Our beloved, R. David Gore, passed away unexpectedly while captaining the tug “Royal Melbourne” in San Francisco Bay on Sept. 20, 2010.

He was as happy as he had ever been in his life, doing what he loved on the tug, sharing special moments with family, spending time with friends, and taking great joy in nature.

Dave was born on Oct. 9, 1943 in Seattle and grew up in Longview. He spent much of his youth fascinated with watching the ships and tugs ply up and down the Columbia River near his home.

He graduated from Mark Morris High School in 1961, and began working in the marine shipping and transportation industry. Dave spent years working as a liaison for various steamship lines and only entered into the towing industry later in life. Most recently, Dave worked for Harley Marine Services.

After working ashore for a few years, Dave returned to the water and was operating tugs in the San Francisco Bay. He was also chairman of the board of the Master of Towing Vessels Association.

One of Dave’s favorite pastimes was hiking the bluff at Ebey’s Landing near his home on Whidbey Island. He also enjoyed working in his garden, bird watching, reading, baking cakes with his granddaughters, and duck hunting and going to air shows with his son and grandsons. Dave was a wonderful father, grandfather, sweetheart and friend and will live forever in our hearts.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph W. (Rocky) Gore and Marion Gore. He is survived by his daughter Kathryn (Roger) Cipolla of Bainbridge Island; his son John (Maricela) Gore of Poulsbo; his fiancee Hillary Malu of Langley; his brother Bruce (Kathryn) Gore of Bainbridge Island; his grandchildren Gabrielle, Hunter, Joseph, Caroline and Matthew; his niece Lindsay Gore of San Francisco, Calif.; and his nephew Michael Gore of New York City.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on his 67th birthday, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Useless Bay Country Club, 5725 Country Club Drive, Langley (uselessbaygolf.com). You are encouraged to bring, mail or e-mail stories about Dave to be compiled for his grandchildren (inmemoryofdavegore@gmail.com).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s memory may be made to Good Cheer (www.goodcheer.org).