Charles David Komaroff

Charles David Komaroff David (he prefers Dave) was born in Prestwick, Scotland on July 13, 1942. He passed away after a sudden stroke on June 19, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Lennert Komaroff and his youngest son, Torin Komaroff. He never knew his father. His father’s plane was shot down in World War II. He grew up in Huddersfield, England. He greatly enjoyed his summers because he would go by himself to Prestwick to see his grandma. When he was young, he would take the train. When he was in his teens, he rode his bicycle from Huddersfield to Prestwick (over 240 miles). He excelled in all sports throughout his early school years and also in high school. He dearly loved running. He would go on a run every day. His university studies were in England majoring in mathematics and physics. Dave’s great uncle, Dick Komaroff, a business man, had moved from China to California in the 1940s. When Dave was 18 years old his uncle offered to sponsor him to come to the United States. Dave accepted his uncle’s offer and moved to California. He continued going to universities in both California and Oregon. He got a Masters and almost a PHD in mathematics. He worked as a college mathematics teacher, computer programmer and insurance actuary. At the age of 55, he moved to the state of Washington and attended Highline Community College to update his expertise of computer programming languages. He was enrolled in the Computer Information Systems program in which upon graduating he received a special recognition certificate for his excellent programming skills. He met Sue Matthews who was also enrolled in the same computer program. They became friends and later married. He and Sue moved to Port Townsend to make their home. Sue and Dave were married 20 lovely years. Dave is survived by his wife, Sue Matthews; and his ex-wife, Diane Komaroff and his son, Chris Komaroff. Dave and his wife Sue hiked many miles of beautiful trails together on the Olympic peninsula. They also helped plant trees for the North Olympic Salmon Coalition. He is missed dearly for his sense of humor, kindness, his intelligence, always a gentleman….he was a sweet, sweet man. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ‘The Nature Conservancy’.