David R. Begeal

Dave was born at home on the family's dairy farm on Dry Brook Road, north of Hancock, NY to parents, Homer and Mildred (Mallery) Begeal. He graduated from Hancock High School in 1957 and went to Broome Technical College in Binghamton, NY, where he earned an Associate Degree in Chemical Technology.

With a sharp mind and adventurous spirit, Dave headed west in 1960 to Idaho Falls taking a job as a technician at Argonne National Labs. In 1963, he came to Albuquerque to work at Sandia National Laboratory. For a brief time, he went to Nevada to work at Westinghouse Astronuclear. In 1965, he returned to Sandia Laboratory where he worked for the rest of his career. Retiring in 1997, he was recognized for exceptional service in the national interest.

While in Albuquerque, Dave met the love of his life, Betty Borling. They married on November 22, 1969. Albuquerque became their forever home where they enjoyed raising their two children, Kathy and Carl. Dave was a quiet and thoughtful man. His entire family benefited greatly from his steady guidance and leadership. His wisdom flowed from a deep well of life experience and Christian faith. He was an active member within the St. Luke Lutheran Church community, where he volunteered in many roles. Singing in the choir brought him great joy.

Dave loved the outdoors and shared skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, gardening, and golfing with friends and family. He was a skilled woodworker, problem-solver, and engineer at heart. He enjoyed creating custom furniture for the family home, fixing anything needing repair, and restoring his '73 MGB coupe. True to his farming roots, he cultivated a thriving backyard garden and gifted others with tomatoes, vegetables and fruit. He loved NM chile and visiting Bosque del Apache to see the migratory birds. Dave and Betty were grateful to travel internationally with dear friends and family.

A devoted husband, father, and grandpa, Dave's legacy lives on in: his loving wife, Betty; daughter, Kathryn (Bruno De las Casas); and grandchildren, Luka and Viviana; son, Carl (Cindy Trujillo) and grandchildren, Renee and Rayna; and beloved niece, Gina Wilson (Kevin). Dave is also survived by sisters, Carol Gurwell, Ruth Wilhelm (Bruce), and Linda Raitt (Jack); brother, Ralph Begeal (Carol); brothers-in-law, Joseph Rotzler and John Borling (Myrna); and many special nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Rotzler; beloved nephew, Paul Sekol; and brothers-in-law, Philip Davis and Bill Gurwell.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Menaul Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM on Saturday July 12, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Dave may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church or Trout Unlimited.