Deaths and Funeral Notices
David E. Weber, 82, left his family and friends on December 20, 2020 to be with his Lord Jesus. Born to Doris and John Weber, he graduated from Central Catholic High School in Portland, Or-egon in 1956. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and learned his craft as a dental technician while stationed in Germany for most of his 3-year duty. As the son of a German who immigrated through Ellis Island, he spent his off-duty weekends touring the German countryside on his BMW motorcycle, visiting his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
When he returned to civilian life in Portland, he continued to work in dentistry. He met and married his first wife (of 25 years), Jerrilynn Kimpton, in 1960. Together they ventured to California to start Weber Dental Laboratory in Fortuna in 1966 then moved the business and their young family to Eureka in 1972. Owning and operating his laboratory for 50 years, Dave was a visionary in his field, eagerly embracing advancements in technology throughout his career. Dave married his second wife, Mary Zumwalt, on December 20th, 1987, and celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on his final day on this earth. He would often share examples of Mary’s extraordinary patience and understanding, and then joke that it was a requirement of her 2nd full time job—being married to him!
Throughout his life, Dave was active in charitable and professional service clubs. He formed the local district chapter for the California Dental Lab Association and was president of it for many years. He let all the members know that if they dared to miss a meeting, they might find them-selves voted into his role in their absence! He also served as president of the California Dental Lab Association, Humboldt Toastmasters, and St. Bernard’s High School Board of Regents and as an active member of Kiwanas and the Fortuna Knights of Columbus. A highlight was a trip to Guatemala with a local team of dentists offering free dental care to the indigenous people.
In his younger days, Dave enjoyed many outdoor activities, including fishing, running, bicycling (including participating in the Tour of the Unknown Coast), backpacking in the Trinity Alps and Marble Mountains and snow skiing at Horse Mountain, Mt. Ashland and others. He enjoyed the anticipation of each trip as much as the trip itself, carefully waxing the skis, or preparing the pack to be as light, but complete, as possible. A selfdescribed "foodie", perhaps his penchant for tasty, healthy food began in creatively planning light-weight scrumptious backpacking meals. Many family trips in the 1970’s were spent at Trinity Lake, boating and water skiing with family friends. Later, travels with Mary and family included the Bahamas and many historical US cities as well as a special trip to Europe. Throughout his life, Dave appreciated cars—in his younger years owning an MG convertible and a Corvette, in his later years, attending the Fortuna Autorama without fail. Dave always loved the latest technology, whether buying one of the first microwave ovens sold in Humboldt County or exploring the latest gadget or smartphone. As much as he loved showing off the features of his latest find, he was just as happy listening intently to a friend or family member explaining all the bells and whistles of their own new car, phone or whatever it may be.
Always the philosopher, Dave was a believer, and an avid reader of self-help and Bible study books. He never stopped learning. His faith was his foundation, and he shared it sincerely. He continued to look for the positive, and that attitude helped sustain him through the physical decline that Parkinson’s disease and advanced osteoporosis wrought. He expressed appreciation and found ways to share joy and encouragement with all that he came upon.
He is survived by his brother John (Mary) Weber and sister Elizabeth Brainard, his wife of 33 years Mary Weber, and his children Dave S. Weber, Bryan (Donna) Weber, Ann (Michael) Gordon, Michael (Julie) Weber, Jeffrey (Naneen) Weber and Shanna (Tito) Meza. Dave leaves behind his stepchildren Diana Camba, Jeanna (Rob) Milton and Tina (John) Parkhurst, as well as 16 grandchildren—Natalie Weber; Eric Weber and Amy (Weber) Sawant; Grant, Brett and Brooke Weber; Mikaela, Tyler, and Ander Stanley-Camba; Sylver, Jaspyr, Jayde and Myca Milton; Naima and Nathanial Parkhurst; and Miguel Meza. Beloved colleagues and friends include Kim Lucas, Jeff Yeider, Dr.’s Richard Wolven, Jon Omey, David Kime, Lane Thompson, the Weber Lab Crew and many, many more. Dave had many long, dedicated relationships with customers and his many employees. Dave frequently mentioned to his family his dear friend Jerry that he met at Redwood Memorial Hospital chapel, who regularly visited and called as he became more and more housebound. Dave felt truly cared for by his medical team, holding Dr. Rubin Brinckhaus in the highest esteem.
Final arrangements are being made by Gobles Fortuna Mortuary. There will be a COVID-compliant private graveside service. A Celebration of Life is planned for June.