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Mr. David A. Wetherby III

April 4, 1928 - September 7, 2011
Hobe Sound, Florida

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“All my love to my second family. My heart goes out to all of you. ”
1 of 23 | Posted by: Anna Maria Xenakis - Arlington, VA

“Jeanne and Family, You are all in my heart as I grieve with you. I have so many wonderful memories. Jeanne and I enjoying hot tub soak in the snow...Read More » ”
2 of 23 | Posted by: Sr. Helene Higgins, CSJ - Dover, NH

“What a wonderful, wonderful man! I will always remember sailing out of Falmouth Me with Stu, Dave, Jean and Sheri on "Falisadad" My love to all ”
3 of 23 | Posted by: Carol West-Campbell - Stowe, AL

“These are messages that have been sent to Mom and the family via other social media. Mary Ann O'Brien posted on your Wall. "Oh Jeanne ~ I am SO...Read More » ”
4 of 23 | Posted by: Mary Pat Callihan - Hobe Sound , FL

“I only met Mr. Wetherby one time...but having known Shari, his daughter, now for almost two decades, I can certainly say that he and his wife, Jeanne...Read More » ”
5 of 23 | Posted by: Inga Beehler

“I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. ”
6 of 23 | Posted by: Tamara Bell

“Very sorry for your loss. He gave you all so much to remember. He enjoyed you life, so must you. Thank you for letting me share his love of life. ”
7 of 23 | Posted by: John A. Doyle - Portsmouth, VA

“I've heard so many wonderful stories about Mr. Wetherby during my years of friendship with Shari. My sincere condolences to his entire family. ”
8 of 23 | Posted by: Mari Gower - Redmond, WA

“Were so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. ”
9 of 23 | Posted by: David & Deana Calico - Lowell, AR

“Dear Wetherby Family, I send prayers for all of you in your loss of this great man. I can only imagine the strength, warmth and delight of...Read More » ”
10 of 23 | Posted by: Leni Miller - Sausalito, CA

“I had the pleasure of working with Dave at the GE plant in Portsmouth, VA, and served with him in the Elfun Society. Dave really enjoyed life. . .he...Read More » ”
11 of 23 | Posted by: Tom Tucker - Moon, VA

“What a beautiful legacy your dad has left. He certainly was a man who learned early how to live life to its absolute fullest! Our heartfelt...Read More » ”
12 of 23 | Posted by: Tim and Debbie Howard - Searcy, AR

“Jean, I am so sorry to hear about Dave. I think of you and Dave often and miss our get togethers. You are blessed with many sweet memories, love,...Read More » ”
13 of 23 | Posted by: Luanne Loudon - Hot Springs, AR

“My Thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave was such a generous man.He will be missed. ”
14 of 23 | Posted by: Francine McGinty - SPOKANE, WA

“Here are more messages sent to Mom and the family from other social media: ............................................... "Love to you,...Read More » ”
15 of 23 | Posted by: Mary Pat Callihan - Hobe Sound, FL

“My acquaintance with Dave was only a short time, but being retired from the military, and Dave's service to our country, we, as shared a bond that...Read More » ”
16 of 23 | Posted by: William and Jay Copper - Aynor, SC

“Dear Jeanne and family, We are keeping all of you in our prayers as you go through this very sad time. Dave will certainly be missed by many who...Read More » ”
17 of 23 | Posted by: Jan & Rich Otten - Hobe Sound, FL

“We celebrate Dave's life and the life and love he gave to his family and friends. We know he'll be missed, but he is leaving behind huge parts of...Read More » ”
18 of 23 | Posted by: Chris and Christopher - Medina, WA

“These are messages that have been sent to Mom and the family via other social media: Jeanne, I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of your loss...Read More » ”
19 of 23 | Posted by: Mary Pat Callihan - Hobe Sound, FL

“Good Sailing Mr. Wetherby. I hope you have calm water, good wind and the sun is at your back. I'll miss our sails out to the Isles of Shoals and our...Read More » ”
20 of 23 | Posted by: John sylvester & Family - NC

“It was a pleasure to know you and learn from you. ”
21 of 23 | Posted by: Don and Elaine Sylvester - NH

“I did enjoy knowing Dave and thought he was a nice man. My sympathies go out to the family especially Jeanne. May he rest in peace. Laurie & Steve...Read More » ”
22 of 23 | Posted by: Laurie Eymer - Hobe Sound , FL

“Tonight we had the pleasure of meeting all of Dave and Jeanne's five children. I must say that after meeting the four daughters and son, I know that...Read More » ”
23 of 23 | Posted by: Winnie and Woody Woodward - FL

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David A. Wetherby, III, died September 7, 2011 at his residence in Hobe Sound, FL surrounded by his wife and five children.

