David Whitehead

David Gleason Whitehead, beloved life partner, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on December 19, 2023, in Klamath Falls, OR. Born on April 25, 1964, in Burien, WA, to Linda J Gleason and Steven R Whitehead, Dave lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, and an unwavering love for his family and friends.

Growing up in Renton, Dave embraced the joys of youth, finding passion in riding motorcycles, swimming, waterskiing, and snow skiing. His zest for life continued as he graduated from Kentridge High School in 1982. Following graduation, Dave honorably served four years in the U.S. Navy as an Avionics technician, stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Electronic Attack Squadron 130.

In 1986, Dave commenced a remarkable thirty-three-year career with Boeing, specializing in avionics. His professional journey took him to various corners of the globe, working in Flight Test and ultimately concluding his career with Renton Preflight in 2020.

During his life, Dave found love and companionship. He married Rhonda Snowden, and together they welcomed two sons into the world, Trevor and Trent. Though the marriage ended, Dave's commitment to family remained unwavering. Retirement in 2020 opened a new chapter for Dave, who took to the open road on his Harley Road Glide, enjoying the camaraderie of friends and exploring the beauty of the world.

In 2021, Dave's journey led him to Klamath Falls, OR, where he met Jeanne Spaur. What began as a simple meal evolved into a lifelong partnership filled with love and joy. Dave is survived by his life partner, Jeanne Spaur; sons Trevor (Taleah) Whitehead, and Trent (Katie) Whitehead; mother Linda Gleason; sisters Denise (Dave) Schmidt and Teresa (Chuck) Spencer; brother Jackson (Danny) Douglas; Alex Borstein; bonus daughters Mariah (BJ) Marietta, Laura (Chris) Mart, and Liz (Mike Douglas) Ballanger; first grandchild Tate Whitehead and bonus grandchildren, Harleigh Ballanger, Sebastian De Leon, Tristan Mart, and Lily Douglas; nieces Sarah Pallares (Tony), Henrietta Douglas, and Hannah Spencer; nephews Barnaby Douglas and Thomas Mallory, great nephews and niece Kasen, Felix, and Oaklee Pallares; uncle Jack (Regine) Brockway; aunt Gayle Gleason; cousins Mandy, Byron, and Max Brockway; father-in-law Carl Spaur; ex-wife Rhonda Euper; and a multitude of friends and extended family.

Dave's infectious laughter, genuine spirit, and love for "wind therapy" on his Harley endeared him to all who knew him. His love for family extended to his countless friends, including but not limited to riding buddies the Patriot Guard Riders, Splash and Border Raid, the Easy Riders, and the Instigators.

As we bid farewell to Dave, let us remember the laughter he brought, the friendships he forged, and the love he shared. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. He had the unique ability to show love and thoughtfulness in creative, humorous and unexpected ways.

* By showing up to help a friend/family member, to celebrate a personal event, or support someone in need.

* By giving specifically individually curated gifts that showed a deep knowing & understanding of that person/family.

* He could share his view of the world that would challenge & make think & laugh, often personal insights of caring and compassion.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Steve Whitehead, and grandparents Lee and Dona Whitehead and Keith and Betty Gleason. A celebration of Dave's life will be held later this summer in Klamath Falls, OR. In honor of his military service, internment will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA, on January 11, 2024, with full military honors at 1pm. After the service at Tahoma National Cemetery, there will also be a celebration of life on January 11, 2024, from 2 PM to 4 PM at Alliance Bible Church in Maple Valley – 19320 SE 240th St. Covington, WA. 98042.