Long-time Edmonds resident and business owner Dave Page passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 25.
Former Edmonds City Councilmember Dick Van Hollebeke called the 73-year-old Page — who retired in 2011 after more than 40 years in the real estate business — “the ambassador of good will for the City of Edmonds.” Page would frequently offer public comments during council meetings, but “it was never to complain,” Van Hollebeke said. “He was always complimentary of the citizens, and always genuinely positive,” he added.
“This is a real loss for our community,” said Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling. “I have known Dave for over 30 years, first as a competitor in the real estate industry and then as a fellow outspoken advocate for our community. He will be missed.”
A native of Newport Beach, Calif., Page graduated from California State University Fullerton, where he majored in sociology and psychology. During an Edmonds Community College video interview with Van Hollebeke, who was serving as an Edmonds CC trustee at the time, Page related that he drove to the Seattle area in 1966 with the intention of catching a fishing boat to work in Alaska. But his car broke down in North Bend and he missed the boat, so he ended up going to work for Weyerhaeuser as a logger instead.
Page said he quit logging after working during his first snowfall. Following a short stint as a roofer, he got his start in real estate.
“I never thought real estate was selling,” he told Van Hollebeke. “It’s been an amazing career for me. I loved every day of it.”
After two years working for others, Page opened his own company — Edmonds Home and Loan — telling Van Hollebeke that at the time, he was the youngest real estate broker in the state.
Page changed the company name to Edmonds Realty in 2005, then sold it to Dennis Howard and Lucille Noel in 2011.
Acquaintances recalled Page as a man who was dedicated to his community. He was a strong supporter of the Edmonds Fire Safety Foundation, which for many years raised money and provided needed supplemental equipment for the Edmonds Fire Department.
As a foundation board member, Page “was always very involved,” recalled one of the foundation’s founders, Joy Cain. The foundation was disbanded after the City of Edmonds contracted with Snohomish County Fire District 1 for fire and emergency medical services in 2009.
In 2015, Page spearheaded efforts to name Edmonds Fire Station 16 in honor of Betty Mueller, who was also active in both Edmonds Police and Fire Foundations.
Mueller was a key proponent behind the construction of the city’s current Public Safety Building, a cause that Page also supported.
Page also loved to spend time on his boat fishing, and frequently posted photos of his catches on Facebook, often with wife Mindy by his side.
One of Page’s passions in retirement was promoting the Edmonds Senior Center, and until recently he served as a senior center board member. Page was also a strong advocate for the new multi-generational Waterfront Center that is slated to replace the aging senior center building.
“He was dedicated to the Senior Center/planned Waterfront Center and to the city of Edmonds,” said former Mayor Gary Haakenson, who served with Page on the senior center board. “His energy, personality and hard work will be missed.”
Funeral arrangements are pending. We will have more details once they become available.
— By Teresa Wippel
I am so sorry to hear this news. Edmonds has lost a true advocate and a genuinely great guy. Rest in peace, Dave!
Very Sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. Used to see him at Harbor Square Athletic Club all the time.
Dave’s passion, voice, and actions on behalf of Edmonds helped make our community an even better place to live. He will be greatly missed.
We have had the honor and pleasure of knowing David Page and his wife Mindy for many years, first through our Church (North Sound Church) and the small group we both have attended for many years.
David was a very positive and active participant in anything that was Edmonds or Senior Center related
He will be greatly missed in the community
My most recent recollection is that Dave maintained his passion for all his undertakings as well as his sense of humor. We will all miss him and his ever-present positive nature.
I’m still finding it hard to believe that this is true; Dave was truly larger than life! While he had his chronic back and knee problems I knew of nothing that was life threatening.
Dave was a good man always offering to help those in need and causes needing promotion. If I was still going to the health club it would not be the same there without having Dave to joke with. Our hearts go out to Mindy and the family.
Tears are flowing from Lithuania for Mindy and the family.
Dave was the light at the end of the tunnel or the beacon in the chaos. He always had a great story to tell with a smile on his face.
He was such a kind soul and my husband and I will miss him dearly (especially during football season). Such a force to be wreakened with and God will really enjoy his company. So sad to read this news!
Brian and I are very surprised and saddened to hear about Dave’s passing away. We got to know Dave and Mindy when they generously opened their home for diverse gatherings especially during the elections. He always was so jovial and seemed to enjoy life to the fullest in the most positive way. His love for Edmonds had no boundaries especially the Senior Center and the firemen. I will miss reading about his fishing exploits on Facebook. Our most sincere condolences to Mindy and family.
A great loss to all. Condolences to the Page family. Dave was always an advocate of the Edmonds Fire Department/SCFD #1 and Public Safety in general.
Dave, a truly unique and caring individual, will in fact be missed as he built many friendships and a meaningful legacy of community commitment, activism and volunteerism.
Shocked and saddened. Dave, I thought you were invincibl. I remember the laughs, the adventures we had. Never a dull moment. Hey, save me a place in the front row. I will always think of you when I hear Billy Joel sing Easy Money.
My heart goes out to the family for a man that died at a young age. Dave was a game changer and dealt in the reality of the world. RIP… Dave Page
Dave seemed to have boundless energy and too many ideas for one life time. I’ll miss him greatly and his obvious delight in his family. He remains an inspiration, but I’m saddened today.
Dave’s greeting was always kind, courteous, and respectful! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
I shall miss his presence!
Dave will leave a void in our community that will be difficult to fill. His commitment to many causes and friendships built over many years of involvement will always be remembered. It is a tribute to Edmonds to have had him as one our citizens. Dave was a gracious person who rarely demonstrated anger at anyone or anything, even when there was disagreement. His demeanor set an example for all of us.
Well said, Gary. I’m having trouble believing he’s actually gone from us.