DAVID CHARLES November 8, 1947 - July 27, 2012 Age 64, of Albuquerque, passed away at home surrounded by his family, after a two year battle with cancer. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and grew up in Northfield, Illinois on Chicago's North Shore. He graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL in 1965, attended the University of Denver, and served in the Army. After determining that following in his father's footsteps at Sears was not his calling, Dave moved his family to Albuquerque in 1976 where he founded Sandia Construction and worked as a contractor for 30 years. Despite being the doormat of the National League, Dave remained a fiercely loyal Cubs fan to the end. He enjoyed decades of games with his friends and family and was boisterous in his rendition of the 7th inning stretch. Quick-witted and a genius with his hands, Dave could spew out the correct answer (in the form of a question, thank you) to nearly any "Jeopardy!" question while rerouting drainpipe fittings faster than most actual "Jeopardy!" contestants could say, "I'll take 'Plumbing' for $1,000, Alex." Dave built many fine things during his lifetime, often presenting his handiwork as gifts to his family and friends, and he never turned down the opportunity to help someone in need of some expert handyman assistance. He was also deadly accurate with a crescent wrench up to 60 yards, and possessed the most colorful vocabulary for tools that simply didn't work correctly. He was a member of the Albuquerque Boat Club and American Legion in Elephant Butte, NM enjoying the water, his owls and the occasional beer on the porch of his house at the lake. Dave is father to Laura Spurry Passman, Timothy Spurry, and Katherine Spurry (Andrew Parkhill); grandfather to Andrew Passman, Jackson Spurry, Zoe Parkhill, and Willow Spurry. He is survived by his sister Nancy Spurry (Ted Rehm); his life partner Glenda Miller and her family, Danette Townsend (Michael Henningsen) and Ryan Townsend. In lieu of flowers, for friends who so wish, contributions may be made to a charity of their choice in Dave's name. Services will be held Friday, August 3 at 4:00 pm at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 12121 NM-14 N, Cedar Crest, NM 87008, poplchurch.com with a reception immediately following at his home in Cedar Crest.
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