David William Rees, Sr.

David William Rees, Sr. passed peacefully away March 20, 2023, in Olympia, Washington. He was born February 22, 1926, to Kenneth and Leila Rees in Tacoma, Washington. David graduated from Tacoma’s Stadium High School. His college attendance was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. His last service posting was as part of the honor guard in the formation of the United Nations in San Francisco. He left the military as 1st Sergeant in his Military Police Company. After his discharge from the Army, David returned to school and earned a BA from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and a Masters in Economics from Clarke University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and did graduate work in Oxford, England. He had quite the adventuresome spirit, whether it be hiking, mountain climbing, or sailing. Also, he was an accomplished flutist and was smooth as glass on the dance floor. David’s character framed his actions: Godly, noble, kind, forgiving, faithful, loyal, cheerful, and never spoke unkindly of others. He was a loving, loyal husband and family man. He met the love of his life at the Washington State Library, where Betty was employed. Their first date was dinner and dancing. He and Betty Parker were married on June 6, 1953, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma. In 1986, David retired after 36 years with the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission, where he had been a Financial Analyst, Supervisor of Finance, Chief of Accounting, Chief Economist, and lastly Executive Secretary of the entire agency. He served as Treasurer of Council 28, Washington Federation of State Employees; a member of the board of United Way of Thurston County; and an organizer and charter member of the Board of Directors, Washington State Employees’ Credit Union. Other civic and employee activities were with the advisory council to the North Thuston District School Board, PTA, Boy Scouts, church affairs, Sigma Chi, Olympia Little Theater, Fine Arts Guild, and Olympia Yacht Club. He was a member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma and Living Water Church in Olympia. David is survived by his son, David William Rees Jr. (Sharon) of Bellevue, Washington; daughter, Suzanne M. Fair of Olympia; five grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty Parker Rees (September 29, 2009); his parents; and sister, Ceilia Disbro. A Celebration of Life will be held on Hood Canal in the summer of 2023. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.