Many islanders will recognize the name David Kinderfather as an architect who designed beautiful homes nestled on the banks of our water-fronts, harbored in sweet little coves or found on the perfect perch on the hillsides of San Juans and beyond. Although being an architect fulfilled one of David’s childhood dreams – those of you who knew David well are aware that in addition to architecture, he had four great passions that completed his life:
Jesus – David was born and raised in a Christian home, but his faith became his own when he was born again in 1972. His life was focused on serving Jesus and others. He served in numerous church leadership roles as Elder and Deacon and worked with mission organizations to touch the lives of others and spread the joy of Jesus salvation. He traveled on short-term missions to Ireland, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Kenya, Mexico and Maui, HI. His daily life was a testimony to his core values and beliefs.
Joan – Joan & David were married for 23 years. Finally, after a LONG courtship of 3-1/2 years, with the coaxing of many close friends (especially Dan & Ruth Paulson), David took the plunge and there-after said “it was the best decision he ever made!” Joan & David were a perfect match! 23 years was not long enough – but many fun, crazy and cherished memories will be shared with family and friends for years to come.
French Horn – David started playing the French horn at age 9 because a grade school band director said he needed a horn player. His father purchased a beautiful concert horn for him to play. From that day onward, David was committed to playing his best! For over 74 years, he performed with numerous ensembles, orchestras, symphonies, praise teams and community and jazz bands. He played in the orchestra pit with many other fine musicians for musical productions such as Annie, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof and many more.
Boating –David’s love of the water began the minute he drove into Seattle and saw the Puget Sound. Over his life-time he owned 2 sail boats and 1 trawler. Boating was an adventure and challenge to David – and on several occasions, it literally scared the hell out of him… knowing he was close to meeting Jesus upon the high seas, in the fog or risky channel crossings! For David, there was nothing better than time anchored in a quiet bay playing music with friends experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.
David Lee Kinderfather was born on January 6th, 1941 in Independence Kansas. He was preceded in in death by his father was Edwin Lee Kinderfather, his mother was Lillian Treva (Aliston) Kinderfather and an older brother Donald Aliston Kinderfather and Don’s wife Kathleen Kinderfather (Mcshane). Donald was 10 years older than David and tragically died in an auto accident on July 28th 1986. Kathleen passed in her later years on May 13, 2020.
David moved from Independence, KS to Coffeyville, KS at age 9 where he lived his childhood and graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1959. He attended Texas Tech University from 1960 -1965 where he majored in Architecture, graduated 1st in class and was awarded American Institute of Architects Youth Award. While attending Texas Tech, David enrolled in the ROTC program and graduated as a Commissioned Officer in the Army Corp of Engineers. Upon graduation from Texas Tech he applied for and was awarded a teaching assistance-ship with which he attended the University of WA in Seattle to obtain his Masters degree in Architecture.
From 1966 – 1968 David served 2 years active duty as a Commissioned Officer in the Army Corp of Engineers in Augsberg Germany after which he served 3 years reserve duty at Fort Lotten in Seattle, WA. He completed his military obligation and received his honorable discharge on August 1, 1971.
Following his military career, David apprenticed with two well established architecture firms in Seattle; took his Architectural licensing exam and started his 50 year career in Architecture. For 33 years he owned his own practice where he primarily designed commercial and private residences in the San Juan Islands in WA state.
When David transitioned from “bachelorhood” to marrying Joan, he was embraced (or invaded) by a large family and grandchildren!
He has two step children: Deanna Lee Stutzman (Slyngstad) married to Paul David Stutzman and Brad Thomas Slyngstad married to Lisa Marie Slyngstad (Sunseri).
He has six step grand children: Caleb, Weston, Ava and Isaac Stutzman and Maya and Asher Slyngstad.
He has two nieces; Alison Kinderfather and Gretchen Hayes and two nephews Kurt and Hans Kinderfather.
David would want those reading this to know his life was not always easy, but God is good and faithful to his children. As old seadogs say: “Stay the course!”