David Duane Safford, 47, went to heaven on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. He died at home surrounded by loved ones. David was born July 3, 1967 to Gene and Laura Safford in Pasco, WA. He lived the majority of his life in Kennewick, WA, both throughout his childhood and returning as an adult to raise his own family. David was a natural born athlete who set records in baseball at Kamiakin High School, Columbia Basin College, and Linfield College. At the age of 12, he predicted he would play in the Kingdome someday while watching a Mariner's game, a wish that came to fruition when he played there in the high school state tournament his junior year. He made the Kamiakin Sports Hall of Fame and was district player of the year, academic All-American, and received the Don Kirsch award from the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame while at Linfield. He remained an avid Mariner's fan to the end. His competitive drive to excel served him well throughout his life. After completing his Bachelor's degree in business and economics at Linfield, he started his career in the Seattle area working for Tunturi and Cybex fitness equipment companies, becoming one of their top salesmen. After several years at ADP Corp, where he also became a top salesman, he started his own software sales company working primarily with John Heaton, the owner of Insight E-Tools and Pay Plus Benefits. He came to think of John and those he worked with as family and appreciated all their love and friendship. David brought this same never-quit attitude to his battle with cancer. After being diagnosed with rare gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cancer, he joined the nation's leading research/advocacy organization for this cancer, The Life Raft Group, where he became a strong advocate, spokesperson and role model for many suffering from this disease. He worked closely with a team of experts at OHSU in Portland, striving to live as long as possible with this condition that currently has no cure. Thanks to the Grace of God and his strong faith he was able to fight that battle for 4.5 years, always with a smile on his face and a positive outlook. David married Cherry Cabanilla in 1992, celebrating their 22nd anniversary in July. They had 3 beautiful daughters, Natalie (20), Kiana (18), and Alani (15). David was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Lee Safford. In addition to his wife and daughters, he leaves behind his father Gene of Kennewick, brothers Ron (and Desiree) of Clinton WA and Scott (and Karen) of Bend OR, half-sister Kathy Johnson (and Rick) of Bellevue WA, half-brother Jim Boone of Mississippi, Parents-in-law Dr. Leonardo and Melita Cabanilla of Kennewick, Brother-in-laws Leonardo Cabanilla, Jr. (and Stella) of the Philippines, Dr. Leandro Cabanilla, Lorenzo Cabanilla and Gavaniel Garcia (Cousin-in-law) of Kennewick, and many wonderful friends and extended family who loved him dearly. A viewing will be held Sunday, August 17th from 4:00-5:30, followed by a rosary at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kennewick, where David and his family have been long-time members. A funeral service will be held at St. Joseph's on Monday, August 18th at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Life Raft group, https://liferaftgroup.org.