Born in Tinmouth, Vermont, Dave was a farm boy with the heart of a Renaissance man. He loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, golf, skiing and most of all sailing. He received his Bachelor's degree from University of Vermont in 1951 and earned his Ph. D. while working at GE.

He served in the U. S. Navy, in Panama, at the end of WWII and in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a first lieutenant in the signal corps where his service earned him the Bronze Star.

He was an electrical engineer, who loved challenges and adventure. He found amazing opportunities in his field, during a time that was exploding with innovation and creativity. Dave was able to work at plants in New York, Ireland, Virginia and New Hampshire, retiring from General Electric (GE) after 38 years of employment.

He was a member of Institute of Radio Engineers; Seven Seas Cruising Association; North American Hunting Club and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Truly a Renaissance man, Dave's interests ranged from reading, crossword puzzles, and computers to opera, the ballet and art. The opportunity to travel the world became a reality when Dave and his family moved to Ireland to open the GE plant at Shannon Airport's Business Park. The European continent became their playground; packing up tents and family, Dave and Jeanne would set off, jump on a ferry and the latest adventure would begin. A fun-loving man with a great sense of humor, no-one was exempt from the dry wit of this soft spoken Vermonter.

Dave was a dedicated family man. He made each of his children feel like they were "his favorite." In a time when women were trying to find their voice, he supported and encouraged all of us--Jeanne, the girls, and young Dave, to believe in ourselves and follow our dreams.

Dave achieved his dream, upon retirement, by grabbing his bride and sailing off into the sunset in their 40 foot ketch. Living in (and out of) their bathing suits, for eight years, they sailed the Caribbean and South American waters, meeting people, seeing the sights above and below the water and making many life-long friends.

Dave and Jeanne moved to Hobe Sound, where he and Jeanne were members of St. Christopher Catholic Church. They looked for a dock with a house and traded in their sailing adventures with an eye to travelling to every continent at least once. Antarctica was the only one they missed.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jeanne W. Wetherby of Hobe Sound; Children, Mary Pat Callihan of Orange Park, FL; Shari Wetherby of Redmond, WA; Kathy Bentley of Spokane, WA; Deb Wetherby of Mill Valley, CA; David A. Wetherby, IV of Berwick, Maine; sister, Lucille Fiske of Cuttingsville, VT; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph and Ola Wetherby and his parents, Barney and Eveline.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hobe Sound Branch Library, 10595 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455. Online follow this link: http://www.libraryfoundationmc.org/donate/branches and there is a button to donate in David's name.

SERVICE: Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 6 PM, September 17, 2011 at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Hobe Sound, with Rev. Aiden Hynes as Celebrant and military honors following Mass provided by U. S. Army.

A guest registry may be signed at www.youngandprill.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Hills funeral Homes – Young and Prill Chapel in Stuart.

Memories & Candles

Page: 1 of 3

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All my love to my second family. My heart goes out to all of you.

Posted by: Anna Maria Xenakis - Arlington, VA Sep 19, 2011

Jeanne and Family, You are all in my heart as I grieve with you. I have so many wonderful memories. Jeanne and I enjoying hot tub soak in the snow with moonlight overhead and Dave putting classical music on for us to enjoy - doesn't get better than that!! The boat for a week of sailing - perfect. But even better than all that was Dave letting me know in his own way he liked me and encouraged and supported me to become all I could be. Love and a big hug to all of you. Helene

Posted by: Sr. Helene Higgins, CSJ - Dover, NH - friend Sep 16, 2011

What a wonderful, wonderful man! I will always remember sailing out of Falmouth Me with Stu, Dave, Jean and Sheri on "Falisadad" My love to all

Posted by: Carol West-Campbell - Stowe, AL - adopted family Sep 16, 2011

These are messages that have been sent to Mom and the family via other social media.

Mary Ann O'Brien posted on your Wall.
"Oh Jeanne ~ I am SO SO SO saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I am sending lots of love and many many prayers. He was a very special man and holds a special place in my heart ~ you two had a one of a kind romance ~ one which I always admired....I hope you are okay....I

... more

These are messages that have been sent to Mom and the family via other social media.

...............................................

Dave Wallerius posted on your Wall.
"Hi Aunt Jeanne, Sorry to hear about Uncle Dave. Boy, God has his hands full now with Uncle Dave and Dad. Hope he has Dad trained by now so he doesn't have to assign an angel full time to watch the two of them. Bet they are having fun. May God be with you and grant you and the family peace through his word."

...............................................

