David Abbott began his life in St. Louis Park MN on September 23, 1931, the firstborn child of David and Gladys. He died peacefully surrounded by family on August 14 in Gig Harbor.
He grew up in Crookston until his family moved to the small farming town of Mentor. David graduated from Mentor High School in 1949 and began working for the Great Northern Railroad as a telegrapher. He served 17 months in Korea with the 555 FAB 5th Regimental Combat team as a radio operator and forward observer. After his military service, he returned to the railroad and was promoted to the Claims Division of the Law Department. While working in Denver, he graduated from St. Regis University. In 1993, he ended his 44-year career with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Seattle. After retirement he used his railroad expertise while working for an annuity settlement firm until 2000.
David married his sweetheart Marilyn Johnson in 1952. He almost made it to his 70th wedding anniversary with his lovely bride! After God, he always kept his family first and foremost. He and Marilyn did a great job of raising four wonderful children while they were transferred from place to place 11 times during his years with the railroad. He had a wealth of information on family lore and updated a multivolume family genealogy. David was a delightful storyteller with a great memory and a sharp sense of humor. In retirement he and Marilyn traveled extensively. For many years they divided their time between Bainbridge Island and Arizona, until their most recent move to Gig Harbor.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn and sons, Paul and David, daughters, Julie and Kathryn, grandchildren, Richie, Audrey, Max, Natalie, Alexandra, and Elliott, great grandchildren, Duke, Wake, Arthur, and Baylor, brother, Jerry, sister, Sharon, extended family and many beloved friends. He will be missed!
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