David Ritchie Wanous

David Ritchie Wanous, 58, passed away suddenly January 1, 2015 to be with his Lord and Savior. Dave was born January 29, 1956 in Vancouver, Washington to Bill and Delores Wanous. He lived in Canby, Oregon until he was 13 when he moved with his family to Superior, Wyoming. He loved Wyoming and always said that was where he was from. He attended Rock Springs High School until he was 16 when he went to work in the oil fields. He worked as a boilermaker from 1975 – 1977. He joined the Sheet Metal Workers Union and became a skilled journeyman. He was highly respected for his work ethic and problem-solving skills. He worked in Arizona and California before he moved to Northern Idaho in 1982 to be closer to his parents. He met his best friend Marcia Knauss and they married in August of 1983. They made their home on the Knauss family farm in Cocolalla and enjoyed working together on the farm. Because of his devotion to his family and his desire to be closer to home, Dave started his own business, DW Sheet Metal from his home in Cocolalla. Dave sold DW Sheet Metal in 1992 to Gem State Plumbing and worked for them as a manager in the HVAC department for two years before returning to the Sheet Metal Workers Union and working out of town in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada until his passing. He and Marcia had two sons, Daniel and Dennis. Dave enjoyed spending time with his family. These times included snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, camping and pack trips. He loved the outdoors and was always most happy in the mountains. Dave was raised in a Christian home and devoted his life to the Lord at a young age. Dave’s service to the Lord happened mainly behind the scenes whether it was hauling firewood, snowplowing, repairing whatever needed to be fixed, or donating beef or hay to support the community. Dave attended New Song Bible Church. He hated reading but loved reading the Bible and had an amazing ability to remember biblical facts and stories. Those who knew Dave the best will remember his honesty, his often opinionated views, his story-telling, and best of all his warm laughter. He loved to play practical jokes and tease. Dave is survived by his wife Marcia at the family home, sons Daniel (Angela) and Dennis (Kayla) both of Cocolalla. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Goldsmith of Spokane, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Delores Wanous, brothers Jim and Rod Wanous, and an infant daughter, Sarah Rose Wanous. A celebration of Dave’s life is planned for Saturday, March 28th at 2:00 pm at New Song Bible Church.