Dave Ross Gonnion

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of David (Dave) Ross Gonnion. Dave passed beyond the veil in Denver, Colorado, on May 9th, surrounded by close family. Born into humble beginnings on December 16, 1946, at St. Vincents Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa he grew up in a hardworking family that he often described as “poor but happy.” Some of his most treasured memories included summer camping trips, participating in Boy Scouts, and playing the accordion as a young boy. At East High School, where he graduated in 1965, Dave competed in track and field as a pole vaulter and participated in the Drake Relays. A devastating loss came early in life when his father passed away while Dave was just 12 years old. Though he carried that grief with him throughout his life, it never diminished his dreams or determination.

In many ways, Dave’s work ethic helped him achieve the American dream — from early jobs in mink farming and celery packing, to a career in telecom sales and marketing, and eventually to building his own successful web-filtering company, Freestone Software. Regardless of the station, Dave worked hard for his success. Saving and providing for his family would always be a top priority. He was very proud of the family he raised.

On December 28, 1974, Dave married the love of his life, Nancy Campbell, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Together they built a life that saw stops in Des Moines, Iowa; Bloomfield, Michigan; Omaha, Nebraska; Larkspur, Colorado; and finally, Denver, Colorado. They cherished their 51 years together.

He is preceded in death by his son (David), mother (Jetta), and father (Marsden). He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; daughters Melissa (Justin) Kroll and Sara (Jed) Emmons; grandchildren Harper, Maida, and Fos; grand-dogs Wrigley, Daisy, Luna, and Winnie; his siblings Carol McBride, Joseph Gonnion, Ruth Gonnion Bayuk, and Douglas Gonnion; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Dave was an avid fly fisherman and loved spending time outdoors camping and sharing this love with his grandchildren. Dave will be remembered as a man of country and family, proud work ethic, quiet strength, and appreciation for the simple things in life. Local trout populations in the Rocky Mountain drainages will undoubtedly thrive without Dave’s keen eye from their banks. Weeds, leaves, and detritus in Central Park, Denver will laze unchallenged out of Dave’s fastidious hands, trusty leaf blower and beloved microfiber towels. His family finds comfort knowing his legacy lives on in the stories, traditions, love, and generosity he shared with those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the David J. Gonnion Memorial Scholarship Fund at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. You can make your donation online or mail a check to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Attn: Advancement Services, 1 Aerospace Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3900. Checks should be made out to “Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University” or “ERAU” with “Gonnion Memorial” in the check’s memo line. This memorial scholarship was very important to Dave. It was created to honor the death of his 19-year-old son, David, a passionate pilot who was attending Embry-Riddle at the time of his passing.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 19th at 11:00 a.m. Central Time at Forest Lawn Cemetery- 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd., Omaha, NE 68152.

Guests are asked to arrive at the Forest Lawn lobby by 10:45 a.m., where a processional vehicle will lead attendees to the gravesite.

An informal luncheon for family and friends will immediately follow the service in a Forest Lawn reception space.