David Michael Scholten, age 46, was born to Bastian and Judy (Holz) Scholten in Lynden in the midst of a bitter Northeaster. David was raised on a dairy farm with six brothers, where his love and respect for the land was fostered. He always intended to return to farm the land. David was a loving and devoted father to his son Jeremiah, the light of his life.
David was loved because of his strength, his dedication to family and friends, his sense of humor and his quiet, optimistic faith. He was a quiet, loving well of wisdom for anyone who sought his help. He was a rock and a sage; in his 20 years in the U.S. Army and Washington State National Guard, he was selected for Sergeants School, to lead others. He proudly served with the 84th Engineers in Germany and in the 101st Airborne in Gulf War deployments.
David had a wonderful ability to engage people from all walks of life. In his more than 14 years as an RN at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, he positively touched the lives of many. David was described by those who worked with him as a gentle soul who was extraordinarily gracious, kind and compassionate. He was an excellent listener, and had a way to calm people with his presence. He was a thoughtful and dedicated American citizen. He believed in the truth, and in facts, but they never trumped kindness to others. He listened more than he talked, expressing subtle humor in difficult situations.
He volunteered his time to many causes including Riders for Health in Africa, bicycling with a medical team on the Seattle to Portland ride, and serving on the board of directors for NAMI Whatcom.
David was taken from us suddenly, without warning. His passing reminds us that we cannot know the number of days left with our loved ones. Please take time today to tell the people in your life that you love them. They say grief makes you bitter, or better. David made the world a better place.
David is remembered and mourned by his fiancee Jennifer, son Jeremiah, father Bastian, and brothers Bruce (wife Martha), John (wife Lynn), Loren (wife Patty and children Stephanie and Jeffrey), Roland (wife Patti and children Lynea and Matthew), Glen (wife Shirley and children Jordan and Tanner), and Doug (wife Shannon and children Miranda and Mick) Scholten, and many other family members and friends. He will be deeply missed.
A time of visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2015 at Gillies Funeral Home. The graveside committal will be 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Monumenta Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at First Christian Reformed Church, 1010 Front St, Lynden. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NAMI Whatcom.
