David Shiress Arnott Ii

David Shiress Arnott II, age 90, formerly of Cove, died Sunday, September 19, 2004 at a local care center. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 1, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley in La Grande.

David Arnott II was born on September 14, 1914 the son of David Arnott Sr. and Louise (Baird) Arnott in East St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from high school, David attended Oregon State College where he received a master's degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1938, while superintendent of the Tangent, OR school district, David met Doris M. (Beight) Arnott, of Albany, OR and in 1939 they married in Missoula, MT, she later preceded him in death. David worked for General Dynamics/Convair for nearly 50 years in the quality assurance department and was as a member of the National Management Association, American Society for Quality Control, the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Elks. He was self taught in many ways which included building his own home in San Diego, California as well as contracting to build shopping centers and housing developments around southern California. Special accomplishments included learning how to fly with Charles Lindbergh and spending time with Howard Hughes, Winston Churchill and Chang Kai-shek. He was a highly honest man, direct and generous and did not understand the meaning of "I can't." He was known to always have an opinion and was willing to share it with all who would listen. David enjoyed writing, traveling, camping, construction work, trains, and loved his family dearly.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, David and Antoinette Arnott III of La Grande and Jim and Lisa Arnott of Union; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister Margaret Arnott of Philadelphia, PA.