David Marion Barnhart

David Marion Barnhart died Saturday June 30, 2012 at home in Redmond, Washington surrounded by his “tribe”, family, and numerous friends and loved ones after a brief struggle with cancer. David was born August 13, 1952 at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, Washington and grew up the Seattle/Woodinville area attending Woodinville and Cottage Lake Elementary schools, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Lake City. David’s early years were spent on Hollywood Hill, a rural area of Woodinville, where he and his brother, Bryan, became capable horsemen belonging to the Gold Creek Cavalry and riding in parades, drills, and other shows. He was taught to love the outdoors by his father, Walter, spending much time hiking and camping. Later David moved to Yakima and attended West Valley Junior High and High School, Ellensburg High School, moved to Bellingham and attended Nooksack High School before enlisting in the Army and going to Vietnam. David enlisted in the Army in 1970 and served his country in Vietnam as an aircraft crew chief earning numerous distinctions including Sharpshooter, and Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged. Upon his discharge he briefly attended Yakima Valley College. David began his woodcarving career in Yakima and then migrated to Orcas Island where he lived for 10 years. He attended sweat lodges and has many surviving friends who loved him there. His carvings populate the island. David was known to most people who knew him in Redmond as “Woodcarver” and was a gifted and accomplished artist with numerous works in both residential and commercial settings. Woodcarver was however much more than an artist. He also served many who sought him out for personal and spiritual advice on many different levels. He became a part of a circle known as the “Tribe” who along with his wife Cheryl never left his side during his last struggle, providing for all his needs up until the end. His family is grateful for the sacrifices of this amazing Tribe and the comfort they provided during this difficult and painful time for us all. On December 21, 2010 David married Cheryl Parrish who survives him. He is also survived by his parents Walter and Pauline Barnhart of Yuma, Arizona, brother Bryan Barnhart of Yakima, ex-wife Ruth Barnhart of Yakima, son Cory Barnhart of Maui Hawaii, daughter and son-in-law Nicole and CJ Dobbins of Mountlake Terrace, and grandchildren Odin and Rhiannon Dobbins of Mountlake Terrace.