David Robert Nitchals

David Robert "Dave" Nitchals, 51, a 10-year Wenatchee resident and a former Leavenworth resident, unexpectedly stopped breathing in his sleep at his home on Sunday morning, November 21, 2010. He was taken to Central Washington Hospital and passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 25th, with his wife, Lori; sister, Janice; and his treasured canine companion, Ginger, at his side. Dave was born on July 18, 1959 in Evanston, Illinois to the late John and Margery (Elder) Nitchals. He was raised in Skokie, Illinois, where he graduated from Niles North High School in 1977. He continued his education at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, a time of freedom and great exploration for him, graduating with honors in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He then furthered his education at the University of Washington, where he received his master's degree in environmental engineering and science in 1983, and was awarded the Valle Scandinavian Exchange Scholarship to perform post-master's degree independent research in Sweden for one year. He treasured this opportunity to experience another culture. He was a member of the Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon Engineering Honor Societies. After completing his professional education, he worked at several engineering firms in Seattle. In 1991, he received his certification as a P.E. (Professional Engineer). He relocated to Leavenworth in 1998 and worked as a water-wastewater engineer at Forsgren Associates in Wenatchee. At the time of his passing, Dave was a Senior Project Engineer at Tetra Tech in Seattle, Washington and was continuing to evolve and explore options in his professional life. Dave met the love of his life, Lori Marie Bonner, in Leavenworth in 1999, and they were married on November 1, 2003 in Woodridge, Illinois. They made their home together in Wenatchee, where he worked at Hammond Collier Engineering for several years. In 2002 they moved to their current home on Burch Mountain and, together, created a lush sanctuary graced with a wonderful garden. It was into this nurturing environment that they welcomed their much loved companion, Ginger, a golden retriever with whom Dave had a special affection and who accompanied him and Lori on many hikes, adventures, and road trips. Besides Lori, Dave's passion was being in the mountains where he could be found hiking, running, backpacking, climbing, cycling, snowshoeing, telemark skiing, and cross country skiing. For many years, he was a member of The Mountaineers in Seattle. Dave was an accomplished mountaineer and had summited many of the peaks in the Cascade Mountain Range, including Mt Rainier. His journeys included trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal, scuba diving in the Caribbean, cycling through Oregon, attending NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), and traveling throughout Europe and Costa Rica. Dave was also accomplished in the martial art form of Aikido. Dave was a member of the Cascade Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in East Wenatchee, where he was well thought of and well liked. His interest in spirituality blossomed within his relationship with Lori, and he explored this area in different forums, including a local men's group where he was a respected and valued member. He is survived by his wife, Lori M. Nitchals, Wenatchee, WA; his sister, Janice Nitchals, Downers Grove, Illinois; and his beloved dog, Ginger. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at The Wenatchee Convention Center in the Orchard South room with the Rev. Cecilia Kingman officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave's name may be made to the Cascade Unitarian Universalist Fellowship or to the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust. Please visit Dave's memorial & sign his online guest book at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

David Robert Nitchals

July 18, 1959 - November 25, 2010