David Bruce Hartley Jr., 65, passed away peacefully in his home in Oak Harbor on Sept. 29, 2017. He was born on April 11, 1952, in Walla Walla to the late David Bruce Hartley Sr. and his late birth mother Norma Jean Doering. He was referred to as David, Dave or sometimes “hot dog” to certain friends and family.

He was raised by his father David Bruce Hartley Sr. and his mom Gloria Hartley, who loved him dearly. He was a larger-than-life person with numerous gifts and talents. After graduating Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, Ill., he went on to attend the Control Data Institute. There he developed his technological skills and grew to become a computer wizard.

Dave had an immense love for music, genealogy, making new friends, camping, cross country motorcycle adventures, visiting state parks and his beloved cat Neko. He lived his life on his own terms and with few rules, often referring to himself as a “SeenAger,” aka Senior Teenager. Dave was a very happy-go-lucky person, with a great sense of humor. He had a good heart and he will be missed by his long list of friends and family members.

Dave is survived by his mother Gloria, brothers Don and wife Julie, Earl and wife Leslie, Laird and wife Linda, and sister Roberta and husband Kim Winterfeldt. Also surviving are his nephew, Logan and wife Eileen, and grand-nephew Nolan.

Per David’s wishes there will be no services. His ashes will be scattered coast to coast by family members. Those who wish to remember Dave in a special way are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation, www.waifanimals.org, where he adopted his cat Neko, or to a favorite charity that supports the homeless.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home.