David Douglas Pond of Laramie, Wyoming passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020, at the age of 91. David died peacefully in his home with his beloved wife Mary Etta and his daughter Annette by his side.
David was born the second of three children and the only son to Harold G. Pond and Elvira M. (Howell) Pond in Powell, Wyoming on October 4, 1928. He spent his youth in Powell until the family moved to Laramie before his senior year of high school. Dave attended University Prep School for his senior year, where he played cornet & trumpet in the University of Wyoming band. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from UW in 1951.
After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Dave worked as a Well Logging Engineer for Anders Engineering Corp., and in 1953 he met Mary Etta Jares and the two were married on December 29, 1954. This union blessed the couple with eight children, James (Karen), Michael (Norma), David Douglas II, Collette (Alfred Montoya), Suzanne (Paul Kanaly), Annette (Mark Stewart), Jeanette (Troy Walker) and Nicole (Jeff Lamb). Dave & Mary Etta were also blessed with 28 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
While working for Anders Engineering Corp., Dave also apprenticed in his father’s furniture upholstery business, The Halvern Company, of which he became President after leaving his position as Well Logging Engineer. In 1974, Dave accepted a position at the University of Wyoming Carpenter Shop as an upholsterer from which he retired after 17 years of service in 1991. David & Mary Etta continued to own and operate The Halvern Company until his full retirement in 2010.
Although he suffered severe spinal scoliosis from early childhood, he never complained and did not let it stop him from leading an extremely active life! This included countless activities, but some of his favorites were bowling, hunting, golf, and fly fishing with his sons and his friend, Don Rector. He was an avid gardener and loved his vegetable and flower gardens. He was very active in Laramie Youth Baseball as he loved sports, and he was a past President/Secretary & Treasurer of the Wyoming Bowling Association. He was also a member of the Lions Club as well as lifetime member of the Elks Club. He loved music and dancing with his wife Mary Etta!
After his retirement from UW, Dave and Mary Etta were “snowbirds” between Laramie and Arizona, until it was no longer easy for him to travel.
David was Baptized and Confirmed into the Catholic Church in February of 2018. Although he was housebound the last several years of his life, he looked forward to receiving Holy Communion each Sunday from their dear friend and Communion Minister, Angie Bedell.
David was preceded in death by his infant son, David D. Pond II, his parents, his sisters Anna Dunlavy and Mary Hopkins, his brother-in-law Don Dunlavy and his close friends, Don Nickerson, Don Kalinay and Don Rector.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, a private family Funeral Mass will be held for David.
Aunt Mary and all my Pond cousins. I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Dave's passing. I haven't keep up with family news for so long that I only found out about Uncle Dave's passing recently by doing some family genealogy. All our love. Mike & Bumbee Jares
Dear Jim and family you are in our thought and prayers. May your memories ease your pain and keep him in your heart
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Growing up, I went to the Pond house to play with my good friend Nichole. Loved it when we went into his workshop and saw all the furniture he was working on at that time! He even let me do a little sanding!! That’s when I got interested in woodworking. He was a wonderful dad and person??
Mary Etta and family, bless all of you in your grieving. I rejoiced to read that Dave was baptized and confirmed in 2018 and has received Eucharist from Angie Bedell each Sunday the last several years when Dave was housebound. That must have given peace to Dave and to you, Mary Etta, and your dear ones. And now the hope of Eternal Life! Beautiful. Paula and Bob Hurtubise, Longmont, CO
Dearest Mary Etta and family, With our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. God bless you. Much love and prayers, J. Archie and Charlotte Barela
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the whole family.
I want to offer my heartfelt condolences at the passing of Mr. Pond. He was a good friend to my father and a fellow Lion's Club member. I will remember his friendly demeanor and welcoming smile. I was always touched by his genuine interest in me and my family whenever I would run into him. He was a wonderful man who I know you will miss dearly. I just wanted you to know that he touched my life, and my Dad's. For that, I will always be grateful & remember him well.
Although I did not know the gentleman, I have worked with his daughter Jeanette. My sincere condolences and sympathy to the family. God Bless--Becky George, Rawlins
Mary Etta and Family, Our hearts are full of caring thoughts for you. Debbie (Nickerson) Hunt-White and Mike White
May God give you His Peace and uplift you in His Love in this time of loss! You are in our hearts and prayers! Nina Kercher Williams
Collette, Mrs. Pond, and all the Pond family, I am deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Pond. Mr. and Mrs. Pond were always so kind to me and welcomed me into their home. May the soul of Mr. Pond be at peace with our Heavenly Father. My most sincere condolences. Sending prayers, comfort, strength, and love.