David Fritts

David L. Fritts, 59, died February 6, 2008 at his Ilwaco residence of natural causes. The son of Gerald and Lula (Skeen) Fritts, he was born in Ontario, Oregon on August 18, 1948. He grew up in the Ontario-Fruitland area before moving to Boise, Idaho. There he graduated from Boise High School and obtained a degree in horticulture from Boise State University. During the Vietnam Conflict Dave served as a machinest mate aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk. Following his military duty he settled in Ilwaco. There his parents operated the Beacon RV Park and Charters and Dave assisted them until purchasing the Sunset Tavern in downtown Ilwaco. After several years he went to work for his in-laws at Doupe' Hardware in Ilwaco before moving to Portland where he became a sales representative for Steinberg Brothers wholesale clothing. In 1985 the quieter pace of the beach again called and he returned to Ilwaco. For a time he operated Ilwaco Apparel before becoming a partner with Roger Morrison, operating Beach Boys Building Supply in Seaview. When that business closed in 1995 he became manager for Oman & Son Building Supply and currently was manager of their Ocean Park store. Dave was a member of Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview. He was currently a member of the Ilwaco city council where he had served for over 18 years and actively prompted Ilwaco endeavors. Dave was an avid golfer and member of the Surfside Golf Club. He was a longtime supporter of Ilwaco Fishermen sporting events and faithfully attended their games. He also closely followed Boise State University football. Dave was proud of his cooking skills and his family will cherish memories of his breakfasts complete with homemade pancakes, bacon and eggs. When he and his golfing buddies enjoyed an annual outing, Dave was always the first one up in the morning, again cooking breakfast. Another of his cooking joys was weekly cooking a surprise in his crock pot and then sharing with his fellow employees every Thursday. Family was paramount with Dave. He enjoyed any and all family events and outings, hanging out with his many friends and keeping in touch with them. He took a special interest in his grandchildren and was content with his life. He and Stephanie Kelly met in 1976 and were married July 9, 1977 at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Rick Murfin presiding. She survives residing at the family residence. Also surviving are daughters Penny Fritts and Amber Servello'n both of Camas, WA, Hollie and husband Vince Billeci of Ocean Park; son James and wife Lisa Fritts of Lynden, WA; father Gerald Fritts of Prairie City, OR; sister Sharon Sanders of Boise, ID; grandchildren Nathin, Haleigh, Aurora, Westin and Ella. Celebration of his life will be Saturday, February 9, 2008, 2:00 PM at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview. A reception follows at the church. Viewing will be Saturday morning, 10 until 11 AM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach. Memorials may be made to the Ilwaco Fire Department, PO Box 342, Ilwaco, WA 98624. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.