Obituaries: David Luther Fritts

ILWACO – David L. Fritts, 59, died Feb. 6, 2008, at his Ilwaco residence of natural causes. The son of Gerald and Lula (Skeen) Fritts, he was born in Ontario, Ore., on Aug. 18, 1948. He grew up in the Ontario-Fruitland area before moving to Boise, Idaho. There he graduated from Boise High School and obtained a degree in horticulture from Boise State University.

During the Vietnam Conflict he served as a machinist mate aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk. Following his military duty he settled in Ilwaco. His parents operated Beacon RV Park and Charters and he assisted them until purchasing the Sunset Tavern in downtown Ilwaco. After several years he went to work for his in-laws at Doupe’ Hardware in Ilwaco before moving to Portland where he became a sales representative for Steinberg Brothers wholesale clothing.

In 1985 the quieter pace of the beach again called and he returned to Ilwaco. For a time he operated Ilwaco Apparel before becoming a partner with Roger Morrison, operating Beach Boys Building Supply in Seaview. When that business closed he became manager for Oman & Son Building Supply in May 1995 and currently was manager of their Ocean Park store.

Mr. Fritts was a member of Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview. He was currently a member of the Ilwaco city council where he had served since August 1986 and actively prompted Ilwaco endeavors. He was a former member of the Ilwaco Volunteer Fire Department.

He was an avid golfer and member of the Surfside Golf Club. He was a longtime supporter of Ilwaco Fishermen sporting events and faithfully attended their games. He also closely followed Boise State University football. He was proud of his cooking skills and his family will cherish memories of his breakfasts complete with homemade pancakes, bacon and eggs. When he and his golfing buddies enjoyed an annual outing, he was always the first one up in the morning, again cooking breakfast. Another of his cooking joys was cooking a surprise in his crockpot and then sharing with his fellow employees every Thursday.

Family was paramount with him. He enjoyed any and all family events and outings, hanging out with his many friends and keeping in touch with them. He took a special interest in his grandchildren and was content with his life.

He and Stephanie Kelly met in 1976 and were married July 9, 1977, at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Rick Murfin presiding.

She survives residing at the family residence. Also surviving are daughters Penny Fritts and Amber Servello’n both of Camas, Hollie and husband Vince Billeci of Ocean Park; son James and wife Lisa Fritts of Lynden; father Gerald Fritts of Prairie City, Ore.; sister Sharon Sanders of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren Nathin, Haleigh, Aurora, Westin and Ella.

A celebration of his life was held Saturday, Feb. 9, at Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church in Seaview, with a reception following. Memorials may be made to the Ilwaco Fire Department, P.O. Box 342, Ilwaco, WA 98624. The guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.