David Chaves was born May 23, 1952 in Modesto, CA to the parents of Albert Chaves and Corina Brazil. David was the oldest son and only brother to Kenny. He had six sisters Annalee, Candi, Bernadette, Valerie, Stephany and Samantha.
On the morning of Friday, May 29th, six days after his 68th birthday, David passed away in the comfort of his own home where he resided with his wife Laurie and his three youngest daughters Alysia, Sierra and Angie.
David was a hard-working man. He was a union member of the local 1130 Modesto for 23 years. He bought his first piece of land on a beautiful sunset view with his ex-wife Joan where they raised their two children Joseph and Sadie. Then as time passed Laurie and her children entered David’s life. With Laurie’s four children Jacob, Esther, Christine and Sean. Dave’s children Joe and Sadie they raised this wonderful blended family.
David was a loving man to his family and as well was loved by all. He supported many families and helped many single mothers. He would help feed and clothe their children when times were hard. David would give his shirt off his back to help anyone in need. David’s oldest son, Justin from a previous marriage lives in Florida. David’s beautiful daughter Mariah from Merced, now living in North Carolina.
David struggled with addiction in his 30s which led to his move from California to Montana in 1998 where him and his wife Laurie sought sobriety, God and a newfound strength for life for him and his family. David worked as a hotel servant for the Howdy hotel for the last thirteen years. His “little big job” as he called it. He gave service to the still suffering addicts by holding meetings at the county jail for over five years and was a contribute to our town of Forsyth.
In 2004 David and his wife Laurie fostered and adopted their three beautiful angels Alysia, Sierra and Angie. David loved these girls as his own, protected them and provided them a loving home. David has a strong passion for music. He taught himself to play guitar by ear. He would say that there is nothing better than listening to music on vinyl. He would sit and listen to his music while he worked his magic into his artwork. Dave was an amazing artist which he shared this love for art with his daughter, Sierra. He loved to work with charcoal and has many portraits of his children. He was an avid aggie hunter which he shared this passion with his youngest daughter Angie. He loved the rivers, spending days just relaxing listening to the calming sound of the water flow over the rocks. He enjoyed camping and barbecues anything to get the family together. He enjoyed gardening in his yard with his girls. He had a strong opinion on politics and shared lengthy debates with his daughter Alysia. Most of all he had a strong love for the Lord that in which he shared with his family and encouraged their walk with Him. He was a mommy-daddio for a period of time, he went to every school conference, every open house and anything that his girls needed he was there for. He loved old trucks and cars but mostly he loved! He loved loving others and being loved by everyone who has come into his life. He had a large loving family that will miss him deeply.
David Chaves is survived by his wife, Laurie; ex-wife/friend, Joanne Porter; his children, Justin Herron, Jacob (Amanda) Mulrooney, Joseph (Wacey) Porter, Mariah (Brian) Madrid, Sadie Porter, Esther (Jesse) Mosely, Christine (Joseph) Mulrooney, Sean Foster, Alysia Chaves, Sierra Chaves, Angelina Chaves; sixteen grandchildren; mother, Corina Brazil; brother, Kenneth; sisters, Annalee, Candi, Bernadette, Valerie, Stephany, and Samantha; many nieces, nephews and a handful of greats.
David is preceded in death by his father, Albert Chaves and all his loved ones that have gone before him.
Cathleen Fleming says
I just heard about Dave and wished to submit our condolences to all of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Lori Lincoln says
Laurie, Alysa, Sierra and Angie, so sorry to hear about Dave. Ray and I are saying/sending prayers and love to you all. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask. Love you!
Clay Robinson says
So sorry to hear about David. He was one of my best student and was great full to know him. Our prayers are with you all. May the Lord restore during this time of great sadness.
Amber Nielson says
Laurie & family; so sorry to hear about Dave. Please know I am thinking about you all during these difficult times.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
Laurie and Family, im so sorry for your loss, you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. We are totally praying for you guys and are thinking about you guys.
Walter Hoskins says
I loved Dave. He was genuine. He was transparent. Dave Chaves was to me, “the real deal.” He loved and cared deeply for my “Baby Girl,” Laurie Lee, and all of my precious grandchildren. Our loss is heaven’s gain. I’ll be seein’ you at Father’s Place Dave; RIP.
Pam Beardsley says
Laurie and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find strength and comfort in the days to come. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Dave
Peggy Redman & Earl Mortensen says
Laurie and family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your beloved David.
During this time of loss, may God’s promise of eternal life bring you hope…may His ever-present love bring you peace. May the loving thoughts and heartfelt prayers of others bring you comfort.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
Laurie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Lance Bredvold says
My life and David’s touched pleasantly a few times over the past 30 years. Best wishes to you as you carry on, Laurie and family.
Teryl Tatro says
Laurie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Teryl