David Lee Enslow died at Tacoma General Hospital in the early morning of December 17, 2017 from a stroke. He was 75 years old.

Dave was born in Seattle on July 14, 1942 to Robert Lee and Grace Lovette (Hensler) Enslow. He attended Garfield High School in Seattle and the University of Washington.

Following his father’s footsteps into banking, Dave started working at Greenwood Savings and Loan around 1970. He went on to start Center Mortgage with two partners which operated for 13 years. Dave loved real estate and acquired several apartment buildings, one of which he lived next to for 39 years. Dave also served in the National Guard for 16 years.

Dave married the love of his life in 1976, Bertie Jean Finch, the daughter of a Seattle pastor. They soon moved from Seattle to Sumner, where they raised three children. A long-term member of the Queen City Yacht Club, Dave spent many summers boating around the San Juan’s with family and friends. He enjoyed restoring boats and classic cars, especially early 80’s diesel Mercedes. Dave pursued other diverse interests; had a love for literature and the arts including the theater, jazz music, and the symphony. He even dabbled in dairy farming.

In the 90’s, Dave began to focus on the needs of the growing community where he lived. He served on the Sumner City Council and later as Mayor of Sumner for a total of 20 years. He served on the Pierce Transit Board, Sound Transit Board and Puget Sound Regional Council. He left a legacy of strong, principled leadership emphasizing efficient government and careful planning. Dave was also a member of the local Rotary club, the YMCA, and Faith Covenant Church.

Dave is survived by his wife Bertie and three children; David Ryan (wife Margaret), Sara Jean Bago (husband Dustin), and Rebecca Lynn Elfers (husband Andy); and nine grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his family, his City family, the community of Sumner, and the Puget Sound region he helped to shape and grow, especially with transit.

Dave will be buried in the Sumner Cemetery. A memorial will take place on January 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Community Church in Sumner. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Gordon Family YMCA and mark the donation “Mayor Enslow” in the memo or note line.