NAPA - David Henry Calkins fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. He was surrounded by his loving family.

David Henry Calkins was born to Earl Henry and Maude L. Calkins on Sept. 7, 1922, in Ione, Ore. David served his country in Europe during World War II. While stationed in England he fell in love with and married his sweetheart, Frances (Jones). They were happily married for 63 years.

David graduated from Southwestern Junior College in Keene, Texas, and attended Pacific Union College in Angwin. He was employed by Kenyon’s Building Supply for several years before obtaining his contractor’s license. He built numerous homes in the Napa Valley during the course of his career. After his retirement he continued to volunteer his building skills and expertise to family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

David was a dedicated and faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He played an integral role in building both the Napa Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Yountville Seventh-day Adventist Church where he was a member for the past 35 years. He was also very involved in the construction of Napa Junior Academy, which is now Napa Christian School.

David was a very loving and devoted husband and father. He enjoyed spending time with his family. David loved gardening and working in his apple orchard. He took great pleasure involving his grandchildren in the tasks of tilling the soil with his tractor and harvesting the produce that became his gifts of love to friends and neighbors.

After moving to Yountville David started walking several miles each day. He met many new friends on his route around town, down the crossroads and around the Veterans Home.

“Dave,” as he was affectionately called, was known and loved for his quiet, gentle strength. He was continually helping this person or that neighbor, building, sharing, fixing and generally lending a hand to ease another’s burden. His life was a constant witness to the great God that he loved with all his heart.

His family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to his physicians Dr. Grosfeld, Dr. Stanton and Dr. James Peters; Hospice of Napa Valley; and Your Home Nursing Service for the dedicated loving care of their precious father while he was ill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Frances; his three children, Sue Alexander (Sam) of Napa, Geoffrey (Cathy) of Napa and Laura Nye (Mike) of Napa; his six grandchildren, Kara Jezierski (Don), Dana VanHook (Ryan), Kevin Alexander (Aprille), Heather Calkins, Shauna Calkins and David Nye (Christy); and four great-grandchildren, Noelle Calkins, Krista VanHook, Kyler VanHook and Kari VanHook. Along with his family, a host of friends will remember David Calkins with fond memories in their hearts.

All are invited to a celebration of David’s life that will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 3:30 p.m., at the Yountville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1820 Finnell Road, Yountville. Pastor Sam Alexander will be officiating. Because of his strong belief in Christian Education, donations may be given in memory of David Calkins to Napa Christian, 2201 Pine St., Napa, CA 94559 or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Richard Pierce Funeral Service, 1660 Silverado Trail, Napa. Family and friends are invited to send condolences online at www.rpfsc.com.