My Dear Jeanne,
I learned of Dave's passing today and it came as a shock even though he cannot have been well for some time already. I am so sorry; I liked him very much and admired him all the time I knew him. He was kind and he was strong. He never stinted in his praise for you, most especially in the last two years since he began to fail. I enjoyed so much about him; his devotion to you and caring of you yet his ability to speak up when he felt he needed to. I loved his smile and his humor and playfulness which he used through the veil of his apparently gruff demeanor at times. I often think of him. You stand in your own right in my estimation and affection and I sympathize with you now as you part of what is so much of your own self. Your children will never supply for him. Thank God he lived for all those years and the last two have been something of privilege even though often under great strain for both of you. I remembered him at Mass today and his memory will be strong in me for some more days. I can see him twinkling in the experience of seeing me acknowledging his careful independence of Catholic teaching and firm hold on what he really believed in his heart and soul. He never did want to do you down in that regard although you were ever eager to grab any opportunity to get him involved in discussion on faith allegiance. I respected his independence and in a way championed it. I am glad to have known him and thank you for paving the way for me in getting into his affection.
With my love to you now.
Ben

.........................................

Dearest Jeanne and all of the Wetherby Clan:

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I just heard the news from Donna Barmore. Also read David's nice post on Facebook.

I am so glad that you were all able to be with Dave at the last. It is a very difficult time for you right now.

Please know that your loss is shared by so many, and, in particular, Hilary, Christopher and me.

Dave was a wonderful and special human being. He loved his wife and his family beyond all measure and was so very proud of all of you and what you have done with your lives. He lived life to the fullest, a fantastic sailor, an old-fashioned Yankee who did not mince words, a world traveler, great friend, and good listener. He did not suffer fools, yet he understood the fallibility of all humans. It was such a privilege to have known him, and to be his friend. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.

It is wonderful that you are all together. You have such a strong family. I know that this time is hard, but that you will walk through it with dignity and grace. Please know that I am with you in that walk.

I hope that I will soon be able to be in contact with at least one of you. I do not know any other emails. And, if any one of you is nearby during the coming winter, I will drive anywhere to see you.

With all my good love and warm hugs,
Beverley

.........................................

Posted by: Mary Pat Callihan - Hobe Sound , FL - Daughter Sep 15, 2011

I only met Mr. Wetherby one time...but having known Shari, his daughter, now for almost two decades, I can certainly say that he and his wife, Jeanne, raised a wonderful family. I love hearing Shari's tales of their family adventures and can feel the love that exists in their family through her words. There is a sense of humor and goodwill that isn't seen in all families. It's a wonderful thing. I know he'll be missed greatly. Our love and thoughts are with you Shari and all your family.

Posted by: Inga Beehler Sep 15, 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Posted by: Tamara Bell Sep 13, 2011

Very sorry for your loss. He gave you all so much to remember. He enjoyed you life, so must you.
Thank you for letting me share his love of life.

Posted by: John A. Doyle - Portsmouth, VA - Friend and Co-worker at GE Sep 13, 2011

I've heard so many wonderful stories about Mr. Wetherby during my years of friendship with Shari.
My sincere condolences to his entire family.

Posted by: Mari Gower - Redmond, WA - friend of Shari Wetherby Sep 13, 2011

Were so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: David & Deana Calico - Lowell, AR Sep 13, 2011

Dear Wetherby Family,

I send prayers for all of you in your loss of this great man.

I can only imagine the strength, warmth and delight of Dave's presence through the description on line and of knowing his daughter, my friend, Deb.

Warm regards,

Leni Miller

Posted by: Leni Miller - Sausalito, CA - Friend of Deb Wetherby's Sep 12, 2011

Page: 1 of 3

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I knew Dave in the period when we both worked at the GE plant in Portsmouth, VA. Although I was many years his junior, we had frequent interaction at work and through Elfun. I remember Dave as jovial man, very easy going (something rare in our stress-charged environment at the time) and above all, very easy to work with. A visit to his office was like reaching an oasis in the desert. He kept the lights low and soft music playing in the background.

I remember also one time when my wife Nancy and I were sick, Jeanne was the first to arrive with a warm meal for us and our young son.

My condolences to you Jeanne and your family, and I am glad to read how much you enjoyed your time together after retirement.

Posted by Eduardo Rubiera from Orlando, FL - Work associate on September 13, 2011

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Now many years ago, Dave decided I should go sailing on Felicidad with him since I am a Maine boy and MUST know how to sail! I had never been on a sailboat in my life.

We left Pepperral Cove in Kittery, ME and headed for the Atlantic Ocean. Dave helped me set the sails, showed me which line to pull to make something happen and said, "It's all yours. I am going to take a nap." When he went below we had a gentle breeze filling all the sails. Soon, however, the breeze got to be more than gentle. The boat heeled over, the rail nearly in the water. I sailed on with a big grin and my face, the spray stinging my cheeks and I was in love!
After a while, Dave came part way up on deck, looked around and said "Pretty good breeze!"... READ MORE →

Posted by Don Sylvester from Madbury, NH - Friend on September 10, 2011

Mr. David A. Wetherby III

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