November 1, 1942- July 30, 2024
David Joseph Rolczynski, 81, of Enumclaw, Washington, died peacefully at home July 30, 2024. He was born November 1, 1942, inMissoula,Montana to parents Joseph and Jean Rolczynski. Dave led an extraordinary life, filled with love for his family and friends, a career that took him around the world, and a thirst for knowledge that shaped his entire life.
Dave was a curious kid. From asking his friend’s mom for her oatmeal cookie recipe at 4 years old, to disassembling his parents’ clocks, building ham radios from spare parts, and even attempting to make grenades in the basement,
Dave loved anything exciting and mechanical. He thrived on the satisfaction of learning how the world works. As a teen, he built hot rods to drive his friends around, and after conquering automobiles, his next goal was to build an airplane! So, he joined theMontana Air National Guard, and through a special pilot training program, landed a job, and ultimately, a successful three decade career, retiring as a Captain at Northwest Airlines.
But before his career took off, he met a pretty girl while attending college at the University of Montana. On September 4, 1965, Dave married the love of his life, Linda RuthWinkler, beginning a journey of love and partnership that would span almost 59 years. Together, they flew small planes, raised two kids and countless dogs, cats, and sheep, and owned and operated the Lindon Bookstore in Enumclaw, serving this community with warmth and knowledge (and Enumclaw’s first Starbucks lattes), for nearly two decades.
Beyond his distinguished careers in aviation and entrepreneurship, Dave was the quintessential jack-of-all-trades, a man of diverse knowledge and impressive talents.Much more than just hobbies, Dave’s “avocations” included restoring and collecting vintage model-A Fords and other antique cars, building biplanes, wood-working and metal-working, collecting firearms from around the world, farming both land and livestock, and later in life, crafting award-winning red and white wines from his own estate-grown grapes.
Dave was a Christian. He was deeply involved in his church community, where he found solace and strength alongside Linda. Dave touched many lives at the churches they attended over the years, but one of his greatest pleasures was spending every Friday afternoon with his “Consortium,” a close knit group of pastors and friends who shared and prayed together, but also smoked cigars and drank bourbon. In his final days, Dave made a point to assure everyone he talked to that he “knew where he was going,” and encouraged them, through Jesus, to join him (and Him) in Heaven someday.
Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, son Christopher, daughterMegan and her family, including son-in-law Greg, treasured grandchildren (and spouses), Jesse (Lydia), Reggie (Kara), Hope (Colton), and Grace (Zach), four adorable great-grandchildren, Cohen, Emmet, Elora, andMarlowe Rose, brother Dan (Takeko) and sister Jeanne (Bill) and their families, and numerous extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 2pm, August 17, atWabash Presbyterian Church in Auburn, with on-site reception to follow. All friends of Dave and Linda are invited to attend. Heartfelt recognition to Continuum Hospice Care and Hospitality Home Care for their compassionate service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Care Net of Puget Sound (supportcnps. org). Please share a memory of Dave on his tribute page at weeksfuneralhomes.com.
