David Spurgeon dies; collector and giver to island causes | Passages

David Lee Spurgeon of San Juan Island died May 13 of complications from a chronic respiratory condition, the San Juan Island Yacht Club announced Thursday.

David Lee Spurgeon of San Juan Island died May 13 of complications from a chronic respiratory condition, the San Juan Island Yacht Club announced Thursday.

Spurgeon’s wife, Mary Ann, was at his side. “She is requesting no calls for a while. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers,” the club announced in an e-mail.

Spurgeon was a noted collector and giver to island causes. His custom-built, three-quarter scale functioning diesel 18-wheel truck (the “Betterbuilt”) was a fixture at the annual Concours d’ Elegance, an annual fund-raiser for the Inter Island Medical Center Guild.

“This was one of the most fun-loving, generous and creative persons I have ever known,” Journal columnist Howard Schonberger said. “What a loss.”

More details will be published when received.