David Richard Sasse, 63, passed away on Dec. 12, 2012, at his home in Post Falls after a lengthy battle with colon cancer. He was a wonderful man, loving husband, father and brother. He was born Oct. 14, 1949, in Monterey Park, Calif., to Gustav and Elois (Coalson) Sasse.

He grew up in Temple City, Calif., when it was great to be a kid there, playing baseball in the park, riding his bike all day and playing with friends until after dark. He had great memories of this time of his life and the fun he had with his friends. While in Temple City, Dave was a dedicated Boy Scout who achieved Eagle Scout in 1965.

Dave graduated from Temple City High in 1967. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1968, during the Vietnam War. He became a Damage Controlman and was stationed on the U.S.S. Hollister, DD 788, for most of his Navy tour. He and his ship were involved with Operation Linebacker after which he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon. After honorable discharge from the Navy, he immediately enrolled at East Los Angeles College where he received a degree in Fire Science. Upon graduating, Dave went to work as a welder, metallurgist and radiographer for U.S. Steel, Bridge Division, and then later as a foreman for U.S. Steel in Antioch, Calif.

In 1985, Dave moved to Hawaii to start a new life. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard and for the next 22 years he had a wonderful career as a Damage Controlman. He served on the U.S.C.G. Morgenthau, U.S.C.G. Sassafras (otherwise known as Sasse on the Sassafras), and commissioned the U.S.C.G. Walnut. He taught firefighting, damage control and rescue and assistance to every Coast Guard station on the West Coast. Later, with the Pacific Area Training Team in Hawaii, he prepared both Navy and Coast Guard crew to save themselves and their ship in case of an emergency. His last station was at the Marine Safety Office, San Diego as a marine vessel inspector.

His service with the Coast Guard took him around the world, to stations he liked and others where he was glad to be transferred. In all, he loved most the opportunity to serve his country and to teach and lead others to do the same. His promotion to the rank of Chief was one of his most proud and he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer in 2005 alongside wife Deanna after 48 years combined service.

Outside of his service, Dave was a sportsman of all variety. He was a lifelong fisherman, a loyal 49er fan and a baseball coach and fan of many, most importantly son, Andy. He liked his truck clean, his dogs happy, his yard mowed and his beer cold.

Dave had a lifelong commitment to community and participated in many veteran and service organizations, Life Member of the American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Poway, Calif.; Free and Accepted Masons, Oakland Durant Rockridge Lodge, Calif.; and the Calam Shrine, Coeur d’Alene.

Dave is survived by Deanna, his wife and soul-mate of 25 years at the home; son Andrew of Hayward, Calif.; brother Steven of Hesperia, Calif.; sister Deborah of San Tan Valley, Ariz.; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Elois Sasse of Temple City.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls. There will be a celebration of life following the ceremony.