Obituary: David C. Sturdevant, April 5, 1948 – Nov. 7, 2024

David C. Sturdevant, 76, passed away at his home in Juneau from brain cancer on Nov. 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Baxter; two daughters, Lissa Sturdevant and Blythe (Robert) Barton; four grandchildren; his siblings, Bob, Molly, Bill, and Jim Sturdevant; extended family; and a wide circle of friends.

David C. Sturdevant

David was born on April 5, 1948, in Centralia, Washington, to Clint and Ruth Sturdevant. In the summer of 1959, he moved to Alaska to gillnet with his Uncle “Duke” Chase, and the following year, his family settled in Wrangell. After two years of high school there, David transferred to Phillips Exeter Academy, then continued on to Stanford University, where he earned a degree in Biology. He later received a Master’s degree from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and served in the Peace Corps in Nepal.

David met Susan during a trip to San Francisco, and they married two years later. In 1977, they moved to Juneau, first purchasing a small house on Star Hill before building their home on Evergreen Avenue. David took great pride in designing and building their super-insulated house, which he considered one of his greatest accomplishments. The other was being a father to Lissa and Blythe, a role that brought him immeasurable joy and fulfillment.

Their home on Evergreen Avenue became the heart of a vibrant, joyful life, filled with delicious food, lively gatherings, and the best audio equipment in town. David was a gifted cook, known especially for his delicious cookies, pies, and cakes – many of which fetched top dollar at local auctions. He cooked not only for the joy of eating, but as a way of sharing that joy with others.

David’s career was with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, where he worked to develop the state’s water quality standards. Outside of work, he was an avid lover of the outdoors, often spending his time hiking ridgelines, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, and exploring the tidal flats. The family cabin on Horse Island was one of his favorite retreats. David lived a deliberate, simple life, rooted in an understanding of what made him happy. He found joy in everyday moments, always content with the small pleasures life had to offer.

In retirement, David also became an avid traveler, embarking on adventures around the globe—from the Trans-Siberian Railroad to the jungles of Borneo. A lifelong advocate for peace and justice, David was a man of deep principles, kindness, and curiosity. His warmth and gentle spirit touched all who knew him. David will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory to Juneau Community Foundation: Treadwell Ditch Maintenance Endowment.

All are welcome to a Potluck celebration of David’s life planned on July 26 at Sandy Beach (no glass) at 5 p.m.