David McCaw

On April 29, 2024, Heaven gained our Beloved Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Papa, Uncle, Cousin, Pastor, Friend, and Farmer/Rancher.

 This Man, who has affected each of our lives in specific and personal ways, was born to Robert Bruce McCaw and Mary Elizabeth (Cook) McCaw on the 8^th day of September 1961 in Durango, Colorado. No one is sure if they knew what they were getting into when he became the only brother to older sisters Linda and Janet, and little sister Tammy.

David became a large part of one of the hardest working industries there is—a dairy farm, which he helped later to transform into a well-known and operated farm and ranch. Mornings began incredibly early as no one slept in with the alarm sounding at 4:00 A.M. to get the cows fed and milked, with chores done before the bus arrived to haul the kids to the Ignacio School district where they each attended from 1^st grade through 12^th.

David worked with his parents on their dairy farm until he graduated from high school. Then, moved to Glendale, AZ, where he worked at Tune-Up Masters. Not finding his niche there, he moved back to Ignacio and took a job at Montgomery Wards. But the pull of the farm life could not be ignored and he went into partnership with his folks in the dairy business. This is where David’s heart was, deep in the rich soil of the land that carries a legacy of cattle, horses, elk, and deer. This love of land and animals was so powerful that each day never seemed enough, he could never do enough, quick enough, or as good as he would want.

During his time on the farm, David took side jobs to add to the family income. God blessed him with the opportunity to make money doing two things he loved and was told he could not make money doing—hunting and traveling.

The challenge of traveling was handled as he took a job with United and Atlas van lines as a furniture packer/mover, and semi and straight truck driver. If you have never helped move someone with David, you were missing a treat as he could pack a truck tighter than would seem possible.

Ah, but hunting was the real joy! David guided many deer, elk, and antelope hunts with most being on the McCaw ranch. Mom Mary and wife Jolene would send the men off early with excellent breakfasts as David filled their days with delightful stories and good hunts.

Somehow, even in all this, David managed to fit in being a propane truck driver. But the legacy that most who knew of David in the most recent years was that of a pastor.

God’s miracle was to take a wallflower, private shy personality, and transform him into a bold, unafraid preacher was amazing to witness. (Jolene fondly remembers she was the only one who heard their wedding vows, as he was so nervous in front of those assembled, he could not speak above a whisper.)

David’s love of the Lord could not be challenged. His was not a go-to-church on Sunday and back to work on Monday faith. David lived and breathed his love for the Lord. Every decision he made was carefully prayed through as he sought God’s will and wisdom for every moment of his life. It was his devotion to the Lord that brought him into the pulpit of Pine River Valley Baptist Church, first as associate pastor for 7 years, then as lead pastor for 14 years. His greatest desire was to represent the Lord well. Even in business relationships, David was known for his honesty and integrity, going far out of his way to serve those in need.

David loved to tease, joke around, and make people laugh. His sisters’ faces brighten with the memories of how he loved their children as his own, teasing them, making silly faces, holding as many on his lap as he could get. He would often stop in to have a glass of tea just to be with his nieces and nephews. But the crème-de-la-crème was the birth of his own children:  Sarah, Jessica, David (AKA Bobby), and Ethan. That was until they began giving David and Jolene grandchildren and what a mighty herd it is:  Sarah and James Hart’s crew has Elizabeth, Ethnea, Jasper, Alaura, and step-grandsons Chance and Dash; Jessica and Lance Tarrant added Franklin and Levi; David (AKA Bobby) and Crystal included Samona, Tori, and Catarina; and Ethan’s son Forest rounded out the count.

It would take more space than available to tell all the stories of David Bruce McCaw. Understand this, he was loved and cherished by each and every person who had the opportunity to know him.

When the news came that David’s time on earth was ending sooner rather than later, he faced it with his faith strongly intact. He sought the Lord’s guidance as to how to walk this path in the honorable fashion that his father, Bob McCaw, and second father, David Engler, had walked before him. At this time, David is enjoying the wonders of heaven and seeing his life-long convictions lived out in the face of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He is longingly waiting for the time in which those who are left behind join him:

Wife, Jolene (Engler) McCaw, Mother, Mary McCaw, Sisters: Linda and Larry Walter, Janet and Daven Reinhardt, Tammy and Scott Morrisey, and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, on both sides of David and Jolene’s families.

There will be a Memorial/Celebration of Life Service for David on May 17, 2024, at Pine River Valley Baptist Church, Ignacio, Colorado. The service will be at 10:00 A.M. with a meal following. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

 The family extends a special “Thank you all for your condolences, prayers, and comforting words concerning the loss of [David]. Many have asked "What can I do?" or "How can I help?" Instead of flowers or meals, a donation account [to cover expenses] would be best the assistance with medical and funeral costs. Here is the link: https://gofund.me/c5dafdcc. Any amount big or small is so greatly appreciated, and of course, we will always appreciate your continued prayers!”