David Christian Samuelson was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on June 28,1966 to Ruth and Moses Samuelson. He lived his entire 57 years in Fairbanks but traveled to different parts of Alaska to hunt and fish. He was a son, brother, uncle and friend to many. His quirky sense of humor and love for family and friends was a huge part of his personality. He was happiest surrounded by family and friends, his face brimming with pride, often loving others above himself. He continuously made us laugh with his many off-the wall sayings that will always be remembered with laughter.
David graduated from Lathrop High School and worked as a welder’s helper for many years on the North Slope. Despite medical issues, David continued to fish, hunt and be a true Alaskan. The outdoors and his love for his nephew and nieces were a huge part of his life. His pride and smile were infectious and will always remain embedded in our hearts.
David spent his life in Fairbanks with his parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephew, great nephews and great-nieces. He spent numerous hours creating adventures with his nephew, Aaron Gallagher, nieces, Ashley Holloway and Heather Richardson. Dave taught them how to fish at a young age and his love for fishing will forever be instilled. He was a huge part of their lives as they were in his. He referred to himself as the “the best uncle”, they would agree. Often times when family went to brunch, dinner or to various gatherings, Moe and Dave would tap one another on the shoulder and point to one of the grandkids smiling and laughing. Whether the grandkids were misbehaving or simply being their cute selves, Dave was extremely proud and cherished every moment. David was a child himself, finding joy in the little things, that was one of the reasons he was loved so much.
David would communicate daily with loved ones with a “good morning” text it meant so much. Every year, he would load up his boat and travel to his beloved hunting cabin to hunt moose. We would worry about him being in the wilderness by himself but he endured the cold and loneliness despite our concerns, always following his heart. He was “Uncle Dave” to all his nieces’ and nephew’s friends, and they too loved him deeply. David discovered social media recently and was able to reconnect with many friends before his death. We are all grateful that he was able to find joy communicating with them. He leaves behind his brothers-in-law, Jim Gallagher and Spencer Damschroder, lifelong friends, Eric Olson, Jeff Jackovich, Bob Hubbard, Eli James and Trish Tyler.
We will forever have the memories of biking down to the river, fishing, going to the Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays, floating down the Chena River and his endless hours cheering at the softball fields – he will always be our number one fan!
David was preceded in death by his parents Moses and Ruth Samuelson, brothers Jerry and Paul Woods, sister Sue Samuelson and great niece, Jenny Gallagher. He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Woods, his nephew Aaron Gallagher, his children Peyton, Carson and Camryn. His nieces Ashley Holloway, her children Tryton and Kenley; Heather Richardson, husband Kane and their children Malen and Hadley.
Uncle Dave may not be with us today, but our hearts are at ease knowing he is playing fetch with Tekla, eating meals with Grampy, hugging Granny, playing Rummy with Aunt Sue, catching up with his late niece Jenny and partying with his brothers. In the true spirIt of David’s words “Party on Sister!”
