David Warren Webster

Celebration of
David Warren Webster
August 21, 1938 – May 19, 2011

David entered the world on August 21, 1938 to James Able and Helen Alice Webster, the middle child of three.
Passed away at Collier Hospice Center on Thursday May 19, 2011.
David is survived by his loving family: James Webster(Lillian), and Alice Workman. Nephews: Gordon Webster(Stacey) and Gregg Workman. Nieces: Cheryl Witaschek(Jay), Cindy Giles(Alan), Lorraine Gorham(Rick), and Kelly Workman-Flood(Larry) Grand nephews: Eric and Kevin Witaschek, Geremy Giles, and Christopher Gorham; Grand nieces: Helene and Mariah Gorham, Angela and Alana Giles, and Deneaye Workman. Cousin; Doug Waltirp. Additional cousins living in Texas and Arizona.
Even as he started life, David struggled with mild mental retardation and crossed eyes. Surgery at a young age corrected his crossed eyes. Early years were spent in the El Vado Village in Boulder Canyon, Colorado. Among the day's entertainment were wagon rides with brother Jim down the Magnolia Road hill. This probably led to their love of speed and later to stock car races. Jim and David continued to enjoy stock car races for many years. David attended a one room, multi grade-level, school where he was extremely fortunate to have a dedicated and patient teacher . Mrs. Hanna was successful in teaching David to read, write and do basic math. The schoolhouse remains today and is recognized as a historical site. David and Alice attended a dedication of the school site and a July 4th picnic.
After the death of mother, Helen, as a result of a lightning strike; Dad moved to Denver to live with Aunt Meg. The home of Margaret Cain (Aunt Meg) became a refuge for many members of her family as they traveled through the trials of life.
Within a few years, Dad met and subsequently married Catherine Joy. Catherine demonstrated her dedication to this family by giving up a career as a registered nurse. What a great commitment, taking on this rag-tag bunch. Catherine was a kind, courageous and gentle woman who nurtured Jimmy, David and Alice as well as being a faithful spouse.
David entered the Wheatridge Regional Center at the age of sixteen. While there, he gained life skills and vocational skills that would help him to remain fairly independent. Upon return to the community, David had a variety of jobs including dishwasher, janitor, shopping cart caddie, and wood blind fabricator. This employment helped to support David in an independent living situation.
Many people helped David along the way. He was associated with the Developmental Disabilities Center in Jefferson County as well as North Metro Community Center in Adams County. Through their support and available programs, David was able to take vacation trips to California and Branson, Missouri as well as local camping trips. Additional supports made David an expert at RTD travel, he was able to get wherever he desired and was proud to carry his RTD pass. The family is eternally grateful to all the agencies and individuals who supported David throughout his life
One of David's favorite pastimes, aside from stock car races, was fishing. Jim recalls David hooking fish and slyly reeling them into the boat while looking about as if he didn't have a fish. Bowling was another activity he enjoyed. He participated in Special Olympics and several bowling leagues.
As his health declined, David took up residence at the Clear Creek Care Center in Westminster. Again he was provided significant support and superb care. Recurring bouts with pneumonia finally overcame David and he entered Hospice at the Collier Center in Wheatridge. He maintained his surprisingly quick wit. When asked what he might want to eat, he responded, "chicken noodle soup, cherry pie and a shot of whiskey". Responding to his request, he was reminded that he didn't even like whiskey. David just gave us his classic smile indicating another gotchya ! Collier supplied the soup and niece, Cindy provided the cherry pie.
David was a remarkably happy man who enjoyed his family, fishing, stock car races, John Wayne movies, television shows like the Dukes of Hazard and The Price is Right, bright colors, eating and sleeping. He had the greatest smile and he was always very willing to share it.

Alice L. Workman

Donations can be made in David's name to: DDRC(Developmental Disabilities Resource Center), 11177 W. 8th Ave. Ste. 300, Lakewood, CO 80215. Proceeds will be allocated to Supported Living Services at the Center.