[br][br]David Michael Soukup died serenely at home after battling cancer for thirty months. He was 53 years old.
David was born in Ohio to Fred and Nancy Soukup. He spent his formative years in Spokane, Wa., before launching an adventure in 2002. He was a 13 year resident of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye in the Caribbean country of Belize, the earthly paradise nicknamed La Isla Bonita.
David graduated from Mead High School in 1981. After graduation David served his country in the Military branch of the Navy, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he and his wife Denise welcomed their daughter Tressa.
David is survived by his wife Denise, his wife of 33 years, of Belize; daughter Tressa, son in law Brian, grandchildren Julian, Hawken and Violet, in Washington State; his parents; his siblings Karen, Mark, Jeff and Chris. Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as aunts and uncles; also lifelong school friend and honorary brother Mark Porter.
David's strength of character shone while staring down cancer. With a lust for life and all things living, and knowing he had no possibility of holding off death, he exhibited an intense brand of willpower; using the strength of his own decisions to sculpt the landscape of his last days. He fought the battle without a shred of self-pity or remorse. His will to live was strong in spite of the cancer overtaking his body. He died in his "castle" smiling as he reached out to hold the hands of his wife and child; his last act on earth
David has not left the world, it left him. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father; a generous spirit, a friend to many. His immediate and extended family will miss him dearly. He will never be forgotten.
David's ashes will be spread in the Caribbean Sea, per his wishes, on his Birthday. A memorial service is planned for June 6th, in Spokane, from 2:00pm-5:00pm at 5225 N. Freya Road, Spokane, Wa., 99217, for those unable to make the trip to Belize.