Dave Sheldon-Our Rockstar

In Memory of Dave Sheldon

Local Environmental Center Rock Star Passes Away

Dave Sheldon, a long-time Bend resident and invaluable member of our Board of Directors, died December 14, 2010 in a tragic accident.  A tree fell on his van while he was sleeping in it.  Dave worked in Roseburg a few days each week.  Sometimes, after a long day of work, he would sleep in his van rather than make the long drive home late at night.

Dave served on our Board of Directors for over a decade, helping guide the development of new programs, raise needed funds, and oversee the recent merger of the organization with another nonprofit.  He had a sharp, inquisitive mind, great business sense and marketing skills, and he always brought us back to our mission to guide decisions.  He added tremendously to the success of the organization each year he served on the Board.

Dave was not just an exemplary board member—he was an extraordinary human being.  Dave had such a joyful and playful spirit.  He could always be counted on for some comic relief when we needed it most.  He loved hamming it up while playing MC at our Earth Day Fair, Evening for the Environment or SolAire Salmon Run. 

If you didn’t know Dave personally, you might remember running into him at our annual Procession of the Species parade.  Remember that 200-pound strawberry from 2001 to about 2003?  Or maybe you recall the 200-pound Spotted Owl from about 2004 to 2009?  That was Dave - he loved to entertain an audience.  He often threatened to show up at our annual SolAire Salmon Run dressed in a Salmon costume running the race backwards.

In addition to entertaining, Dave was also deeply passionate about the natural world.  That passion led him to found Tax payer’s Against the Bridge, which fought what was then called the Southern River Crossing and is now the Bill Healy Bridge and Reed Market Road/Mt Washington Blvd connection between Bond Street and Century Drive.  Dave wanted to protect the natural character of the area as a connection between Bend’s urban core and the surrounding wilderness he loved.

Dave’s death is a huge loss for so many people.  He has been a huge part of our organization and our community for so long. He will be sorely missed.  Our hearts go out to his family and friends.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5th at the Presbyterian Church on 9th St. in Bend at 2:00pm.

In Lieu of Flowers . . .

Dave’s family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, people make donations to the Dave Sheldon memorial Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation.  This fund will be used to support programs and services of The Environmental Center.

Making a donation:

• Checks should be made out and mailed to: