David Albert Culp, Jr. passed beyond this world and into the heavenly spirit on October 2, 2012. He was 59.
David’s life had been saved many times by conspicuous miracles of modern medicine: nine years ago, three years ago, two years ago and again earlier this year. He was proud of his collection of doctors. He was a big fan of nurses and medical technicians, too. In recent months, David’s health declined significantly. And when he was done with what his hospital had left to offer, the family brought him home to Maury Island. According to his wishes. His last days were warm and bright and he left us peacefully. He had been a resident of Vashon-Maury since 1997.
David was born on June 22, 1953, in Iowa City, IA. He was the third child and first son of David Sr. and Anna (Keiser) Culp. His father was a physician, a brilliant surgeon and teacher at the University of Iowa Hospital. David described his mother as his model for team coach and film director. His parents raised five confident, compassionate children, all successful in each of their chosen professions: teaching, law, film making, geologic science and law enforcement.
Film making was David’s great passion and he was extremely good at it. He made (directed & edited & sometimes co-wrote) a collection of well-known local commercials for Rainier beer, Ivar’s restaurants, Sea Galley restaurants, Boyd’s Coffee, Long’s Drugs and Taco Del Mar, to name a few. Years ago, David and a good friend made a series of anti-smoking films that were also famous. David had a special gift for working with young people, especially with young actors. He knew how to bring out the confidence and best performances on camera. This really helped, in the making of many educational films, mostly for the Comprehensive Health and Education Foundation in Seattle.
David is survived by his wife, Crystal (McConnel) Culp, on Maury Island, and his beloved children, David Albert Culp III, Kaitlin Scarlet Culp and Sarah Francesca Culp and Crystal’s two sons, Lucas Lorenzo and Julian Lorenzo. All of the children live in Seattle. His sister, Roberta Culp, lives in Coralville, IA and sister, Marylin Culp, lives in Charlotte, NC. His brother, Matthew Culp lives in Des Moines, IA and his brother, Thomas Culp, lives in , Alburnett, IA.
David was preceded in death by his parents. While David did not stay for a very long time, he did have a big life, with many chapters. He was a devoted father, a great team player, a dedicated teacher, a spiritual mentor, a natural leader with perfect comic timing. And much more. He touched many, many lives in this world.
His being will be celebrated on November 1st at St. Mark’s Cathedral, in Seattle at 1:00 p.m. Donations in his honor can be made to Church of the Holy Spirit on Vashon Island or to the Northwest Kidney Centers in Seattle.
More of David’s story can be found, and you can sign our online guestbook, at www.islandfuneral.com
Paid Obituary.
