With his family by his side, David Darcy Diemert, a loved father, son, brother, uncle and loyal friend, went to be with the angels in heaven on April 7, 2011. He was born March 21, 1950, in Wahpeton, N.D.

David attended Captain Gray School, Pasco, Wash., - Kindergarten; St. Patrick's Grade School, Pasco; St. Thomas Grade School, Coeur d'Alene; IHM High School, Coeur d'Alene, and graduated in 1968 after which he moved to Iowa to live and work with his Uncle Dean.

In July 1969 he joined the U.S. Navy and served 20 years, first as an Electronics Technician and later as an Avionics Technician.

Stationed in Lemoore, Calif., flying reconnaissance over Europe and the Middle East.

Stationed at Rota, Spain for eight years, during which time he enjoyed extensive travel throughout the Mediterranean region, visiting Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany and Cypress.

Served aboard the USS Enterprise, the Commander Attack Carrier Striking Force SEVENTH Fleet, in the Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam War, serving as crew chief on various aircraft.

In May 1984 he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the Invasion of Grenada. David retired from the Navy in 1989.

He moved back to Spokane, Wash., earned an A.A. degree in accounting from Spokane Community College and worked for the city of Spokane for 10 years, retiring in 2000.

David loved flying and was a private and commercial pilot. He was also an avid reader.

David is survived by his daughter, Jill Diemert of Hoboken, N.J.; son Sean Diemert of Spokane; his mother and stepfather, Rose and Frank Cheyney of Spokane; his brothers, Rick and wife Sarah Diemert of Denver, Colo., Jim and wife Roberta Diemert of Roseburg, Ore., Randy and wife Carol Diemert of Rathdrum, Lindsay Diemert and wife Karin (deceased) of Liberty Lake, Wash., Jon Diemert of Spokane, Frankie Cheyney of Gilbert, Ariz., and Daniel and wife Devonia Cheyney of Stanwood, Wash.; his sisters, Deborah and husband Thomas Jansen of Beaverton, Ore., Gina and husband Jim Downhour of Spokane Valley, Wash., Annette and husband Kevin Hayes of Otis Orchards, Wash., Julie Crisp of Spokane Valley; nieces Virginia Marie (deceased), Melissa, Traci, Heather, Niki, Melissa, Erin, Jenna, Brittany, Jackie, Katriena, Emilee, Ariana; nephews Ricky, Dean, Jeremiah, Casey (deceased), Kevin, Chad, Christopher, Paul, Jared, Dustin, Trevor and Seth; numerous great-nieces and nephews.

David is preceded in death by his father, Leonard G. Diemert; his niece, Virginia Marie Diemert and his nephew, Casey Robert Diemert.

A celebration of David's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2011, at The Luxury Box Restaurant, 10512 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley (next to the old University City).