David John Waldal, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, storyteller, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at the age of 82.
Dave was born in Seattle, Washington, on May 31, 1944, and spent most of his life in Battle Ground, Washington, where he built a life filled with hard work, adventure, laughter, and, above all, family.
He was the loving husband of Babette Waldal. Together, they shared a life filled with memories, adventures, and the love of the family they built. Dave was a proud father to Tony Waldal; Brian Waldal and his wife, Leilani; Amber Phillips and her husband, Sean; and Dustin Waldal and his wife, Jilese. He was also a proud grandfather to Sarina and great-grandfather to Julia. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy, and watching it grow brought him a special kind of happiness.
Dave was a man who could do just about anything. With his background as an automotive machinist and his natural ability to figure things out, there was rarely a problem he couldn’t solve. He was the family’s own version of MacGyver! Give him a handful of odds and ends, and somehow, he’d figure out how to make them work. His hands were rarely still, especially when he was in his shop, one of his favorite places to be.
He loved the outdoors and adventure. Horseback riding, gold mining, fishing, and camping were among the many things that brought him happiness. His curiosity, independence, and love of working with his hands made him happiest when he was building, fixing, exploring, or simply doing something alongside the people he loved.
Dave was also known for his stories and his sense of humor. A natural storyteller and jokester, he had a way of making people laugh and turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. His stories, jokes, and unmistakable ability to make something work will be remembered and retold by his family for generations.
Before becoming the family man and gifted craftsman they knew and loved, David proudly served his country in the United States Army as an electrician during the Vietnam War. His military service was a meaningful part of his life and a testament to his willingness to serve and provide for others.
But perhaps Dave’s greatest work was not done in his shop, on a job site, or even in the Army. It was done in the lives of the people he loved. He built a family, taught through example, shared his knowledge and humor, and left behind a legacy that cannot be measured in things he made, but in the lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed by Babette, Tony, Brian and Leilani, Amber and Sean, Dustin and Jilese, Sarina, Julia, and all of the family and friends who were blessed to know him.
His hands may no longer be busy in his shop, his stories may have fallen quiet, and his laughter may no longer fill the room, but the work of his life remains in the people he loved.
We are grateful for his service to his country, grateful for the years we were given with him, and grateful for the legacy of love he leaves behind.
May he rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord, and may the God he trusted welcome him home. Until we meet again, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and beloved husband, you will always be loved, always be remembered, and never be forgotten.
There will be an intimate memorial service held in Vancouver, WA on 9/12/2026 for friends and family.
