David John Garske was born May 7, 1957, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the first son to John and Ann Garske. Dave passed away on July 4, at the age of 52, of neurological muscular disease. In his early years Dave lived with his family in Pleasanton, where he graduated from Dublin High School in 1975.

In 2001, Dave moved to Mariposa where he owned and operated a real estate sales and property management business. Dave had lived in Mariposa about 10 years. His family and friends were always his number one priority.

He was one of those rare people that everybody loved and enjoyed just being around. His joy and good humor enriched the lives of those close to him. He took great joy spending time with anyone he met; he always made them feel like they were special. His tireless work ethic was only superseded by his desire to help everyone he knew. If there was ever something he could do for someone, he would always be there. He had a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to enjoy life; he never fretted the small stuff.

Dave, a long-time Kiwanis member, spent most of his life helping people young and old alike. All benefitted from his kindness, hard work, and inner strength. Dave had a forever lasting impression on all he met. He will truly missed but never forgotten by his family and friends.

Dave loved the outdoors, the mountains, and a good camp fire, his favorite saying was “let’s do a burn.” For the last 35- plus years he has visited Yosemite where he enjoyed hiking, fishing and camping. He loved to play cards and watch sports, mainly football, baseball, and car racing. He was a fan of the 49ers, Giants and NASCAR, any wreck was a good wreck. His favorite hobbies were woodworking, boating, cars, golfing, and gardening.

The sign on his front door says it all, “I just went fishing.”

He is survived by his two daughters, Sarah and Amanda; his parents, John and Ann Garske; and seven brothers and sisters.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Mariposa, P.O. Box 1165, Mariposa, CA 95338

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at Dave’s home (4779 Little Bear Road in Mariposa) on Saturday Aug. 14, starting at 5 p.m.