David Bruce Strong
Captain David Bruce Strong, JAGC, USN-Retired passed away April 8, 2022 at the age of 81. Born October 12, 1940 in Vancouver, BC, he came to the US at the age of 2 weeks. Lately, Dave resided partly at Samish Island, Washington and Peterborough, Ontario. He was raised in the Skagit Valley, graduating in 1958 from Burlington-Edison high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington in 1962, and later his J.D. in 1971.
Dave was Active Duty, US Naval Reserve from 1963-1966 and Reserve Duty 1962-1993, where he retired as Captain, Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Former Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Island County, Washington (1971-1975), he practiced law in Burlington, WA from 1975-1993. He was also a Judge for Burlington Municipal Court and Skagit County District Court Commissioner.
Dave and his partner Marilynn traveled to many interesting places both internationally and domestic. They visited Morocco, Peru, Ireland, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Thailand and beyond. They took cruises in Europe, Alaska, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico. RV travels took them across the US and Canada many times, wintering in Arizona, boondocking in the wild cactus country and visiting friends and family. RV trips and hikes with grandchildren Max, Magnus and Axel are happy memories.
Service in the community was an important fixture in Dave’s life, including the Burlington-Edison Kiwanis club and Probus club in Port Hope, Ontario. Dave was also a former member and president of Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees.
Dave is survived by his son Matt Strong (Graham Lord) of Mercer Island, WA and grandchildren Abby (Harrison), Jacob, Lily, Grace, Ella, Max and great grandson Marcus; daughter Erin Strong Fulton (Nate Fulton) and grandsons Magnus and Axel of Yakima, WA; his companion, Marilynn Dunne of Peterborough, Ontario, and her family Steph (Dave), Mike (Cindy), Lynn (Tom), David (Dana), Tom (Brenda), and grandchildren Laura (Phil), Kristy (Jeff), Julie (Nate), Holly, Delaney, Shane, Mathew, Kate, Michael and great grandchildren Sophie, Emily, Lylie, and Anna; sister Janice Gourley (Dick Gourley) and nephews Ken and Ron Jenkins, and many extended family members in and around Airdrie, Alberta.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, former Burlington Mayor Adrian Strong, and mother, Florence Clayton Strong. At Dave’s request, there will be no funeral; however, he has requested that all join in and raise a cup of cheer in remembrance.
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.flintofts.com
