David Michael Dillard
July 15, 1949 ~ August 17, 2020
David M. Dillard
July 15, 1949 – August 17, 2020
David (Dave) Dillard died on August 17 at his home. He was born in Portland, Oregon to Fredrick and Helen Dillard (both deceased), the 3rd child of the family. He grew up in Oregon, attending college at Oregon State University where he met his wife, Janis Dillard. After marrying, Janis and David moved to Salisbury, South Australia, where they taught school and had many adventures. Later, careers for both brought Dave and Janis to the DC area. In 1997, David and Janis divorced but remained close friends.
David started his career in Agriculture in 1974, after being recruited in the Washington state office, following a stint in Alaska working for the Census Bureau. He worked in the USDA Illinois office until being selected to enter a Math-Statistics program in North Carolina in 1980. He worked in the NC Agriculture office while attending NC State University, obtaining a master’s degree in Statistics in 1982. He then transferred to Headquarters in Washington D.C. where he worked until retirement in 2010. Dave delighted his coworkers with his big laugh and kind heart.
After retiring, Dave spent several years tutoring students preparing to take the immigration exam. Later, Dave became a volunteer at St. Mark Catholic School, coaching many young mathematicians in algebra and statistics.
Dave enjoyed many interests, ranging from playing bridge to hiking. He was a generous man, always eager to lend a helping hand. He regularly supported efforts to bring employment and housing to our homeless neighbors through The Lamb Center (Fairfax, VA).
Dave is survived by his sister, Doreen Patricia DeWhitt (Kelso, WA), and many nephews and nieces, most of whom reside in the Oregon and Washington state areas.
If you would like to make a contribution in Dave’s memory, please consider St. Mark Catholic School (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=9x_MAGOiW91rA91j4mFKNn4W0QTE5nWXLuTjBrXk5VFqvRkUtucJztBEupcFcIn4RWZsb2NPj2wmYtzx), The Lamb Center (https://www.thelambcenter.org/ways-to-give/give-online/ ) or any charity of your choice.
July 15, 1949 – August 17, 2020
David (Dave) Dillard died on August 17 at his home. He was born in Portland, Oregon to Fredrick and Helen Dillard (both deceased), the 3rd child of the family. He grew up in Oregon, attending college at Oregon State University where he met his wife, Janis Dillard. After marrying, Janis and David moved to Salisbury, South Australia, where they taught school and had many adventures. Later, careers for both brought Dave and Janis to the DC area. In 1997, David and Janis divorced but remained close friends.
David started his career in Agriculture in 1974, after being recruited in the Washington state office, following a stint in Alaska working for the Census Bureau. He worked in the USDA Illinois office until being selected to enter a Math-Statistics program in North Carolina in 1980. He worked in the NC Agriculture office while attending NC State University, obtaining a master’s degree in Statistics in 1982. He then transferred to Headquarters in Washington D.C. where he worked until retirement in 2010. Dave delighted his coworkers with his big laugh and kind heart.
After retiring, Dave spent several years tutoring students preparing to take the immigration exam. Later, Dave became a volunteer at St. Mark Catholic School, coaching many young mathematicians in algebra and statistics.
Dave enjoyed many interests, ranging from playing bridge to hiking. He was a generous man, always eager to lend a helping hand. He regularly supported efforts to bring employment and housing to our homeless neighbors through The Lamb Center (Fairfax, VA).
Dave is survived by his sister, Doreen Patricia DeWhitt (Kelso, WA), and many nephews and nieces, most of whom reside in the Oregon and Washington state areas.
If you would like to make a contribution in Dave’s memory, please consider St. Mark Catholic School (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=9x_MAGOiW91rA91j4mFKNn4W0QTE5nWXLuTjBrXk5VFqvRkUtucJztBEupcFcIn4RWZsb2NPj2wmYtzx), The Lamb Center (https://www.thelambcenter.org/ways-to-give/give-online/ ) or any charity of your choice.
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Dave was a friend and colleague. His infectious laugh brought joy and mirth to all around him. Rest In Peace dear friend. Van Johnson
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Dave: You will be missed. I enjoyed the many years that we worked together. Donald McKinnie
I worked with Dave, to some degree, the middle and late stages of his career with USDA. Here is one short story to illustrate his generosity. When Dave retired, there was a large luncheon to recognize his long career and accomplishments. He told his colleagues that he did not want any monetary gifts (that he had everything that he needed, in life). He told me / us that whatever people donated, he would in turn donate it all to charity. Rest in Peace, Dave. Brian Richards
I was the Director for many of the Bridge games where Dave played the past several years, beginning in the Newcomer Game Thursday evenings, on to the limited game on Saturday mornings (“Double-Digit Daytime Duplicate”) and the Open game Sunday afternoons. He was always friendly and helpful, and I found him exceptionally generous as well, especially in the annual “pay what you want” games where all the proceeds went to Alzheimer’s Association. We’ll miss you, Dave.
Dave, You were a terrific co-worker; always thinking of how things could be done, instead of why they couldn’t. I’ll think of you when it thunders just like your hearty laugh. There will now be laughter in heaven. Marc Tosiano
Deepest condolences to Dave’s family and friends. He and I worked at USDA NASS HQ at the same. Dave’s smile and positive attitude were his gifts to us all, and we were enriched by his presence. May he rest in peace eternally. Linda Raudenbush
Dave was such a delight person. We really enjoyed his sense of humor in Bridge class. Jackie Grossman
I am among the newer teachers at St. Mark Catholic School, and I had an opportunity to work with David for a year at St. Mark. My students and I really valued his personal warmth and the help he provided in the classroom. He took a lot of trouble to ensure that students fully grasped the concepts, and made them laugh with anecdotes from his experiences teaching overseas. Over the years, many students benefited from his help. He will be sorely missed.
Great friend and co-worker. Dave was at the IL office when I first started with USDA/NASS. I will always cherish how he made everybody smile with his laugh. Rest in Peace. Carl Scott
I played bridge with Dave for several years. I always thought he was the nicest person in the room and am sad to hear of his passing. RIP, my friend.
One of my favorite memories of working with Dave was the sound of his laughter from down the hall. You could only try to imagine what brought on this laughter. A nice person to all he met.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Things I’ll always remember about Dave: His good naturedness; Always willing to mentor/help; Providing candy to the Methods bullpen; His infectious laugh. He’s gone way too soon…
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I had been received Christmas card from Dave every year around Thanksgiving timeframe. Last year, his Christmas card did not arrive, and I was just wondering what had happened to Dave? I was sadden to hear the news of Dave’s passing today. Dave, you will be missed. Thanks for introducing me to dancing! Huong Luong
Dave and I met many, many years ago at Starbuck’s. We shared coffee, and his jokes for more years than i can count. His laugh made us all laugh. He was so caring to all who passed his way. When he loved, he truly loved: the people in his life, “his” students and his cats. I am shocked by this news and saddened. May you rest in peace and be free from all that caused you pain.