By Lois Krafsky-Perry
for Citizen Review
Thursday, August 7, 2014
David Cummins
Port Angeles, WA – Filled almost to capacity, Independent Bible Church (IBC) hosted family and friends, August 6, to pay tribute to David Cummins. The longtime Sequim resident was active in his Church at IBC and was presently serving as chair of the Elder Board.
He suffered a stroke Tuesday, July 29, and went to meet his Lord July 31st. Pastor Mike Jones shared that David’s deep abiding faith was because he had the life of Christ with him. “He lived that daily,” Jones declared.
“David knew how he became who he was…He knew the source of who he was…He knew the source of how to live–it came from God, “affirmed Pastor Jones.
Many family members and friends shared stories of David’s life and how he affected everyone for good.
Donna Cummins, David’s wife for more than four decades, shared her story of their love and trust in one another and their Lord, who led them throughout their marriage. She told how they eloped when she was fifteen and David age seventeen. She told how he worked hard and cared for his family.
Donna and daughters Meredith Gilliam and Kim Odegaard had the privilege of being with David in the hospital, when he went to meet his Lord.
David’s parents are Walt and Jo Cummins of Sequim. His sister Kathy also shared lifetime stories of her brother, David.
Meredith told how she had become closer to her dad, in later years and was thankful she had recently re-located to Renton. “I was able to get to the hospital quickly,” said his eldest daughter. She lauded her father for all the special times they had recently shared.
Kim said her dad was faithful and shared stories of his faithfulness through the years. “I was daddy’s girl,” said Kim, who was the youngest child.
Sequim resident, David Bendell, said he was a Jewish friend and an attorney, shared how he was also a legal advisor to David.
Mike Vanproyen , pastor of Kingsway Four Square Church in Sequim, shared how David ( a land surveyor) had surveyed their property for a kids camp, without charge for his services. “Thousands of kids have benefited from that camp,” said Vanproyen.
Billie Vineup shared how she benefited by David helping her understanding politics. “He was courageous,” said the Port Angeles resident.
Several fellow Rotary members, of which Cummins was a member, shared their admiration of his longtime faithfulness.
Vern Swenson said he had known David for years as an IBC member and will miss him.
Several members of the Clallam County Republican Party reflected on memories of the longtime conservative Republican.
Teri Schweithale, who served with David as party representatives to State Committee meetings, talked about David’s humor. He had a keen sense of humor, as many others testified.
Local realtor Dick Pilling, Chair of the Republican Party, said he was helped by David, when he surveyed property for him, many years ago. That is how they originally met.
Sue Forde, Sequim, said she was mentored by David when she ran for office and also when she took over as chair of the local Republican Party. She said she will miss his wisdom, wit and common sense.
David Cummins was born to Walt and Jo Cummins on July 6, 1952 and went to meet his Lord July 31, 2014. He was 62 years of age. He graduated from Sequim High School in June 1970.