David Moore

In Loving Memory of

David Gene Moore

October 2, 1938 – October 27, 2023

On Friday, October 27, 2023 David Gene Moore, loving Husband, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and Father of three children - that he was so very proud of, transitioned to his eternal reward to be with the Lord.  We find comfort that David will be cheering us all on from heavenly places.  The Family had just recently gathered at home to celebrate David’s 85th Birthday, earlier in the month.  Our memories are fresh, bright and full of love and laughter.  We will be forever grateful for the time, wisdom and sharp sense of humor he generously shared with all of us.  David passed peacefully at home with his wife by his side.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 – 2:00 p.m. at the Ebell property in Halfway, Oregon.  Friends are invited to join the family for a reception and time of sharing at the Main Place in Halfway following the Interment.

David was born in Tonasket, WA to Leonard and Peggy Moore.  His father was working a lime mine at the time and moved the family to south Seattle where David spent his early years.  A big impact moment in David’s young life happened when he was in Jr. High School and was among a small group of students chosen to meet General Douglas McArthur. General McArthur had just returned to the States from being relieved from Korea. David referred to the hour spent with him as the most memorable time he had ever spent with one individual. This early encounter with a famous military leader steered his later decision to pursue a military career.

David was known as a brilliant charismatic leader with a strong moral compass and a commitment to duty, honor and country. From 1960 to 1980, David served a distinguished career in the United States Army, retiring at the rank of Colonel.  He served three years in combat in the Vietnam War and was awarded two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts and three Air Medals.  David had troop command assignments in Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam and the United States.  His assignments included:  Air Cushion Vehicle Project as Project Manager and Commander; Army Command and General Staff College Ft Leavenworth, Director (Chairman) of Computer Science Department; 82nd Airborne Division, Ft Bragg, Battalion Commander – Light Tank Battalion; Main Battle Tank Program Management Director developing a plan that assured that the first production deliveries of the Main Battle Tank (M1 Abrams) were on time and below budget.

After retiring from the Army, David spent the next 25 years of his professional career in pursuit of improving the nation’s educational system.  The first half was spent in the public education sector where he was employed by Mott Community College, in Flint, Michigan.  David served as the Dean of Information Systems from 1980-1982, Dean of Management from 1982-1984 and then the President of Mott Community College from 1984 to 1992.  Believing that he could make a greater impact in the private education sector, he went to work for DeVry Institute of Technology in Los Angles as President and developed the company’s West Coast growth strategy.  He was then recruited by National Education Centers, Inc where he became the President.  In 1995, David along with four other partners, founded Corinthian Colleges, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and was elected to Chairman of the Board in 2001.  Under David’s leadership the company grew from the original 12 campuses to over 130 campuses in the US and Canada and became a publicly traded company in 1999.  David retired from his position of CEO, in 2004 and from the Board in 2007, as the company was turned over to professional management. 

David was then able to focus his entrepreneurial spirit and drive on Pine Valley Ranch, which he and his wife Kathryn purchased in 2000.  Over the years, a few more businesses were acquired and developed: Pine Valley Lodge, The Main Place, Cornucopia Lodge and Pack Station, and Cornucopia Mtn.   David would say that the Army taught him the necessity of walking the talk and the importance of no lying, cheating or stealing.  He was deeply dedicated to his family, friends, employees, community and nation.  Our lives and world will not be the same without him in it.

Educational Accomplishments include: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Seattle University, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Master of Business Administration from University of Puget Sound, Management of Higher Education Program from Harvard University, Doctorate of Higher Education from University of Michigan and graduate study and research in Computer Science at Kansas State University

David’s personal hobbies included ranching, yachting, woodworking and photography.  He, Kathryn & the family enjoyed traveling throughout the world together and yachting in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and on the California Coast. He was an avid reader and historian.  David also enjoyed classical music and opera.  He served on the Boards of the Orange County Performing Arts Center and Opera Pacific for several years. His favorite television programs were Westerns.

David is survived by his wife Kathryn, his son John and wife Lan from Seattle, WA.; his daughter Kathy from Ellensburg, WA; his son Alan and wife Lindy and granddaughters Macy, Bristol and Taylor, from Orlando, FL and his sister Donna Wannamaker from Anacortes, WA.

David leaves a rich legacy of impacting and touching the lives of those who knew him. 

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of David, the family suggests to give an act of kindness to a veteran with words, deeds or support in your community or nation.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com