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Editors Note: Jesse wrote me a note last Saturday, asking if I was going to participate
in the Memorial Ride for a friend of ours - Dave DeMartini. I was shocked. Although Dave's
shop is less than 2 miles from my home, I hadn't heard he had passed away on June 18 of a
heart condition. Needless to say, I felt terrible. I'd just seen him the day before to
get his stamp of approval on the rigid. Little did I know it would be the last time I'd see him.
Dave was a true brother and friend. No other words could describe him. The world could
simply use more people like him. Friendly, helpful, and with one hell of a sense of humor.
We'll miss you partner. Ride free in the wind forever.
-Digital
My bro Brad on his FXDWG and myself on my rigid left Wenatchee at around
7:00 sunday morning and headed west over 2 Cascade Mountain pass's to go say
good-bye to a true brother. David DeMartini who owned and ran Northwest
Custom Cycle in Snoqualmie, Washington. We were headed for his memorial ride.
2 1/2 hours after we left home we arrived at his shop to join Dave's widow
Joanne and over 100 other bros.
After the group shot we all mounted up and fired our trusted steeds to life,
because Dave was known for workin' on the old stuff there was alot of
Shovels and Pans to go with the rest of us on Evos.
Everything from true oil leakin rat bikes to beautifully restored classics
and full on customs and even a few wild hot rods were there.
A unicycle race even rode through.
Joanne led the ride in Dave's Orange coupe hot rod followed by a wild ass
vintage pro street dodge pickup.
Local police got us started with a few road blocks, then we were off through
the Snoqaulmie Valley Dairy country (smelly shit) to the Snohomish Airfield
Buzz Inn restaurant to eat, drink, share stories, kick tires and tell lies.
Dave was a great guy and we'll all miss him very much.
-Jesse Welch.
Dave's Obituary as written up in the Snoqualmie Valley Record.
David J. DeMartini died Tuesday, June 18, at his home in Fall City.
He was 52.
Dave was born Aug. 13, 1949, in Fresno, Calif., to George and Mary DeMartini.
He and his family moved to Mercer Island in 1959, where he attended Mercer Island schools.
On Aug. 28, 1976, Dave was married to Joanne Gross on Mercer Island.
They settled in Fall City in 1978.
In the 1970s, Dave worked for various
Harley-Davidson dealers and was part owner of Harley-Davidson of Washington in
Bellevue. In 1981, Dave established Northwest Custom Cycle in Issaquah.
Following a fire, he moved his business to Snoqualmie in 1989.
In his leisure time, Dave enjoyed his classic cars and motorcycles.
His family and friends will remember his legendary knowledge of Harleys,
his exceptional mechanical ability, his fun sense of humor and his practical jokes.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joanne DeMartini of Fall City; his sister,
Patricia Akerly (John) of Renton; his brother, Robert Demar (Robin) of Friday
Harbor; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.
A service was held Monday, June 24. Friends are invited to share memories and
sign the family's online guestbook at www.flintofts.com.
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