David Walker Moore
On Friday morning, May 12, David Moore transitioned peacefully at home to his new home, after valiantly battling metastasized prostate cancer for over a year and a half. Born in Kirkland in 1945, his parents were Hermon and Clara Moore. David was raised in and loved the Pacific Northwest, especially the Salish Sea area. He was delighted to move to Bellingham from Bellevue in 2018, enjoying the natural beauty along with the local food bounty.
David graduated as valedictorian of his class from Tolt High School (Carnation, WA) in 1963 and attended Stanford University and Abilene Christian College. As a young man, he moved back to Seattle seeking spiritual insights which led to his initiation into Kriya Yoga by a direct disciple of Yogananda. David had an insatiable curiosity and a deep desire to understand life in all its dimensions. He pursued a wide variety of interests, including massage, Tai chi, cooking, classical music, biology, quantum mechanics, science fiction, bridge, chess, Go, hypnotherapy, systems thinking, shamanism, economics, mathematics, astronomy and astrology, and more. David’s intellectual acumen gained him membership in MENSA. Friends and family cherished hearing his unique take on just about everything!
In 1972, David joined Rocket Research Company, which eventually became Aerojet Rocketdyne, as a software engineer. He spent 40 years with the company. Over those four decades, he helped build small rocket engines for satellites and space exploration vehicles for all the planets and major moons in our solar system, as well as for Voyager I and II. His name is engraved on both Voyagers, which are now beyond our solar system.
In 1986, pursuing yet another growth experience, he attended a year-long training at the Institute for Creative Development in Seattle where he met Gloria DeGaetano, who became his wife and life partner. In 2000, they co-founded the Parent Coaching Institute (PCI). David’s wise guidance for two decades contributed significantly to the company’s growth and resiliency.
David loved to travel. In particular, he and Gloria enjoyed exploring nature trails in British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington. He also made it a point to frequent bookstores in the cities he visited - from London to Paris to Vienna, as well as cities in China and Hawaii.
David Moore was a remarkable person who loved planet earth and this life. He will be remembered for his generous nature, beautiful integrity, calm demeanor, solid reliability, and spot-on wit and wisdom. He made sure to remind his loved ones before his death:
“There is no place you can go in the meta-universe where I am not with you.”
David is survived by his spouse Gloria; stepsons Matt and Adam, and their partners Jennifer and Eve; brother Donald; sister Cindi, and her daughter Wendy and son Bill; sister-in-law Norma; niece Linda M.; niece Linda S.; niece Shirley, and her daughter Kristle; niece Kathleen, and her husband Lannie and sons Lannie, Jr. and Matthew and daughter Annette; nephew Gary A., and his son Jordan; nephew Gary M., and his wife Nicole; nephew Stephen, and his wife Kathy and daughters Melanie and Deena and sons Greg and Chris, along with sons Jerel and Michael from a previous marriage; nephew Robert, and his wife Judy; nephew Don, and his wife Terri and son Zach and daughter Erin; and nephew David, and his wife Licia and son Justin and daughter Cecilia.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister Laurie, and her husband Ted; and brothers John, James, and Edward, and his wife Joanne.
In David’s memory, the family invites you to make a donation to your local public library.
Memories
From Vince Yarnot
I worked with David between 2001 (when I started) to 2012 (when he retired). He was passionate about the quality of his work and made sure whipper snappers like me (at least at the time) never cut corners. You knew if your work passed Dave's review, it was bullet proof. Those of us who have been around long enough still talk about the multipage emails (always in red font) we would receive from Dave for particularly egregious errors. He is a legend for his intelligence, determination, and attention to detail. Great man.
From Al DeGaetano
It's was an honor to call Dave my brother-in-law. He left his footprints on all or hearts and souls. Happy Journey...
From Leslye Ross
It was an honor to work with David from 2004 until his retirement. He had a wonderful intellect, a kind demeanor and a positive impact on those who knew him.
From Gloria, his wife
Dear Vince,
Thank you so much for your comments. I apprecaite reading them and undertanding a bit more about his work and influence on others. So much appreciated.
From Gloria, his wife
Thank you so much Al!
From Gloria, his wife
Dear Leslye,
Thank you so very much for your comments. I so appreciate them!
From Annemarie Juhlian
David, you blessed our world and the people around you with your wisdom, humor, creative vision and your eloquent and magnificent loving heart. Thank you for loving your beautiful wife, Gloria, so very well. It was a joy to witness the love and devotion that you shared with Gloria, and the power of your loving relationship and family circle. - Annemarie Juhlian
From Gloria, his wife
Dearest Annemarie,
Thank you so very much!
