceded in death by his grandson Donnie Cambron and niece Carey Tawney.
A private family memorial will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PVH Volunteers via uchealthnocofoundation.org
