- Date Of Birth: June 24, 1925
- Date Of Death: December 13, 2018
- State: Florida
David Ferguson Whaley “Dave the Whale” sailed peacefully into the sunset in hospice with his wife by his side on December 13, 2018.
He was a painter and climber by trade and could paint, climb, build or fix anything.
If presented with a challenge, he would commonly say “For Me Easy.”
Full of endless wisdom – he just knew how to get things done and wasn’t afraid to tackle any job.
Dave proudly lived in Cocoa Beach for over 50 years and loved being on and around the water. He sailed his Hobie Catamaran in the ocean behind his home and later moved to the Banana River where he became a member of the Cocoa Beach Boating Club and the Power Squadron. Dave led many flotillas around Florida and to the Bahamas and organized and led the Annual Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade and the 4th of July boat parade for many years.
Dave appreciated a good value when he saw one. He had a knack for and enjoyed seeking out a great price for anything he bought. He proudly badged himself as “El Cheapo #1″and would often introduce himself that way when calling retailers he had done business with in the past. It was quite an honor if Dave anointed you with his nickname, but of course, he was the only #1, others were “El Cheapo #2 or #3.”
A witty storyteller with endless wisdom, Dave was known to lend a hand whenever called.
He was proud to be a V Cop with the Cocoa Beach Police Department and was the first civilian water patrol.
In later years he proudly wore his uniform and was the oldest Citizen Observer Patrol Officer.
Dave is the last surviving member of the “:O.B’s” club who met on Wednesdays for lunch.
Dave was a man full of love and affection who valued his family and friends above all else. All who knew him laughed with him and learned from him.
.His inviting nature, warm smile and great dance skills will be greatly missed.
Dave and Alice recently celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.
He is survived by his wife Alice, son Glenn and daughter Kim.
He was the seventh son of nine children and is survived by his sister Isabel Goss.
