Dave passed away Feb. 4, 2013 doing what he loved, skiing on Crystal Mountain.
His start in life began Sept. 27, 1955 in West Bend, Wis., with his birth to Florence and John Shallow. He went to Holy Angels grade school and graduated from West Bend West High in 1974. His college days were within the University of Wisconsin system, graduating in June 1980 from Madison, Wis., with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.
David Shallow
Following his graduation, Dave accepted a job at The Boeing Co. and moved to Seattle to begin his career in various aerospace programs. He spent his first years in several defense programs before finding a home in the Sea Launch program working, as he was fond to characterize, as a “rocket scientist.” His analytical skills demystifying the dynamic performance for the launch of customer satellites was a valuable skill he displayed effortlessly.
Dave met his wife Laurie Porter in 2001 on a blind date from which they swiftly became life partners, sharing interests in wine-tasting, gardening and all things outdoors. They were married in June 2008. Laurie’s father referred to him as her prince. He became an important member of the Porter family, including Laurie’s two daughters, and many dogs and cats.
Dave enjoyed virtually all sports, both as a spectator and a participant. He had a special fondness for biking, white-water river rafting and hiking. He was particularly attracted to downhill skiing; he was an avid skier. Dave was on many amateur ski teams and received numerous awards in his years on the slopes.
While cultivating new links in the Pacific Northwest, he never lost his original Wisconsin roots. He regularly participated in an annual get-together with his West Bend friends. The weekend long party, which originated in the ‘70s and tirelessly continues today, is called Larchfest, and includes multiple travelling trophies for various events.
The most revered trophy is for backgammon, for which Dave was a master and trophy holder, with his name proudly etched onto the first year’s trophy and many years following. It’s from this social gathering that he cemented his reputation as a party enthusiast.
Embodying his favorite activities, time with friends, playing pool or foosball, enjoying music with a beer and cigar, barbecuing steaks, Dave was always the first to initiate the party, always wanted the tunes louder and was typically the last to leave. Dave was an excellent listener, always hearing, always analyzing, which contributed to his success as an audiophile.
His nature was silent, but his presence was enormous. However, he was a very humble man, like his father. He always put others before himself. Whether providing a ride home, fixing a car, computer or appliance, or just providing counsel, Dave was a rock that friends and family could always count on.
Dave is survived by his wife, Laurie (nee Whitehurst) Porter; stepdaughters Chauni (Desmond) and Hannah (Marcello); sister Janice (Gary) Wright, of Woodinville, with nephews Phillip (Dorothy) Osborn, Nicholas Wright and niece Anna Wright; brothers Michael (Vicky) Shallow, of Omaha, Neb., and Mark (Monica) Shallow of Edwardsville, Ill., including nephews Dylan, Logan, Bennett and niece Sela; father-in-law Thomas Bayard Whitehurst Jr., of Issaquah; sister-in-law Dixie (Peter Case), of Redmond; brother-in-law Kirk, of Tacoma. Dave is also survived by stepmother Patricia Shallow, of Allenton, Wis. Dave is further survived by stepbrothers Frank (Tessa) Latter, of Janesville, Wis., David (Peggy) Latter, of Canadian, Okla., and Russ (Ann) Latter, of Friendship, Wis., along with many stepnieces and stepnephews too numerous to mention but not without thought. All will sorely miss his quiet words of encouragement and eternal love.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents John and Florence, of West Bend, Wis., sister Mary (nee Shallow) Tipton, of North Bend, and brother-in-law Thomas Bayard Whitehurst III, of Redmond.
A celebration of life was Feb. 11, 2013, at Flintoft’s Funeral Home (www.flintofts.com) in Issaquah, with the Rev. Robin Thrower as the celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol, 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd., Crystal Mountain, WA 98022.
Arthur N. Wallace
Nov. 25, 1926 — Feb. 11, 2013
Loving husband of Lorraine and beloved father of Bill, Judy, Ardis, Bob and John.
Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Graveside service to be held at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Renton.
He will forever be in our hearts.