Obituary of David Albert Tish

David Albert Tish, Chaplin/Pastor.  David was born in Caldwell, Idaho on October 6, 1952 to Glen Tish and Margert Kurz Tish (Critcher). David passed away on January 28, 2023.  David lived in many places over the years, from Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Missouri, New Jersey, and Germany. 

David graduated from Culver High School in Culver, Oregon, he then attended Northwest Nazarene College (University), graduating in 1972.  David met Joanne Geyer in 1970 and they were married June 9, 1972, they just celebrated 50 years of marriage.  David and Joanne moved to Kansas City, Missouri to attend Northwest Nazarene Seminary, while in Missouri David’s children were born Jason Tish in 1977 and Sarah Tish in 1980.  Upon completion of seminary the family moved to Beaverton, Oregon to begin a church plant.  In 1982 David was called as a Pastor to the town of Amboy, Washington, and David would pastor many churches over the years reaching many communities and individuals through various services, including weddings, funerals, baptisms, and counseling.    

In 1985 David went to Basic Training and joined the Army reserves.  In 1987 David joined the Active Duty Army and the family moved to Fort Hood (Killen), Texas in 1988.  In 1990 David deployed to the Persian Gulf, the first active location of combat he would serve in.  Upon returning form war, David and family moved to Schweinfurt, Germany, where the family lived, traveled, and had family come to visit from the states.  In 1994 David attended the Advanced Chaplaincy School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, where the family was able to be with him. 

In the summer of 1995 David and family moved to Fort Bliss (El Paso), Texas. While in Texas for the second time David was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1996, with the Patriots first to fire.  While in Texas both kids graduated from high school and took off for Northwest Nazarene University.  David and Joanne soon followed in fall of 1998 to Idaho, getting out of Active-duty Army as a Captain and joining the Idaho Army National Guard.  Within the year David received Major and continued to be a Chaplin serving many soldiers and families.  David spent the next 15 ½ years serving the state of Idaho.  David during this time was deployed to Bosnia with the 183 Patriots, for a peace keeping mission (2002 to 2003) and to Afghanistan in 2006 combat mission. For David in the years of 2008 to 2010 he was leading a church in Boise, focusing on his Chaplaincy for St. Luke’s, and working to get his Lieutenant Colonel (LTC).  David in 2010 to 2011 deployed for final time to Iraq with the 116 Brigade.  David retired from the Idaho Army National Guard in December 2011. 

During the times of being home or away, David was often found behind a plate for baseball or softball, on field for football, or on the court for basketball, doing what he loved of umpiring and refereeing.  David would also spend time with family traveling, attending school or sport events. David loved to be outside and in the past few years began the hobby of rock hunting.

David did not know how to remain still or be retired, so he spent a lot of time volunteering with the Red Cross, helping with blood deliveries, and donating plasma he reached 50 gallons in December of 2021.  David also loved farming and moved in 2014 to Greenleaf, Idaho where he was able to raise his own beef, vegetables, and work on wood and other projects.  David began riding motorcycle in 2007, leading to involvement in Patriot Guard Riders, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Christian Motorcycle Association, and Veterans and Patriots Association.  David was also involved with Kiwanis, American Legions, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), and the Caldwell Veteran’s Hall. 

David is proceeded in death by his parents Glen and Norma (stepmom) Tish, Mother Margert Kurz Critcher, brother Dean Tish, sister Becky Hart, and many other family members.  David is survived by his wife Joanne Tish, son Jason and Twi (daughter in law) Tish, and daughter Sarah Tish.  David is also survived by his sister Frances, Anne, Nancy, Bonnie, Niki, Marcy, and brothers Duane and Stephen, and including two aunts, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

David loved talking with people and loved taking the little ones from parents to hold while he greeted those around him.  He loved family and friends with all his heart.  David also loved his dogs and the occasional cat.  David will be remembered as a wonderful loving and giving husband, father, brother, and friend to many in the community including his family. 

Donations in honor of Chaplin Tish may be made to the Veterans & Patriots Association through veteransandpatriotsassociation.org