BEAR, David Neal (Dave)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Sunday, January 18, 2015 David Neal Bear, 71, passed away on Dec. 20, 2014 in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was born March 1, 1943 in Henderson, Nevada to Betty Lee and John Alfred Bear. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother John Aerick Bear. After graduation from Cortez High School in Phoenix, Dave joined the Navy serving on the USS Coral Sea. He was a graduate of BUDs class 33 West Coast and was a member of Underwater Demolition Team 11. After Vietnam, Dave pursued a professional diving career. He worked on oil rigs in Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico. He also tested two-man submersibles for Oceanic Products in San Diego. In the early 1980’s, Dave started his own business, Bear Underwater Service, Inc. in San Diego. He specialized in cleaning boat hulls, underwater repairs and salvage work. In the mid 90’s Dave moved to Phoenix where he worked heavy equipment and driving big rigs. It was in Phoenix, at a high school class reunion, in 1995, where he met Penny (Hollemon) McCormick. He and Penny were together until his death. Dave enjoyed motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing and travel. Dave was a kind and generous man, always ready to give a helping hand to everyone he came in contact with. He always had a great story to tell of his many travels and will be missed by all who knew him. Dave's gentle heart was one like no other. He was the kind of friend you could always count on, a mentor to many, a grandfather to girls that cherished his hugs. He will always be with us because he touched too many lives to be forgotten. Dave is survived by Penny, his brother Steve ( Sue), nephews John (Patty) and Jason, Penny’s son Randy (Candy) Shipley, three granddaughters, and sister-in-law Jennifer Bear, as well as many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. There will be Celebration of Dave’s Life in Phoenix in the Spring.