Obituary: Law, David Douglas
He was a beloved husband, devoted family man, and avid sportsman, who always took the time to “look up and look around.”
He possessed the innate qualities to absorb the details, share thoughtfulness, and emanate compassion.
The son of Marion and Clarence Law, he suffered the loss of his father at an early age, but grew to become the proud son of Wayne Wilcox; who seeded and fostered Dave’s lifelong passion for the outdoors.
He grew up in California and graduated from Santa Clara High School where he excelled on the swim team.
Right after his 19th birthday, on March 28th, 1956, Dave joined the military, forged his life, embraced every challenge, and never looked back.
It was during the U.S. occupation of Okinawa, in 1958, where he discovered his “wife and love for life,” Toyoko.
Together, Dave and Toyoko perpetuated an inspirational marital bond that would endure decade upon decade…over 50 years together.
He served his beloved country honorably in both the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Controller and Warning Operator and in the U.S. Army with Air Defense Artillery and Intelligence units until retirement in 1976.
During his 20 years of service, he would become a decorated Veteran after putting “boots on the ground” multiple times in Europe, East Asia and across the United States.
Dave selflessly donated his time and touched lives in many communities and in many countries.
He coached a championship Texas swim club for several years, taught Korean students English, and was a Cub Scout Pack Leader.
He was especially proud of his indoctrination into an elite German hunter’s society and awarded the title “Jäger.”
He was a brilliant fisherman and astute fly fisherman, whose adventures led him to relish one watery gem to another from the Puget Sound to the wild nooks and crannies of the northwest river systems.
With a passion for history, Dave spent decades researching his own family tree.
Caring deeply about the bond of family, he has not only discovered the interesting twists and turns of generations of relatives, he took the time to reconnect and rebuild bonds with family across the United States and Canada.
His wife, Toyoko, survives him in Spokane, and together they nurtured four wonderful, accomplished and happy children: Dorothy, David, Deborah and Tina.
He was also blessed with five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.
Private family services have been held.