David "Dave" Earl Papcke, 77, of Oxnard, completed life's journey on Sunday, May 18th, 2014, after a courageous battle with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Harold and Eleanor Papcke. He attended university at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology earning Bachelor's degrees in Geology and Physics. While attending university he met his sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Karen. Shortly after graduating college he got a job offer at Point Mugu Naval Base. The two eloped and settled down to raise a family in Oxnard. He worked as a physicist at the Pacific Missile Test Center for 32 years until he retired in 1992 earning numerous awards and nationwide recognition for his work. While in South Dakota he fell in love with the Black Hills and bought property and started a tree farm in 1976. He had a passion for preserving the natural environment and worked very hard over the years earning the "South Dakota Tree Farmer of the Year" award not just once... but twice!

After retirement he and Karen semi-retired on their homestead located south of Custer on the Argyle Loop Road. He loved the peace and quiet of the woods and that is where he was happiest. As a young boy Dave had an interest in sailing and worked on schooner charter boats in Maine during the summers. His interest in sailing continued and he bought a 5.5 meter wooden sloop shortly after moving to Ventura County in 1960. He and Karen became avid racers and were well known in the boating community. In 1965 he crewed on a boat in the Transpac Race and sailed from California to Hawaii. He also relocated a sailboat from La Paz, Mexico, back to Ventura.

In 1967 he found the boat of his dreams an 8 meter 50 foot wooden sloop named "Ranja." The boat was built in 1936 and was part of the Royal Swedish Sailing Society Fleet. It was in sad shape when he acquired it and he and Karen spent many years restoring the classic yacht. He owned the Ranja for 44 years until it became apparent he would no longer be able to maintain and care for her with his failing health. In addition to boating and tree farming Dave was an adventurous caring soul. He rode his bike to work every day around 15 miles roundtrip. He'd carry dog bones in his pocket and stop and feed the dogs along the way. He had a soft spot for animals and always had dogs as faithful companions. He rode his motorcycle across country solo and one summer rode his bicycle from Denver, CO, to Rapid City, SD, straight into head winds making it quite a challenge but he never gave up. Dave loved traveling. He loved trains and took his family on train trips across the country. He and Karen also enjoyed taking cruises. In addition, he enjoyed and appreciated classic cars. He took pride in owning two 1957 Oldsmobiles which he kept all original under lock and key in his garage!

He is survived by his wife Karen Papcke; children Melinda "Mindy" Papcke-Siemens (husband Alan) and Mark Papcke of Oxnard, and his sister, Sali Lynn who lives in Ohio; grandchildren - David Papcke, Erik Vollmert, Sarah Beth Hill (husband Austin) and Jon Papcke; nephews and nieces Devin, Darla, Stacey, Marcy, Kendra and Corey and his faithful four-legged companions, Ralph, Topper and Bella.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Dr. Scot Richardson, Dr. Michael Jamison and Dr. Bryant Lum and their office staff for providing such excellent care over the years. The family would also like to thank Livingston Memorial Hospice Care for all their wonderful help and support during Dave's final journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dave to the Humane Society of Ventura County, 402 Bryant Drive, Ojai CA 93023. Memorial services are being planned in California and South Dakota for his many friends and family.