David Alan Lee

David Alan Lee passed away on January 17, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 65.

David, the only son of Vernon and Marlene Lee, was born September 22, 1958, in Oakland, California. Originally from Washington, his parents’ job transfers to Camas, Washington, when David was six made for a happy family move. David would grow up in the small Drakeway neighborhood near the banks of the Columbia River where, right from the start, he was at home.

David spent his grade school years at Lacamas Elementary, and then went to Camas High School where he graduated in 1976. He was a friendly, funny, kind, and outgoing boy who nurtured deep friendships that would last his lifetime.

The most important of those early relationships was with fellow student Paula Young. Although David and Paula dated only briefly in high school, they had a love that would endure. On August 25, 1984, they were married at Bethel Community Church in Washougal.

David’s first job after high school was with Sundance Marina. He later worked for Christensen Motor Yachts followed by Tollycraft Yachts. Along the way he developed a reputation for being a true craftsman, a master of many talents. He was the manager of Hi-Way Fuel Car Wash in Washougal for 26 years until he retired in September 2023. Over his career, David stood out among his coworkers as someone who was entirely fun to work with—a constant energy source, with his sharp wit and ever-engaging smile.

David had an affinity for cars and engines. He not only enjoyed watching NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar racing, he rebuilt and restored MOPARS (classic muscle cars from the Chrysler Group) and he enjoyed showing off his latest creative project on a cruise or at a car show. He loved hanging out at the Portland Auto Swap Meet, and both Paula and David attended the Rod Run to the End of the World in Long Beach, Washington, an annual and festive tradition they enjoyed with friends.

It follows that David shared with Paula a love of road trips, often without a planned itinerary it was the simple joy of getting in the car and going. Of course, he had favorite destinations including the coastal town of Depoe Bay where over years of visits David and Paula forged close local bonds. When David wasn’t driving, the couple enjoyed trips to Mexico and Hawaii, often with friends and family in tow.

David and Paula did not have children of their own, but that created opportunities for their generous love to extend to nieces and nephews. Within their ever-expanding circle of friends, many who became family, they built strong relationships with additional nieces and nephews, and eventually grandnieces and grandnephews. David will be missed.

David is survived by his wife, Paula, his sisters Roxy (Don) Freeman, Debby (Melvin) Brink, and DeeDee (Jack) Cagle, and many extended family members. A funeral service will be held
on Saturday, January 27, 2 p.m. at Bethel Community Church, 1438 B Street, Washougal, WA, 98671. The family requests no flowers and instead wishes to thank all who have offered their love, prayers, and support throughout David’s illness.