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David B. Upshaw passed away at the Casa de la Luz Hospice in Tucson, Arizona, February 2017, with family and friends near. He will be dearly missed by his brother and close friends.
He was a 50-year Tucson resident and 1970 graduate of the University of Arizona with a major in history, government and education. A distinguished educator and coach, he was a 26-year veteran of the Amphitheater School District. He taught at Nash Elementary, Danielson and Amphitheater Middle Schools.
He coached all of his teaching years at the elementary and middle school levels and several with varsity. He inspired and encouraged his young athletes and students to perform their best and believe in themselves. As an All State basketball athlete from Globe High School in 1964 and a three-year letterman in three sports, he knew the power of: focus; practice; personal discipline and confidence. He instilled these values in both his students and athletes.
He was loved by his students, who experienced his energetic presence and unconventional, real world teaching style. He retired in 1997. He received athletic scholarships to Northern Arizona University and Phoenix College.
David was an experienced and wise financial investor whose advice was often sought. In his 60s, he became uncommonly generous and helped several close friends achieve dreams of a lifetime and bridge financial gaps.
An avid and low-scoring golfer, he played in the Pima Education Golf League for nearly 30 years. He will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, well-timed “one liners,” ruckus humor, and love and knowledge of some popular music. His brother remembers one of David’s familiar quotes that he would produce with a wise smile at opportune moments: “You win some, you lose some, some get rained out, but you have to suit up for them all.” Meaning, he would say, “You’ve got to be always ready for the game on and off the court.”
He is survived by his brother, Mark Upshaw, a visual artist/writer and former Architect in Denver, Colorado and other close friends. Memorial: Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Vistoso Funeral Home, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley, Arizona 85755. Reception to follow with heavy hors d’oeuvre at the location above.
