David Alan Kalinski's Obituary
David was born June 5, 1948 to Adolph & Darlene (Mandt) Kalinski in Tacoma, WA and passed away June 24, 2023. He is survived by his son David (Karla) Kalinski of Tacoma, WA, daughter Laura (Chris) Opstedal of Bozeman, MT, brother Daniel (Susan) Kalinski of Sequim, WA, sister Dara Edwards of Graham, WA and grandchildren Eva, Emma, Liberty, Finn, Kameron and Sophia, as well as many friends and extended family.
David graduated from Mount Tahoma High School in 1966 and proudly served in the US Navy, completing 3 tours to the South Pacific during the Vietnam War between 1967 and 1970 on the USS Ranger and USS Bonhomme Richard. He was a volunteer fire fighter for University Place FD from 1975 to 2001, serving as the elected Fire Commissioner from 1998 to 2001. David retired as store manager from Safeway Stores, Inc. after 40 years.
David instilled an inordinate work ethic in his children who have both grown up to own small businesses. He was tremendously proud of his kids, who share many of his finest qualities. He loved his grandchildren and was proud to render tours of the fire department and visits to the park where he would never sit to watch. He was always in the action, pushing them on swings and catching them at the bottom of the slides. David had an insatiable sweet tooth, often supplying the grandkids candy, despite parent objection, and became affectionately known as “M&M Grandpa”. To say he will be missed is an understatement, but we will always have his memory in our hearts.
David will be laid to rest with military honors near his parents in The Garden of Hope, Mountain View Cemetery, Lakewood, WA. A memorial service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Friday, August 11th, 2023, 2pm in the Aspen Chapel within the Celebration of Life Center, followed by a reception in the Oak Room.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in David’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
Funeral arrangements for David Alan Kalinski have been faithfully entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home, which is located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA, 98499, and can be reached at (253) 584-0252.
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