From Lea Stublarec
What a well-lived life! An incredibly loving marriage, an amazing career, family, friends, life-long learning, multiple interests and hobbies....A role model for all of us. And such a beautiful tribute, Gloria. I'm sure David is in the meta-universe 'as we speak' filled with such pride and love for his eternal life partner.
From David Hartsell
I have so much respect for David's calm, precise thoroughness in all that he did for the Rocket Lab. The foundation of the Lab to produce accurate test results today rests on David's work in the past. He educated and guided me throughout the time we worked together. I hope his legacy is not forgotten.
From Gloria, his wife
Dearest Lea,
Thank you so much.
From Gloria, his wife
Thank you Dave. "...calm, precise thoroughness" was right on--actually, precise and thorough. David would much appreciate.
From Barbara Tomaschik
Whenever I was in David's company, I was impressed by his willingness and excitement to share his views with me. I admired his enthusiasm for everything that interested him...it was contagious. So glad for you dear sister Gloria that you had this wonderful partner. Rest in peace Sir David.
From Gloria
Thank you dearest Barbara.
From Olwen Morgan
I had the pleasure of working with David from 1977 until his retirement. I echo the sentiments offered by others (measured, precise). David was a foundational person at the rocket factory--behind the data reduction results were many carefully crafted equations, derived by David.
When I would say "I need it now", Dave would tell me no, but nine times out of ten I got it anyway.
David, you were a gentleman and a scholar.
From Mike Wilson
I began working with David in March 1999 and worked with him on many projects, programs, products, and problems all the way through his last week of work where his greatest concern was making sure his knowledge and concerns were being documented and transferred for the continued benefit of his group and the company. I saved the last email from him in October 2012 because of the very kind things he said about me and our working relationship over those years. I can count on one hand the people who have had the greatest influence on my knowledge of rocket engines and data analysis in general and David is one of them. I loved it when he popped by my office (a rare trek from his side of campus) and I'm pretty sure he felt the same in my frequent stops at his. He was knowledgeable, patient, thorough, helpful, and kind. His work and the influence he had continues on with those working in his area today and many engineers who continue to mentor others with the information we learned from him. But most importantly, his friendship and council to me during a very difficult personal time in my life meant more to me than any of our work successes. As he said to me in parting, "the journey of 40 years is not taken alone. You have been a special part of that journey.". Thanks much David. God bless.
From Kathryn Helde
Although I did not have the privilege of meeting David Moore, I feel his presence in the Parent Coaching Institute, which he co-founded with Gloria DeGaetano. I paid particular attention to Gloria's voice when spoke of him: in anecdotes full of respect and admiration, or delight and joy. The Institute must be stronger for having two aligned and loving people at the helm. Thank you for sharing this glimpse into this person who positively influences countless people in untold ways.
From Christina Joy
Having never met David and reading the story of his life, I feel profoundly disappointed in not having crossed his path. To my sweet cousin Gloria, I hold you near and dear to my heart, for reconnecting after a lifetime of only meeting you a handful of times, for family visits to Pennsylvania and hopeful for another reunion. May all be well for you and yours.
Namaste,
Your cousin, Christina
From Sheryl Stoller
I am so sorry for your loss of David, and for the world's loss of David. He was a bright light in the world. While there is a Jewish saying, May his memory be a blessing, I know David's memory is a blessing, as described so well in this beautiful tribute. Personally, I loved the repeated brief times and conversations I had with him long ago. His perspective always expanded my mind and heart. I am so grateful for him, for you, Gloria, and for what you built together, including PCI. Sending you love, Gloria.
From Muna Awad
I met David for the first time when Gloria and I embarked on the task of establishing a PCI representation in the Middle East almost 8/9 years ago. Throughout that journey, we engaged in numerous conversations that were not only enlightening and productive but also very helpful at the time. David was our go-to guy, especially during challenging discussions. He was calm and collected and knew his stuff :) His presence brought forth certainty, ideas, solutions, and guidance that benefited both Gloria and me. Well, me more :)
I greatly admired the deep level of dedication and support David extended to Gloria. Their partnership ( that i was able to see through my work with Gloria) was truly remarkable, and I often thought they were blessed to have this beautiful bond. As we bid farewell to David, may his soul find eternal peace in the embrace of God. Gloria, I hope you find strength and solace in your cherished memories with him. If there's anything I can do to offer support or comfort, please know that I am here for you.
With heartfelt condolences,
Muna
From Dong-Won Kim
Dear David
It was my honor to share spiritual energy in music with you. I shall not forget you and the moment. Your spirituality will enlighten the universe.
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