David L. Sutcliffe

June 15th, 1962 – March 14th, 2022

The first child of Anthony J. Sutcliffe and Doris A. (Stapleton) Sutcliffe, Dave was born at Sister's Hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri, the Old West frontier town known in the past for the Pony Express, the origin of the U.S. Postal Service, as well as the last home of the outlaw Jesse James.

The first two years of Dave's childhood were spent in “St. Joe”, before the family, now including his younger brother Steve, moved east to New York City. But Dave's connection to his roots would remain with him throughout his life. Growing up, he would spend parts of his summers back at his Grandmother's small horse farm situated outside of town on a dusty gravel road, at the end of which was the imposing green water tower.

The hot summer days were spent exploring in the woods across Karnes Road, hunting frogs at the pond in the middle of the pasture, feeding and riding the horses, occasionally helping his uncles with hard work around the property and teaming up with his brother in the dangerous task of taking down large wasp nests from the barns. At other times, there were trips into town and regular visits to the Dairy Queen on St. Joseph Avenue or miniature golf on beautiful warm nights.

Dave held that rural farm and his experiences there very dear in his heart, but his early life was shaped in the busy and crowded metropolis of New York for the next 13 years. He attended Catholic school, served as an altar boy, was a Cub Scout and played youth baseball. He had a neighborhood band of brothers that he ran with in all the exciting and often rough and dangerous areas of NYC, seeing and experiencing things that can only be found in such a city. But, he was also given the opportunity to experience Macy's at Christmas, roasted chestnuts from street vendors, Broadway plays, world-class museums and different cultures, restaurants and the mystique of the city.

As a child, it was obvious that Dave Sutcliffe was an extremely talented artist. His drawings and creations were prolific and fascinating, truly a gift from God. Throughout his life his creativity was notable and although Dave never pursued art as a business, most people in his life fully agree that his works were worthy of it.

He had great experiences and happy memories during part of his career as a cook at Broadway Oyster Bar in St. Louis and Love Shack in Denton where he made a lot of good friends. He spent the last few years of his career working in retirement homes and he enjoyed that as well.

Dave was taken from us suddenly and tragically. But we celebrate him and his life and his uniqueness, his irreverent nature and his transparent, honest bearing. He was loyal and principled. He was devoted to his family. He took the time to experience and enjoy simple things. We can honor him by doing the same.

He is still with us and always will be. Dave will continue to live in the hearts of his friends and family, especially his wife Emily and beautiful daughters, Audrey and Anna; his father Tony Sutcliffe, mother Doris Sutcliffe, brother and sister Steve and Chris, and sister Taylor.

Love and perfect peace in Eternity.

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