David Allen Tesdall
David
Allen Tesdall, 66, passed away on September 3,
2012, at his home near Moyie Springs. Graveside
services were held September 17 at Grandview
Cemetery, Bonners Ferry.David was born on March 29, 1946, to Clyde Edward and Helen Irene (Betz) Tesdall. He spent most of his youth in Oakland, California, until he moved with his parents to the Sierra Nevada Mountains about the time he started high school.
He had a difficult childhood, beginning at birth with a heart valve problem. During his early childhood he suffered from many illnesses and allergy-related problems, to the extent that he was unable to attend school and required home-schooling for about two years. He grew up fearful of strangers, especially anyone wearing white, due to the numerous doctors and treatments.
David graduated from Placerville Union High School, Placerville, California, and then from California State University, Stanislaus, where he received a degree in electrical engineering.
Between high school and college he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After college he worked for awhile in the electrical field, but finally yielded to his long-time desire to become a big-rig truck driver. He loved classic rock n' roll and pop hit music from the '50s and '60s, and played the guitar. Not caring much for TV, he was an avid radio listener.
Growing up his pets were a cocker spaniel named "Pogo," a cat named "Smokey," and a pet canary that would crawl across its perch to press against the bars of its cage nearest David so that David, but only David-, could blow on its chest feathers.
The spring of 2005 David left his home in Watsonville, California, and began his search for a more secluded and quieter space to make his home. Knowing Idaho was far less populated he began looking in southern Idaho.
At the urging of acquaintances he had made in the Boise area he moved farther north to Coeur d' Alene. He quickly saw the beauty of North Idaho and that he was not far from family he knew that lived in Bonners Ferry.
Once he saw the Kootenai Valley and the surrounding mountains he said, "this where I will make my new home." In a short time he found just the quiet spot he so longed for with wonderful neighbors, whom he became very fond and who were watchful and attentive to him as his health was failing. All who knew David were greeted with a "Hello, hello, hello!" and a big smile while always chewing on a 'square' tooth pick. He will be greatly missed.
David is survived by his sister Patricia (Ralph) Trent, Brentwood, California, and Cousin Lois (Adrian) Litalien, Bonners Ferry.
David had received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. David loved his family and God most of all. He wanted the entire world to know of God's goodness, love and mercy, and he's now in peace at last with Our Lord and Savior.
Family and friends are invited to sign David’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.