David Heeres

Aug 20, 1936 - Dec 8, 2023 Sequim, WA

David “Dave” Lee Heeres of Sequim, Washington, passed away peacefully at his home on December 8, 2023. He was 87.

Dave was born August 20, 1936, in Loma Linda, California, to Peter Sidney and Imogene “Frances” (Stone) Heeres. He attended various schools in San Bernardino County, graduating from San Bernardino High School in 1954. After high school, he proudly served in the US Navy where he served as a corpsman.

Upon being honorably discharged from the US Navy, he attended San Bernardino Valley College, University of California at Berkley and California State University at Long Beach. He completed his post graduate work at California State University at San Bernardino and at the University of California at Riverside.

In 1965, he met Pat Seccombe and they were married on January 1, 1967. Dave and Pat moved to Sky Forest, California, where they lived for 37 years, raising two daughters, Katherine Eleanor (Heeres) Keever and Elizabeth Frances (Heeres) Yancu.

Dave built a very successful insurance business as an independent agent with State Farm, receiving many accolades, including being named to the President’s Club three times. Always interested in improving his knowledge, he also achieved the CLU and CHFC designations.

In 2002, Dave retired from the Insurance business after 30 years and moved to their home in Sequim, Washington.

Dave had a passion for the sea and a love for sailing. His first boat was an Ericson 35 sloop, named “Beginning,” which he sailed to Hawaii twice, once singlehanded and non-stop for 40 days and nights. Eventually, he bought a Defever 49 trawler, on which the family enjoyed many trips to Avalon on Catalina Island. Both daughters were married on that boat.

Dave also played piano and after retiring he had more time to practice and record his own arrangements. He enjoyed his time on the piano and sometimes recorded some songs for friends and family.

Dave's legacy lives on through his loving wife of 56 years Pat Heeres; daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Yancu; granddaughters, Katherine “Katie” and Madison Yancu. He was predeceased in death by both parents and daughter Katherine.

Sequim Valley Chapel is honored to serve the family. Please visit our online register book at sequimvalleychapel.com to leave treasured memories for the family - (360) 683-5242.