David Arthur Sullivan, a resident of Aberdeen for 44 years, passed away from complications of sepsis on March 10, 2020, at Tacoma General Hospital.

David was born on Dec. 10, 1952, in Port Angeles, Washington, to Ted and Beverly Sullivan. He graduated from Montrose High School (Colorado) in 1971 and Grays Harbor College in 1974.

In his youth, David’s father was a National Park ranger. Their family lived in several areas including Kalaloch, Staircase and Glacier Bay, Alaska, where he attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. During high school in Montrose, Colorado, David wrestled and played football and also wrestled at Grays Harbor College.

On March 23, 1974, David married lifelong Aberdeen resident Janet Larson. He and Janet raised two sons, Brian and Kevin Sullivan. David started working with the Himes Drilling Company, but most of his career centered on the timber industry. He cut shake bolts, worked in the rigging for Northwest Log, Dan Sullivan Logging and for Charlie Frost. He purchased a sawmill and started Sullivan Lumber Products. After a downturn in the lumber market, David went back to Northwest Log. In 1984, he severely injured his back in a logging accident that would impact the rest of his life.

In 1986, he was able to purchase a second sawmill that he ran by himself in Satsop, Washington. After selling the sawmill, he went back to logging and log truck driving. In 1998, he returned to college and finished with his degree; a bachelor of arts in environmental studies at the Evergreen State College.

Later in life, David enjoyed volunteering for Babe Ruth Baseball, watching his sons play football, basketball and baseball. He was always tinkering in the garage, building and fixing things. He loved riding and working on motorcycles. His family loved his cooking and especially his homemade eggs benedict, which was his specialty every Christmas. He loved playing with his only grandson, Bryce. He spent a lot of time at his property in Satsop, tending his garden. He and his son Brian also rebuilt the boat “Runs Grate” from the ground up. David’s hobbies and interests included mechanics, inventing, riding motorcycles, boating, cooking, bird watching, clam digging, crabbing, shell fishing and he loved to read.

David was preceded in death by his daughter Megan and his brother Dan. He is survived by his parents Ted and Beverly, his wife Janet, his sons Brian (Jenny) and Kevin, his brother Jeff (Sherry), his sister Laurie and grandson Bryce along with several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will take place at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen. A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced as soon as details become available.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.