David Earl Cornwall

David Earl Cornwall, 72, passed away on July 18, 2026, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, after a long battle with COPD.

He was born on May 17, 1954, in Caldwell, Idaho, to Elaine (Prince) Cornwall and Jean Cornwall. The family moved to Seattle when Dave was 1½. He spent most of his youth in the Ballard area of Seattle and attended Ballard High School. In 1971, Dave joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea until his discharge in 1974. He then attended Kansas State University for a year and later Western Washington University, majoring in Communications/Journalism.

Upon leaving school, Dave worked a variety of jobs in the Seattle area, including positions at Nelson Chevrolet and the Old Spaghetti Factory. In the late 1970s, he established his own body shop business, where he perfected his skill and knowledge of restoring vehicles. Upon moving to Olympia in 1983, Dave began a long career with Platt Electric Supply (Rexel), starting out as a Warehouseman, advancing to store manager, and ending his career as the Gear Distribution Project Manager 42 years later. He was appointed by Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2011 to serve on the Washington State Electrical Board, continuing his service for 8 years.

In 1982, Dave married Anne Grunke. They had two daughters, Meghan and Becky; they later divorced. In 1992, Dave married his second wife, Linda Kotsch, and soon after they welcomed their daughter, Caitlin. Together they raised their blended family, including Linda’s son, Gabe. Dave was a dedicated family man and devoted father, always there for his children whenever they needed his help and support. He spent many years supporting his daughter Caitlin at numerous Highland Dance competitions and became a volunteer for the Tacoma Highland Games, where he coordinated their British Car Show.

Dave was a talented musician, guitarist, and songwriter, and recently had many of his original songs copyrighted. He played with many bands over the years from the 1970s onward, most recently performing with Exit 88 and Green Room. He loved playing music and the camaraderie of interacting with his many bandmates.

Dave also loved restoring old cars, many of them classics. Among his projects were a ‘65 Dodge Charger, ‘73 Corvette Stingray, ‘65 Plymouth Belvedere, ‘61 Austin Healey, and his final project, a '61 Jaguar Mark II. He also restored a 1956 Royal Enfield Indian motorcycle. He was an active member of the Cascade Austin Healey Club and the Seattle Jaguar Club. The garage at his home will never be the same, and the memories built there will last forever.

An avid fisherman, Dave enjoyed many storied fishing trips through the years in Washington, Oregon, Canada, and Alaska. After his fishing adventures, he would write stories about them for his uncle in Idaho; some of these stories were ultimately published in a fishing magazine.

In 2018, Dave and Linda purchased a piece of property along the Hood Canal and constructed a second home. Calling it their “Cabin,” they spent many happy and peaceful days overlooking the canal. They hosted many gatherings with family and friends, alongside the occasional lively game of croquet.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Mark and Steven Cornwall. He is survived by his wife, Linda, daughters Meghan French (Justin), Becky Cornwall, Caitlin Donigian (Alex), stepson Gabe Kotsch, four grandchildren, Ashley, Riley, Zoey and Addie, his sister Robin Richardson, and many nieces and nephews. He was loved by many, both family and friends, and will be forever missed.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held on August 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at South Sound Manor (Funeral Alternatives of WA). Memorial donations in honor of David may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.