"a friend"
In loving memory of
David George Townsend
October 19, 1965 - February 13, 2011
David George Townsend was born to Bill and Sylvia Townsend October 19th in Seattle WA. He joined his brother Bill and later two more were added, Julie and Randy Costa a foster child. David passed away, February 13th, 2011 in Mount Vernon WA. at the age of 45.
David had two daughters Stephanie and Tia. After the tragic death of Tia in a crosswalk going to school March 28th 2002, David devoted thousands of hours to learning about traffic engineering and pedestrian safety. David formed the TIA [Traffic Intersection Awareness] Foundation. Thru this foundation, David was able to petition the Mayor of Shoreline, the City Council, Police, Legislators, and even met with then Vice President Dick Chaney and others regarding crosswalk and traffic safety. He also built and maintained the TIA web site, and to creating text documents and other presentations to improve pedestrian safety. He made numerous public presentations, ranging from speaking on safety issues at city council meetings, talking with children in school classrooms, preparing and presenting a "Safe Route to School Plan" before the superintendent and school board of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. A plan which was accepted and implemented by both school boards. During this time he became a well-recognized and respected leader and commentator in the Seattle area. This was truly his passion, and was a driving force in his life to make it safer for other children and adults in regard to the flow of traffic. Because of his efforts and others in the foundation new traffic lights, crosswalks and safety features have been added in the shoreline area.
David's greatest gift in life was his giving spirit. He was the one of the most unselfish person you could meet. He never used his resources to benefit himself.
He is survived and will be greatly missed by his daughter Stephanie, loving parents, Bill and Sylvia Townsend; brothers, Billy and Randy Costa, sister, Julie and husband Don Hoopengarner, nephews Loren and Zack niece Rebekah and countless friends.
We will all love and miss you greatly David.
Tributes
" I met David through LCNW after Tia passed away, losing touch after he became ill. What a strong and remarkable man, his devotion for the TIA Foundation was amazing. My love and prayers to your family."
"Bill and Sylvia Please accept Tara and my condolences with David's passing. May God bless him and all of you. "
"David, your homegoing yesterday 2/26/2011, was very beautiful and saddening. We miss you so much, that our heart aches. We know you are at rest, but we miss your smile and hugs. We love you much. Dad and Mom"
"Bill Sylvia and family. I am so sorry for your loss. David was a wonderful man. And will be truely missed by all. Racquel "
"Racquel Wahl"
"The Townsend family have been as close to me as my own family. The loss of David hits home, as I have lost a dear brother myself who knew David. My prayers and thoughts will be with your family and for David's daughter Stephanie. May God's Peace be with you John 14:27. And thank you David for working so hard for the TIA foundation and making a difference. With love, Christina "
"Jody and David Sherin"
"His mother and dad we love you son. May God's arms hold you. Rest in, peace. "
"Brian McDonald & Family"
" Even though we didn't have the pleasure of knowing David personally, we still do feel a part of knowing the family, as we knew Sylvia's parents when we were newly married and that's been almost 57 years now...And of course Sylvia, and her brother Jimmie...We had some wonderful times together, visiting back and forth...But losing a child has to be heart wrenching to say the least...It's suppose to be the other way around...Our Prayers go out to all of the family at this time, and in the days to follow.."
"Chuck & Ruth Bible"
"I can't even imagine the great heart-break that you and Bill are experiencing right now. I can only pray that God will hold you closer than usual and give you the comfort that you need during this difficult journey. Love you BUNCHES!"
"Jim & Esther Osburn"
"I knew David since he was a child,full of energy and fun. He was a courageous fighter in everything. He loved a good party and would always give us reasons to laugh. Whenever I think of David, I smile because He was always there with a good story and food for thought. He fought the fight and now finished the race. He is missed and loved forever. "
"There has always!!!! been a special place in my heart for David. I know he is now free from all the pain.We will always remember and miss him. Love Sharol"
"Bill & Sylvia, you are in our prayers. I remember some good times growing up with David. We will be out of town on Saturday, but will be lifting you up in prayer. May God comfort you, Jeff & Ruth Lewis"
"I knew David as a little boy and not as a Father or as an adult. I'm so sorry about your family's loss and am glad to know the legacy he left."
"You will be missed greatly."
"My husband and I met Dave through his work with the TIA foundation. He quickly became a fixture at our barbecues, often turning out the most magnificent meals! Later, after he became sick, we lost touch with him, but he will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
"Herman & Barbara Dreessen ... Love and prayers to the family. "
"Our Thoughts & Prayers go out to you Bill & Sylvia and your whole Family. It is so difficult & heartbreaking losing a Loved one. We didn't know your David personally but we know thru you that he was a wonderful person. After losing his daughter Tia in a Tragic accident he worked very hard helping others in Communities to being safe. That was very Admirable & appreciated by everyone. Please know we are thinking of you & if we can be of any help thru this difficult time let us know. Our Heartfelt Love & Sympathy, Bill & Kathy "
"Bill & Kathy Carlton with Heartfelt Sympathy"
"brian & eileen"
"LOVE YOU DAVE MORE THAN WORDS CAN DECRIBE!!!! YOU WERE ALWAYS LARGER THAN LIFE ITSELF, AND I'LL MISS YOU BUT CARRY YOUR MEMORIES WITH ME FOREVER - SEE YOU IN HEAVEN MY BROTHER XXOO JULS"
"The Cartwright's"
"I met David shortly after Tia's death. We became fast friends as I found him easy to talk to and he had a very warm personality. I started helping him with the TIA Foundation and it quickly took off, as David was busy 24/7 reaching out to anyone who would listen to Tia's story. He wasn't afraid to approach anyone,and had meetings with Gary Locke, Christine Gregoire, high level people from the DOT, and other government officials. We wrote to Vice President Dick Cheney's office about the dangerous crossing where Tia was killed and they had a federal investigator come out to look at the intersection. As a result, the city of Shoreline now has a light at 170th and 15th, making it safe for pedestrians of all ages. He was a natural for television interviews; He and Kevin Reese from KOMO news won an Emmy for a piece they did in 2005. We raised thousands of dollars for the families of children who were involved in pedestrian crashes. I could go on and on about all that was accomplished in those 3 short years. It was very difficult, yet it was very rewarding. I wrote papers and plastered up signs (sneaking around with David in the middle of the night) all over Shoreline. We co-wrote presentations and commercials. We laughed and cried and argued through everything. He was always pushing to get the next huge thing done. He was tenacious, strong, argumentative, smart and driven. I remember asking him to stop or slow down all the time. I will always treasure those memories, and I am proud that we accomplished so much in such a small amount of time. I'm sorry David got so sick. It was very hard to watch him go through so much. I am so glad he isn't suffering anymore. He will always be in my heart, as I loved him very much. With Love, Laurie "
"Diane McDonald"
"Karen"
"Evergreen Washelli, with heartfelt sympathy"