David Edward Washburn's Obituary
David Edward Washburn, a distinguished educator, prolific author, and beloved patriarch, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 18, 2024, on Oahu, Hawaii, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85. His absence leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him, yet his enduring affection, intelligence, and wit will forever resonate in their hearts.
David was born on August 1, 1938, in Houston, Texas, to David Cheney Washburn and Eva Marie (Courtemanche) Washburn and was raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and later Massapequa, Long Island, where he served as a lifeguard on Tobay Beach. A star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball at Massapequa High School, David was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 2006.
After graduating from high school in 1956, David attended the University of Arizona, earning a Ph.D. in the foundations of education. At the same time, his passion for physical fitness blossomed. An avid bodybuilder during his 20s, David continued to work out on a regular basis into his 80s.
For over three decades, David served as a professor of education at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, where he left an indelible mark on generations of students. He authored numerous books, papers, and articles on ethnic studies, multicultural education, Pennsylvania history, and American politics and democracy—which remained an area of passion and focus well into his retirement.
In the early 1980s, David moved his young family to England, where he taught for one year at Birmingham Polytechnic, now Birmingham City University. He and his family traveled extensively throughout Europe during that time.
David was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra Jean (Jones) Washburn. They were together for more than 20 years and raised two sons. He was also preceded in death by his half brother, Clif Caughron, of Helena, Montana.
David is survived by his loving wife Faith (Glasstetter) Washburn. A couple since 1990, the two married in 2006, one year after relocating to Honolulu. In Hawaii they cultivated a vibrant and loving blended family. Known for their cherished "Ohana Nights" and festive holiday gatherings, David and Faith’s household on Wilhelmina Rise became a beacon of warmth and hospitality, welcoming friends and family from near and far.
David treasured nothing more in life than his family. He was a devoted father to his sons Dave Washburn (Dr. Emilani Crow), 54, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dan Washburn (Bliss Khaw), 50, of Media, Pennsylvania; his stepchildren, Dr. Richard Kline (Adeline), 44, of Honolulu, and Kristin Qureshi (Abey), 41, of Sunset Beach; and his hanai son Dr. Ryan Shadis (Dana), 43, of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. He adored, and was adored by, his eight grandchildren: Sam Washburn, 19, and Lily Washburn, 18, of Honolulu; Izzy Washburn, 8, of Media, Pennsylvania; Julia Kline, 5, and Ellie Kline, 2, of Honolulu; Mabel Rose Qureshi, 9, and Annabel Qureshi, 6, of Sunset Beach; and Nathaniel Shadis, 9, of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
David is also survived by his half sister Julie Emerson, of Peterborough, New Hampshire.
In addition to his family, David also loved the New York Yankees and ice cream, which he savored with gusto throughout his life.
David will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a loving husband, caring father, beloved grandfather, esteemed educator, and cherished friend.
In lieu of flowers, David’s family kindly requests that donations be made in his honor to CurePSP (psp.org) and the Biden/Harris campaign (joebiden.com).
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