David Allen Shellenberger passed away Aug. 30, 2011.

It doesn’t get much better than fishing on the beach with views of the mountains reflected in the water, and that was how David spent his last hours. He died suddenly with his catch beside him in the sand. He loved the outdoors, and having spent the past year struggling with cancer and related health issues, he was happiest when he was outdoors catching fish in the warm sunshine.

Born and raised in Akron, Ohio on Sept. 8, 1954, he won awards for his artwork in high school. Shortly after that, he met Lou Ann “Louie” Voorhees, who became his best friend and wife of 39 years. They moved to Florida for a few years, where he acquired some college education, then worked as a nurseryman and landscaper, while enjoying the sun, water and, of course, fishing.

After a couple of months of cross-country travel, they settled on Whidbey Island, working as caretakers. He formed South Island Landscaping, a business where he could put his creative talents, love of nature and high energy to good use. He made many friends through the business, but then, he never met a stranger!

It took about 20 years, but he finally got tired of working throughout the wet, cold winter, and that marked the start of Buzzard BBQ, his welding shop where he could be inside and play with fire. He specialized in large-sized BBQ cookers and smokers, again using his creativity for unique designs. David had a never-ending flow of ideas, and was capable of doing whatever he put his mind and hands to.

In the meantime, David and Louie raised two fine sons, Cory Lee and Cody Allen. They enjoyed many outdoor activities together, as well as working on cars and houses.

He lived a simple life close to nature in the home he built on his acreage, next door to the house he built for his mother, Barbara.

Words cannot describe how much he will be missed by his family and his sister Suze and her husband Jonathan Huie, his brother Gary, aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces, nephew and in-laws, and of course, his many friends.

David faced life with a sense of humor, a positive attitude, a generous spirit and a fertile imagination, and was seldom at a loss for something to say. His friends will agree that he was a master storyteller, politely put. He always had time for family and friends, and wanted nothing more than to help them however he could.

He was a Brother of E CLAMPUS VITUS, a fraternal organization with a tradition of fellowship, good spirits and fun. A portion of their creed seems fitting: As I pass through this life, may I always be humble; may I never take myself seriously; may I always appreciate a little of the ridiculous. And, for a life well-lived, the Brethren will say, “SATISFACTORY!”

A celebration of life for David Shellenberger will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Freeland Hall.

The ceremony will start at 3 p.m.; bring your favorite stories to share.

Afterward, the celebration will continue with dinner cooked on the Buzzard BBQ Train Cooker, complete with your potluck salads and desserts.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the University of Washington Medicine, 1-877-894-4387 or http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Global/Make-a-Gift.