David Lewis Athey

David Lewis Athey (Dave), 72, of Salem, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2026, surrounded by his family following a short battle with cancer.

Dave was born December 12, 1953, in Sacramento, California, to Melvin (Jiggs) Athey Jr. and Gladys Charboneau. He graduated from Cordova High School in 1971.

Dave dedicated 33 years of his life to CAL FIRE. He began his career as a seasonal firefighter in the Mendocino Unit and steadily rose through the ranks, retiring in December 2006, as a Battalion Chief/Peace Officer in the Santa Clara Unit. Dave took tremendous pride in serving the people of California. His leadership, dedication, and the example he set throughout his career will live on through the countless people whose lives he touched.

Beyond his career, Dave was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Throughout his life, he served as a caretaker to many. He was known for his patience and gentle nature, qualities that brought comfort to those fortunate enough to be cared for by him.

Dave loved traveling the country in his motorhome with his wife, Kathy and their beloved dogs. He dabbled in Ham Radios and was involved in several groups in the Salem area, enjoyed studying astronomy and rarely missed an evening of Jeopardy! with his two sons. He had a quick wit, a wicked sense of humor, and an appreciation for fine Irish Whiskey and a smoke from one of his many pipes.

Above all, Dave loved his family and the life they built together.

Dave is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy, children, David Athey (Amanda), Timothy Athey, and Casey Jacobsen (Mark); and his grandsons, Quentin Athey, Asher Athey and Seamas Jacobsen. He is also survived by his siblings: Steve Athey (Ann), Tim Athey (Linda), Debbie Cross (Mike), Dan Athey (Merly), Dee Austin (Dave), Pennie Ortiz (Tony), Bob Foster (Tory), and Shawn Williams. His brother-in-law: Joe Bettencourt (Susan), sisters-in-law: Margie Gomes (Arnie), Irene Jauregui (Gerry), MaryJane Hatfield, Nancy Cader (Bill), Vicky Bettencourt, Judy Jansen (Tom), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jiggs and Billie Jean Athey, Charlotte O’Ryan, and his in-laws Joe and Irene Bettencourt.

A celebration of life is being planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s name to: Muttville Senior Dog Rescue P.O. Box 410207, San Francisco, CA 94141, or CAL FIRE Local 2881 Benevolent Fund 1731 J Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95811