David Dewayne Begalka

November 5, 1987 – October 21, 2024

David Dewayne Begalka was born in Sioux Falls, SD on November 5th, 1987. From the moment he came into this world, it quickly became apparent that he was a larger-than-life character, one that would never be forgotten by those who crossed his path.

Those who knew him well could tell you he marched to the beat of his own drum and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Dave was witty, clever, and downright charming.

He grew up in Brookings, SD, where he stayed through part of high school before moving to Portland, OR, in 2004. In Portland, Dave made deep and meaningful friendships that would last for the remainder of his life. His friends referred to him as “Hippy Dave”. He was so social, made friends wherever he went, and loved with his whole heart. They described him as a person with a kind soul, a wicked sense of humor and contagious laughter. Those who knew him truly loved him for who he was.

Dave passed away on October 21, 2024, in Gresham, OR. He is survived by his parents, Pam May, Jim Begalka, and Mary Begalka, along with his grandmother Bonnie Begalka. His siblings—Jeff Begalka, Beckey Begalka, and Chad Nicola—will forever remember him as being unapologetically smarter than the rest of us. He will also be fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Adrianne DePauw-Begalka and Sofía García Reyes, and by his nieces and nephews: Mackenzie Begalka, Carly Begalka, Parker DePauw, Paetyn Begalka, and Jamison Begalka. Dave was cherished by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Freddy and Carol May, Paul and Betty Prussman, and Bruce Begalka; his aunt and uncles Rick Mayes, Al Begalka, and Jan Fitzgerald; his cousin Jimmy Fitzgerald; and his dear friends Wes Schantz, Clifford “Ducky” Avuil, and Justin McGuire.

Those of us that were blessed to have had him in our lives remembered him as the kind, gentle, fun-loving person that he was in a private family ceremony. He was cremated in Portland, OR, and his ashes have begun to be spread far and wide as he would have desired. We invite all who wish to celebrate and remember him to do so in their own way—he would have loved that. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.