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2022/02/20 - Fairbanks, Alaska, AEB

(2022ko martxoaren 3an Daily News-Miner, Legacy.com -en argitara emana)

David Vincent Berriochoa, 44, of Fairbanks, Alaska, via Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and Pasco, Washington, died unexpectedly on Feb. 20, 2022. Dave wanted to live, but ultimately lost his long battle with addiction. Entirely too soon for his family and friends.

Dave was born Sept. 3, 1977, to Michael and Jocelyn Berriochoa in Pasco, Washington. He was a huge force of nature; you knew he was in the room. He was passionate about his family, engineering design, cooking, how things worked, and perhaps most memorably, making others laugh. None of this changed during his life, although his humor got slightly more off-color as time went on, much to the delight of anyone who spent time with him.

Dave worked in the design field of high-quality, ultra-lightweight wheelchairs for 20-plus years both in Pasco at TiLite and in Stevens Point at Ki Mobility. He was intent on creating better opportunities for those with limited mobility. Dave could and did design a better mousetrap. Referred to as "The Jedi," he designed everything from guitars to guns, aviation parts to experimental tools, contracting with countless individuals and companies to bring their visions to reality. At the end of his life, Dave helped design drones at The Alaska Center for UAS Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and did custom laser engraving at The Great Alaskan Bowl Company. He took new challenges in stride, making difficult tasks seem easy when he was done working a problem.

Artistically he took after his late mother - designing logos, building brands, many of which were freely given to friends and family to show his love and, of course, humor. He designed his brother Dan's wedding invitations and programs as his wedding gift. He managed to highlight our everyday lives in designs and artwork, viewed through his wicked smart and funny mind. He loved cardboard - and could make giant yet functional monster arms and a child-size race car for a dear friend with ease. He brought to life a drawing by his nephew with a 3D printer, turning it into a gift. When he happened upon a stash of Band-Aids as a kid, he built a mask which he proudly wore to meet the new neighbors. His designs and artwork were loved by all and allow his talent and thoughtfulness to live on around us.

Dave loved the Seattle Seahawks and would text family and friends "Go Hawks!" every game day. Proudly sporting all things Seahawks from hats to shoes, he would schedule work around games without hesitation. Born into an aviation family, he had a deep love for flight, often tracking airplanes online only to race outside to see them in person when they flew over. One of his love languages was cooking and feeding those he cared about. His authentic Basque paella, red beans and rice, his "award winning" white chicken chili, and Thanksgiving meals will be dearly missed. Most especially his joy in seeing us all go back for seconds and often thirds.

Dave had a huge heart to match his stature and beard. It manifested itself in caring about those around him, and often was shown in actions instead of words. He gave great hugs and would do whatever you needed help with. Dave excelled at being the best "girl dad" out there. He would take the apple-of-his-eye, his daughter Rory, for pedicures, making appointments to get her hair done and take her shopping for dances. He would make up funny songs to help her deal with normal girl-life. He was the cheerleader for their exchange student when she needed it most. Dave opened his home without hesitation to his brother's family during a final deployment overseas. Do not let what could have looked like a gruff exterior fool you, he was all heart.

Dave loved getting a "reaction" from those around him. From laughter to groans, jumping out of your skin when he scared you, going bug-eyed and making faces, or sharing a meme or joke so offensive all you could say is "Jesus, David" and walk away. His pranks and witty sense of humor would leave him shaking with laughter and will not be soon forgotten, nor will his amazingly animated eyebrows. He was that guy. In the end he broke our hearts, taking away our hope of him getting better.

David is survived by his beloved daughter, Rory; partner of 24 years, Dawn; father, Michael; brother, Dan (Emily); nephews, Ernie and Vince; Grandmother Elaine McCalley; his extended family and a multitude of friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jocelyn, and his dog, Jackie.

Contributions in memory of David V. Berriochoa can be made to The Wheelchair Foundation online at www.wheelchairfoundation.org where a wheelchair is delivered to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one but cannot afford it. There will be a memorial held Labor Day weekend in Pasco, Washington, with details forthcoming. Please consider signing his online guestbook and leaving your favorite memory of Dave.

Online condolences may be made to the family at Blanchardfamilyfuneralhome.com.

(published by Daily News-Miner, Legacy.com on Mar. 3, 2022)