He passed felling burned trees on Cochiti Mesa from the Las Conchas Fire in 2011.

One of the massive trees came down hitting him and sending him over the cliff. He passed doing what he loved and was surrounded by dear friends.

He was born July 22, 1957 in New Brighton, PA., and attended schools in Pasadena, Texas.

He moved to New Mexico in 1994. He lived in Sierra Los Pinos near Jemez Springs with his dog, “Puppy” where his home overlooked the majestic Jemez Mountains.

Dave was employed with Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Construction Superintendent for nearly 19 years. He was well respected and appreciated by customers, management and peers.

Dave was an avid outdoorsman enjoying his four-wheeler, snowmobile, hiking in the mountains and nearby ruins, logging, and smoking brisket on the grill.

He loved life, laughing, being devilish, honesty and especially friendship.

He thrived on the historical and natural resources available to him as well as the culture of the Native Americans. He always shared his passions with family and friends.

Dave is predeceased by his mother, DeLores Sturm. He is survived by his father, William Sturm of Pasadena, Texas, his daughter Amanda Babb (Chris) of Pasadena, Texas, and son Mason Sturm (Crystal) of Deer Park, Texas, his brother, Leslie Sturm (Lyn) of Waller, Texas, his sister Cynthia Hunt-Whatley (Scott) of Sanford, ME, his seven grandchildren, C.J., Kaitlin, Joshua, Justin, Caylor,
Alexander, and soon to arrive Kingston, his nieces, Tiffany (Jimme), Chelsea (Jason), and Lauren (Joseph), his nephew, Lloyd, his step children, Christopher Hernandez and Chelsey Hoffman, special cousin Terri Doucette, other cousins, and numerous loving special friends and family across the country.

David’s family will be forever grateful to his best friend and business partner, Jaret McDonald, who remained on scene during the Los Alamos Fire Department and New Mexico National Guard recovery efforts as well as a strong shoulder for Dave’s daughter, Amanda, as they arrived in New Mexico.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 28 at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church (3900 Trinity Dr., Los Alamos, NM 87544.)

All are welcome to attend and share food and company after the service in Kelly Hall.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dave’s name can be made to La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department either in person or Jemez Valley Credit Union.

Additional thanks to the men and women who serve under Chief Lee Taylor of La Cueva Volunteer Fire Department and Chief Justin Grider of Los Alamos Fire Department.

David will be remembered by his love for others, willingness to give and happiness for life.