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Dave Aitken

May 5, 1944 –
 May 13, 2023

Obituary

Dave Aitken, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on May 13, 2023, shortly after celebrating his 79th birthday. His sudden departure has left his family deeply saddened, cherishing the memories they shared with him.

David, known affectionately as “Dave” or “Pa,” is survived and greatly missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Lana. He will be forever cherished by his children, David Aitken and Janie & Aaron Stroud. Dave held a special place in the hearts of his five granddaughters, Jessica, Ashley & Julianne Aitken, and Sarah & Kate Stroud. He is also remembered by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jean & Mike Crossland, along with their families. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Mary Ann Aitken, as well as his daughter, Lori Aitken.

Dave was Born on May 5, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. He later moved to Lexington, KY, where he attended Bryan Station High School. This is where he and Lana became high school sweethearts. He pursued higher education at the University of Kentucky, earning his BS in Mechanical Engineering.

In 1974, Dave and Lana relocated to Dallas, Texas, where they established their home and raised their family, building a beautiful life together. Dave dedicated over four decades of his career as a manufacturers representative for GEA of Texas. He earned a reputation in the industry as a trustworthy and honest businessman, known for consistently doing the right thing. His professionalism and integrity formed lasting friendships with his customers. Dave’s commitment to his work led him to serve as President of the Electrical Equipment Representatives Association, a testament to his dedication.

Dave found immense joy during his lifetime boating at Lake Texoma. Countless summer weekends were spent there, teaching waterskiing and fishing to David and Janie’s friends.  His bamboo cane poles and hotdogs as bait became legendary as he patiently taught countless kids on the dock how to fish, ensuring they all experienced success. The memories created with friends on their boat and at Mill Creek Marina will forever hold a special place in their hearts. In everyday life Dave loved caring for his yard, pool, and home.  Although not his trade, he was able to fix just about anything.  Dave and Lana ended most days together doing what they loved best, sitting on a patio of a local restaurant enjoying a good meal.  

Dave’s legacy of love will live on through the memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Dave will be held on June 1, 2023, at 11 am at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, located at 5801 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093.

Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.

Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston road

Dallas, Texas 75252

214-306-6700

 

    Dorothea Turner
    19 May 2023
    11:27am

    Soo sorry for the loss of a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers are lifted up for your family.

    Stephanie Carver
    19 May 2023
    12:53pm

    Loved Dave so much! We spent many weekends on the dock at Lake Texoma enjoying each other’s company and making many lasting memories. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Lana and their beautiful family.

    Colette Knollin
    19 May 2023
    1:49pm

    Lana, Tracy just sent me your announcement of Dave’s death on Facebook. I am so sorry for your loss of that precious, sweet man. He was so helpful to me after Bob died. Typically David.Love and hugs to you and children. I will be praying for strength for you! Love, Co-Co.

    Donna Stroud
    19 May 2023
    4:07pm

    Dave was one of a kind. He was a true family man who cared deeply for each and every member of the family.

    Al and I are blessed to have been part of the Aitken/Stroud Gang since 2002. We have so enjoyed our time together. Dave was an integral part of all of our family activities. Thanksgivings he always had a craft for the girls. One year it was making turkeys out of styrofoam balls , feathers etc. They were all judged and each granddaughter got an award. He went out of his way to make any day a joyful one.

    Dave will truly be missed but will be with us always in heart and spirit.
    Love, Donna and Al Stroud

    Ron & LaDonna Brown
    19 May 2023
    10:26pm

    Dave was a piece of work!! Ron and I have such good memories of y’all being our neighbors at Mill Creek. The sharing of our water heater, the fool that went on our 1st houseboat and turned the music down, the night we took you and Dave for a ride on our Seadoo boat, announced we were going to be grandparents and then ran aground on a sandbar. Almost killed all of us, and you never even spilled your wine!! Such fun times that we will cherish always. Ron and I are so terribly sorry for your loss. Dave will be missed by many. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Ron & LaDonna Brown

    Lee Young
    20 May 2023
    5:35pm

    It was a pleasure to know Dave and to share with him the honor of being grandfather to “Poppa’s Angels” — as I called them. We spent many happy hours together with the girls and I’ll always appreciate knowing Dave. The world has lost a really good guy!

    David Waits
    29 May 2023
    9:26am

    Lana, Haven’t seen Dave since our high school days. But you could tell even then he was a special person. He stood out among all as one who would do well in the living of life. None of these high tributes to him I’m reading is surprising. A life well lived with principles and with great value to all who knew & loved him. God bless & comfort you, your family & loved ones.

    Jane Livingston
    29 May 2023
    2:29pm

    Lana and Janie I have been thinking about you so much . I know you have had such a mixture of emotions with graduation and Dave’s passing . I would have liked to have come to his service but coincidentally we are going to be in Broken Bow . I know you have many happy memories of family times there and I will be thinking about you .
    Love
    Jane Livingston

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