David Calvin Sears

South Portland - David “Dave” Calvin Sears, 92, died on June 10, 2023, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. Born in Longmeadow, MA, on March 25, 1931, he was the youngest of three children of Ruth Payson Sears and Roy Robert Sears. He graduated from Central High School in Manchester, NH, and began his studies at the University of New Hampshire, before serving in the US Army Finance Corps in Japan during the Korean War. After his service, Dave completed his studies at American University in Washington, DC, and spent a year studying at the International School of Economics in Stockholm, Sweden. While studying in Stockholm, Dave met Karin Lindwall at a dance and proposed to her 6 weeks later. They married in Sweden in 1960. Dave and Karin returned to the US to begin their life together in Washington, DC, where their son, John Sears, was born in in 1965. In 1967, the family moved to Portland, ME, where their daughter, Catherine Sears, was born. Dave and Karin celebrated 63 years of marriage last month. Dave considered himself enormously fortunate to have met and married Karin. Karin also thought their marriage was a good match, because while she was more sedentary and liked to read, Dave was more active and got her involved with skiing, swimming, hiking, and especially dancing. They enjoyed family trips to Europe to visit Karin’s family, as well as time at their camp on Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham, ME. Professionally, Dave sought rewarding work that could make a difference in people’s lives. In Washington, DC, Dave worked as Economic Development Director at Fairfax County. In Portland, ME, Dave began his federal career, working at the Economic Development Agency. Dave later moved to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where helped develop residential properties for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. After retiring from the Federal Government in 1990, Dave worked for the City of Portland as a Representative Payee for people on SSI and served as an attendant at the Oxford Street Shelter. He also devoted many hours to volunteering, serving on the Board of Directors of Ingraham Volunteers and as President of the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Association. He also volunteered with individuals one-on-one, including advocating for at-risk kids in the foster care system, being a buddy to adults with disabilities, and tutoring new Americans to help them pass the citizenship test. In retirement, Dave and Karin traveled often, especially to visit Karin’s family in Sweden or Dave’s brother in Sarasota, FL. They spent several years living on the beach in Old Orchard, where Rufus, Dave’s yellow lab, was his favorite companion. Dave remained active and played tennis into his 80s. Dave will be dearly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Karin Sears and son, John Sears, both of South Portland; his daughter and granddaughters, Catherine Sears, Mattea Lo-Sears, and Petra Lo-Sears, all of Portland; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including Valori Sears of South Portland. Dave will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, his quirky sense of humor, his amazing memory for card games, and his tricky tennis moves. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 9, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland.