David Earl FitzGerald

David Earl FitzGerald passed away June 13, 2024, in St. John. He was 71. David was born July 6, 1952, in Colfax, Wash., to Robert and Edna (Koch) FitzGerald. He was a lifelong resident of St. John, graduating from St. John High School in 1971 and he went on to work in the community in one form or another for the next 53 years.

In high school, David played football and was awarded All County Center his senior year. He was also the County Free Throw Champion freshman and junior year. In 1982, Gilbert Pierce hired David at the St. John Grange Supply, where he worked for over 30 years. After the Grange, he worked for Drew Gordon at his custom grow operation, Northwest's Finest, while running a small lawnmower repair service and mowing for a select clientele. He was an active member of the St. John Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years and was instrumental in the EMS program for many years. He was a man of service who cared deeply for his community.

He loved boating, fishing, camping, and spent summers out on the water with his family and friends. He was an avid golfer and also loved music of all kinds, especially the blues. He enjoyed attending blues festivals with Debbie where they made many new friends, and he always had the radio playing out in his shop.

He was a wonderful husband to his wife Debbie of 42 years and was an incredible father to his two children, Raymond and Alyssa, and daughter-in-law Shelby. And he was a very proud grandfather of Robby. First and foremost, he always took care of his family, including caring for his mother, and ensuring that his kids could change a tire, mow the yard, set up a tent properly, pack the car so that everything fit just right and most importantly, tie up the boat.

He is survived by his wife Debbie, children Raymond (Shelby) and Alyssa, grandson Robby, mother Edna, brother Sam (Julie), sisters Kay Auvil (Bill) and Gayle Harwood (Dave), mother-in-law Donna Perrigo, brothers-in-law David (Brandi) Perrigo, Dan (Lisa) Perrigo, and Darrin Perrigo, three nephews and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert, and father-in-law Duane Perrigo.

Memorials can be made to the St. John Golf and Country Club or the St. John Volunteer Fire Department.

A celebration of David's life will be held at the St. John Community Building, Wednesday, June 26, at 1 p.m. A light lunch will be provided. Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family. http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com