David Schueler

July 2, 1964 - Jan. 1, 2023

David Carl Schueler, born July 2, 1964, was a husband, a brother, and a friend; a man who exuded compassion and treated each person he met with respect, in his personal life and professionally. Born in Texas, and raised in Colorado’s San Luis Valley with a family of seven brothers and sisters, Dave was known for his humor, a smile that could light up a room, and an exceptional sense of kindness. He had the sort of kindly manner that offered comfort and reassurance to those who had the good fortune to cross his path. After a two-year battle with prostate cancer, Dave passed away peacefully on January 1, 2023 at age 58, in the company of Lynn Schueler, his loving wife and partner in life of 34 years. In addition to Lynn, Dave is survived by his siblings: Daniel, Darrel, Deanne, Doris, Darlene, Denise, and Doug, as well as his many nieces and nephews, many of whom he bonded with in life over everything from books, baseball, Doctor Who, writing, board and computer games, and other mutual hobbies. Growing up on a farm in rural Colorado, Dave had big dreams as a young man for how he wanted to live his life and ventured forward with a sense of adventure, balanced by an unmistakable level of practicality and intelligence that earned him respect throughout his lifetime. After graduating from Centauri High School in 1982, Dave entered the Navy, and was subsequently assigned to the pre-commissioning crew for the submarine USS Nevada (SSBN-733) in Groton, Connecticut. As a plankowner, he served as a crew member for sea trials, commissioning, and transit through the Panama Canal to Bangor naval base in Washington state, the boat’s eventual homeport. Dave remained on the Nevada for several patrols and rose to the rank of First-Class Petty Officer. He grew fond of the Pacific Northwest, and as a lover of science began volunteering at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle. It was in the science center’s volunteer lounge that he met his future wife, then known as Lynn Asbury. They married in May 1989 and made their home in Seattle. Dave left the Navy and pursued a successful career in technical writing, producing instructional and technical written materials for various companies, lastly with Axon Enterprise, a manufacturer of public safety hardware and software. In his personal time, Dave managed several blogs and maintained a newsletter for the U.S. Submarine Veterans Seattle Base, which enabled him to remain in contact with local veterans beyond his years of service. A man of many talents and interests, Dave was passionate about history, especially military history. He published two board games that were inspired by his service as a submariner and created other rules for historical miniature gaming. Every year he hosted DANG (Dave’s Annual Naval Game) at his home, which became a beloved tradition that spanned 20 years. He was well known by other naval enthusiasts around the world, with whom he interacted through his blog, Naval Gazing, and in several online groups. Among his friends, Dave was respected for his creativity and for the pleasure of his company. Dave was a man of many passions and had a sharp intelligence and an unmistakable warmth that endeared him to most everyone he interacted with. He was a problem solver, a man of patience, empathy, and humility, who uplifted and encouraged others. He was loved to an extent that words cannot fully express. He will not be forgotten. A celebration of Dave’s life is planned for April 1st, in Seattle. Family and those who knew Dave in life will be welcome to attend. Donations in Dave’s honor may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, a charity that builds comfort homes and houses service members and veterans’ families free of charge while a loved one is in hospital care. (Fisherhouse.org in memory of David Schueler)