David McCahan

David Howell McCahan was born, one of four sons, to Dorothy H. McCahan and Robert G. McCahan, Sr.  on June 7, 1945 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His childhood years were spent on the family farm, Windy Hill,  in Rahns, Pennsylvania. He was determined to stay as active as possible during his 12 year journey  with Parkinsons disease,  and completed this earthly journey on Septmber 24. 2020, due to complications from end-starge Parkinsons,  surrounded by his family at his home in Graham, Washington. 

His formal education began at Schwenksville Schools, graduating as president of his class. He graduated from The King's College in  Briarcliff  Manor, New York with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Bible. The summers between high school and college  were spent in ALaska as a summer missionary, where he developed  his love for Alaska and village missions.

David married Nancy Derstine of Telford, Pennsylvania on April 26, 1969  at Limerick Chapel, Limerick, Pennsylvania. They recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in Graham, Washington.They have been blessed with two daughters and seven grandchildren. Heather and Scott LaRue are the parents of Emily, Aaron, Allison, and Amy.  Heidi and Steve are the parents of Luke, Andy, and Eli.

They  began their married life in Glennallen, Alaska. David worked in the maintenance department at the headquarters of Central Alaskan Missions and Nancy worked as a nurse at Faith Hospital. During this first year, friendships were made with the folks in Chistochina, Alaska resulting in their move to that community. Eventually  a building was  erected and Chistochina Chapel became a reality.

David and Nancy, along with his parents,owned and operated Tiekel River Lodge of Valdez, Alaska between 1977 and 1989. Heather and Heidi  attended Kenny Lake Schools,  part of the Copper River School District. David completed his working career in Alaska as the Facilities Director for Valdez City Schools.

David is survived by two brothers:  John Samuel who is married to Janette from Loveland, Colorado and Richard James who is married to Tracy from Centennial, Colorado. Seven nieces and nephews are also survivors. He was  preceded in death by his oldest brother, Robert Junior, and his parents, Robert and Dorothy McCahan, of Aurora, Colorado.

Papa Dave as he was affectionately called could fix almost anything. He loved woodworking, photography, mechanics, hunting, trapping, cutting wood, and in general kept his family well cared for. Witte generators were part of his daily life while living at the lodge, as no commercial power was available. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

David's wishes for cremation were honored and completed on September, 30, 2020. A service in his memory will be held at a later date. Please contact the family for details.

In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to  Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church, Graham, Washington or Samaritan's Purse in Boone, North Carolina.

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