David Gale Earnshaw passed away May 15, 2015. The youngest and sole survivor of four boys, he was born in Casper Wyoming June 2, 1931, to Carolyn and Leslie Earnshaw. Dave was a long time resident of Laramie who was known for his community spirit and his commitment to making the world a better place. Dave graduated from Natrona County High School in 1949, attended Casper college for two years and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1954 with a degree in physics. He married Jean LaFleiche, his high school sweetheart, in 1951. They had four children, Steven, Douglas, Gail and Leanne. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his son, Doug and his daughter, Leanne and his three brothers. He is survived by his son, Steven Earnshaw and wife Debbie and his daughter Gail May and husband Dave. He is also survived by 8 grand children and 8 great grandchildren.
Dave worked for the Bureau of Mines for 20 years and USPCI for several years while serving the Wyoming Army National Guard, which he joined at age 17. Dave retired as a full Colonel after 36 years of service.
In college, Dave and Jean were involved with Wesley Student Foundation and later Dave became an avid folk dancer, and enjoyed helping Jean with her quilt patterns. He was involved in Kiwanis, Methodist Men’s, University of Wyoming Student Farm, Toastmasters, and was a volunteer grandparent at elementary schools. He also was a “Big Brother” volunteer. Some of his hobbies included wine making, backpacking, gardening and he intentionally lived as sustainably as he could. He was a founding member of the Wyoming LFTR Alliance and was a tireless advocate for the development of advance nuclear power, specifically, LFTR as a way to combat climate change.
David Earnshaw was a man who believed in doing all he could to make the world a better place. He did his best to live out his ideals — to practice what he preached and in the process was a huge support to family members, local Laramie residents and many organizations around the world. All who knew and loved Dave will miss the twinkle in his eye when reciting slightly off-color poems, his keen sense of humor and his desire to love all people and to do the right thing.