David McKinley
David (Dave) McKinley, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 30th in Las Vegas, surrounded by his family and friends. Dave is survived by his children; Debbie, David, Dori, and son-in-law, Steven; his grandchildren, Derek, Megan, Troy, Taylor, and Dagny; his best friend Jackie, his goddaughter Julene, and his loyal canine companion Lilly. He is now joined in Heaven with his wife, Dolores, who preceded him in passing.
Dave was born in Waterloo, Iowa, and spent his childhood through early adult years in the south side of Chicago, moved to California with his young family and after many years later retired in Las Vegas. He was a man of many talents, chief among them was storytelling as he loved to talk about his early years with Dolores and his many friends. Another was his love of music and his wonderful singing voice. The song playing when he passed was “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Perfect. He loved his family, his friends, and Jesus. He led a full and complete life and will be dearly missed.
21 Comments. Leave new
Good by good buddy. I’ll see you up in that golf course in the sky. Save a tee time for both of us and I’ll give you two shots a side.
David/I will miss you very much as we use to talk all the time/Please tell Dolores I said hello/My friend RIP/////Tony/////
I will always remember Dave. He used Captain Brittles in his email for a reason. Because of this, I will especially remember him when I see reruns of John Wayne playing Captain Brittles in “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.” And it will have a very special meaning when the Captain reads the sentiment on the watch he is given as a gift, “To Captain Brittles, from the C troop ….Lest we forget.” No Dave, i won’t forget Captain Brittles, and I won’t forget you! God Bless…..
I have been with Dave pretty much every day for the last year and a half and I am amazed at how anyone could be so strong and brave. Dave never complained once about anything. I remember telling him 23 years ago when we first met that he was a gift from Heaven and I was correct. He has been the best friend anyone could ever wish for. He was always there for me whenever I needed anything, whether it was a shoulder to cry or someone to listen to me vent. Dave was my everything. I can’t imagine my life without him in it. My heart is so broken and then I remembered these words:
“The pain of loss means that you were given the greatest gift of all. Someone to love that much, something in this life whose loss is worth that grief. That really is far greater than a life with no such gift.” I realize now that Dave WAS that gift and I have been so blessed to have had him in my life. I know I will miss Dave very, very much, and every time I think of him, I will smile and look up to the sky and know that God truly blessed me that day when he put Dave in my path, He truly was the best part of my life and I thank God for him. It’s never good bye, it’s see you later.
Jackie ,
I am in Such Awe of the relationship you (Jackie) and Dave have. He is and always will be “ONE OF a KIND” . I also am very blessed to have known a genuine soul. May his journey In the after life, be as precious as his life was here with us. Safe journey “Uncle Bill”.
“TTLTDF”.
Love, P
My Deepest Sympathy to David, Debbie and Dorie, Steve and the grandchildren of Dave McKinley! Your dad was a great friend and will be missed! R.I.P. Dave!
My thoughts are with you and your family I think Tom said it best I will be the caddy for both of you an help count the strocks
I will miss my friend David, but the memories we shared together will never be lost.
I was so blessed to be Dave’s Goddaughter. I remember when I was little and he would send me edible gingerbread houses every Christmas. It shall remain a precious memory of mine….along with many. Oh, how I loved listening to your stories of shenanigans with “the boys”! Dave didn’t know it, but I taped his voice last time I saw him while he was telling me a story about him and my dad…..so now I can listen to his stories in the voice that only he had. My heart is sad, but my soul is smiling knowing he is with his beautiful wife and great friends. Until we meet again…..
I love you always
Dave, what can I say. What a wonderful man and friend. We have spent many great times on vacation with our families (all the kids) out to dinners with you and Dolores and trips together what wonderful memories and Leroy has many more singing with the boys and Joe, George and Bill whom are with you now. You will always be in our hearts and memories. We Love you Dave. Our condolences to the kids, David, Debbie and Dori and all the grandchildren we know how important they are to you
Memories: owning race horses with Dave and Dolores were fun times, spending lots of nights at the race track till late hours. The four of us traveling to see those races in several cities. years and years of happy times which we not forget! What a gentle man Dave not just thinking of other peoples needs but acting on them!
I will miss you Uncle Dave and will keep those fun family memories you and Aunt Dolores helped create when you opened up your beautiful home for summer pool parties, family reunions, anniversary and birthday parties. You also created a beautiful family – my cousins – who I cherish! Rest now as your spirit is uplifted to a gentle and loving place. All my love – Tina
although over the years we have grown distant the memories of good times i’ve shared of years gone by will always be remembered….times of get together with dave and delores in vegas—disneyland—time spent of our years together in Illinois …being parents their family can be proud of…R.I.P. ALWAYS REMEMBERED .
Although we have never met, I feel that I have known you for years through the stories that Julene would tell. My condolences to your family Debbie, Dave and Dori.
To the family: We were so sorry to hear of your Dad’s ( granddad’s ) passing. We enjoyed meeting him and some of you for that fun Mexican dinner when we were in Vegas with Dave and Monica. There was lots of laughter around the table that night and he semed so happy to be with all of you. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Cindy & Bill Kleiner
I did not have the privilege to get to know Dave in person. However, as a close friend of Dori’s, I have learned many things about him over the past few years. Through Dori, I know that Dave was a caring person who loved his family deeply and had a very generous heart. I know that he had a great sense of humor and was able to stay positive in the midst of difficult times. I have also observed that Dave was loved by many as a result of how he cared for many. I know that Dave will be very missed and I am praying for comfort for those he has left behind.
Dori & Family: Ah…the passing of a loved one…. A sting that I know you feel deep in your soul. A pain that I know reaches into your heart & makes it ache. Ouch. I want to hug you. I hurt for you. I pray for you. I rejoice with you. Oh how I’m grateful for the ability to rejoice. Our sweet, glorious Lord made us the best-est promise EVER…..that we will be able to spend eternity with Him in Heaven if we accept Him as our savior. I’m thrilled your sweet Dad loved the Lord. 🙂 I know you will have days where the ache is heavy. On those days, I trust that you will lean on Jesus. He’ll hold you & comfort you….of THIS…I am sure! I also know there will be days of joy & happiness. Relish those days. Soak ’em up, sweet friend. Smile through them. Cry if you need to. Allow your emotions to seep out…because…I believe the Lord likes us to be real with ourselves…and with Him. You will continued to be covered in prayer….ALL of you sweet people! I will specifically pray for peace to pour all over you….so much that you are overwhelmed by it. God is bigger & better than ANYTHING. Love, Suzy
I feel blessed to have met him and i really dig his name cause i borrowed the letters lol. My family sends our condolences and lots of love your way;) hugs and kisses
Well, I didn’t get to know you very well, but you were Jackie’s best friend. When Jackie introduced us, I realized that you were one of the few people I know that demonstrate courage and honor. You are the definition of a man’s man. I feel very honored and privileged to have known you. May God bless you and yours.
Godspeed,
Michael
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Dabbie on the passing of your beloved pops. My your memories comfort you in your time of sadness. Reading through these comments he seems a remarkable man and it is no wonder that you are the same. Love you lots. xoxo
Our hearts and prayers are with you. I am so glad i had time to tell you how much you meant to me and my children. My heart is heavy but God in his mercy has joined you with your beloved Delores. Forever in my heart Dave.