David H. Franks III

David H. Franks III, 50, unexpectedly passed away on May 26, 2020 at home in Scottsdale, AZ. David was born in Portland, Oregon to D. Hood and Betty Franks. David is survived by his wife of 21 years, 3 daughters, father, brother and sister-in-law, multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and many friends, all who loved him very much. His mother preceded him in death. After briefly living in both Alaska and Texas, the family moved to Arizona when David was 6 years old. He lamented the fact that he couldn't call himself an Arizona native. He embraced the Arizona lifestyle and was a great advocate of its diverse opportunities. He would always ask, where else can you drive just a couple of hours and be skiing in the mountains, hiking in the desert, or splashing on the beach? Always outdoors, his youth was spent riding bikes, kayaking, hiking, climbing and exploring. Climbing, and his outdoor nature took him to his first career, corporate team building. Working for Venture Up involved travel, which he loved, to almost all 50 states, Mexico and Europe. He went on some of his favorite adventures climbing Mont Blanc in France, and Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. Team ...[more]

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lding, being another form of teaching and guidance, foreshadowed his future in education. Thus began his second career in primary education. David was a 3rd generation educator. His first job as a teacher was a 1st grade classroom. He decided early on that he would always wear a tie as a sign of respect to his students and the profession. The necktie became his signature item. He had an artistic eye and shopping for ties with David was like visiting an art gallery. He planned to stick with teaching but ultimately discovered his calling in administration. In 2012 David became Principal at Sunset Canyon Elementary where he found his second family. Now ALL of the kids were his and he loved it. He described being a principal like being a father. He was known as a problem solver, supportive when there were struggles, and took pride in the successes. In his spare time David enjoyed tinkering with his house, hiking, climbing and fly fishing. He loved his music, relaxing with his family and playing with the cats. He was always smiling and had a positive, can-do attitude. In lieu of flowers to the family, please consider a contribution in David's name to the ALS Association in honor of his mom http://www.alsa.org/ 360 Coronado Rd Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85004), or Access Fund https://www.accessfund.org/ P.O. Box 17010, Boulder, CO 80308 A celebration of his life will be announced and held at a future date. "Be good, do good" -- David