Obituary

David was born in Bellingham, Washington on January 1, 1960.  David was the New Year’s Baby for that year.  He had his picture in the Bellingham Herald with his Mother Inga Sandness.  He received many gifts from the businesses in Bellingham.

David was raised on Baker Street in Bellingham.  This was a great neighborhood with room to roam and woods and ponds to build forts and play with friends.  In David’s teen years he loved to ride his motorcycle through his parent’s property.  He picked berries in local fields to make money for his school clothes.  David was artistic and made a beautiful replica of his dad’s boat out of clay.  When David was 15, his dad asked him to go commercial fishing on his 62’ fishing boat, The Pelican.  This became a tragic event for Dave as he was with his dad 200 miles out to sea when his father passed away on the boat.

David graduated from Bellingham High School in 1979.  After high school, he went on to get his welding certificate.  He also spent a lot of his spare time developing and designing his own bird houses which he made from miniature logs. He loved working and restoring his Jeep CJ5 and Ford Bronco.

In David’s late 20’s, he was in an auto accident which left him disabled.  He did quite well in recovery but had some lasting physical and mental limitations from this occurrence.  His three sisters were instrumental in helping him live his best life.

David became known as “Lotto Dave” when he won the Washington State Lottery.

David was a kind and loving man who cared about his family and friends.  He had a special gift of humor that was unique.  As an example, he would call his sister Irene often and when she would pick up, he would just say “ME”!!  He loved his pets Trixie and Festus.

David was predeceased by his Father Adolph Sandness, his Mother Inga Sandness, and his nephew Steve Stainback.

David is survived by his sister Irene Stainback and brother-in-law Gary; his sister Carol Pearce and brother-in-law Curt; and sister Deanna Lovatt and brother-in-law Jim.  He is survived also by his nieces Marci, Lauren and Mikaila, and nephews Brad, Keith, Chris, Jayme, and Derrick.  He also is survived by great nieces and great nephews.

David passed away at his home on Monday, October 11, 2021. He will be placed at a private farewell ceremony at Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale next to his mother’s gravesite.

Special thanks to David’s care team, Gage, Jon, James, Miranda, and Kathy.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, Alcoholics Anonymous or your favorite charity.