David Jensen ’74

David Albert Jensen, 67, of Pensacola, Florida, peacefully passed away Friday, December 7, 2018, at his home.

David was born October 5, 1951, in Hackensack, NJ, to John & Bette (Memmott) Jensen. He graduated from Glen Rock High School in 1969, from Hope College in 1974 and received his MSW from Columbia University in 1987.

David worked tirelessly his whole life to support the mental and physical health and wellness of others. While at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA, he was integral in implementing community partnership programs such as Celebrate Seniority, Mobile Health, and Grannies’ Attic. He coordinated many Stop the Violence Fairs, Youth Forums, and was a steering committee member of Sumner-Bonney Lake Communities for Families Coalition. During his time at Seattle Parks & Recreation, he managed Lifelong Recreation and Specialized Programs. He established the Food and Fitness program for seniors, oversaw the Title V program, and helped the department meet all requirements for ADA, ensuring all had access to recreation and services. David always looked for ways to improve and advocate for the community he was serving.

David was also an exceptional chef and in his retirement worked at two restaurants, Stuart’s on the Green and the Tin Shed, both in Spruce Pine, NC. David enjoyed cooking and baking for the masses throughout his life, bringing people together through good food. He was known to use every pot and pan in the kitchen and for his prolific use of butter! He was an animal lover and enjoyed going to concerts, watching movies, and playing golf.

David is survived by his two daughters, Hadley Kelly (Cliff) of Charlotte, NC, Elsa Boccuzzi (Ryan) of Los Angeles, CA, his sister Meredith McCarthy (Mac) of Pensacola, FL and two brothers, Stu Jensen (Lisa) of Spruce Pine, NC and Steve Jensen (Nancy) of Allentown, PA.

A special thank you to Covenant Care in Pensacola for their diligence and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local hospice.