David Van Ostrand

David James Van Ostrand, or Cousin Dave as he was known to many, passed away on March 29th, 2026. Born in Elgin, Illinois, on April 22, 1950, David and his family moved to Bremerton, Washington, in July 1968 to be closer to relatives. He graduated from East Bremerton High School in June 1969 and went to work at his Uncle Bob's Mobile/Texaco Service Station at 11th & Callow as a mechanic. In August 1974, he started in the PSNS Apprenticeship program, graduating in June 1979 and beginning his career in Shop 31 as a Marine Machinist Mechanic. Several years later, he transferred to Naval Submarine Base Bangor and retired from there in August 2008.

David was a man of many interests and hobbies. His love for sports was unparalleled — he hand-documented every game outcome of the NFL season since the early '90s and recently celebrated the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl win. He also endured many Mariners seasons, though "endured" might be generous. Dave was famously known to declare the season over with 161 games still left to play. Every Saturday, he could be found enjoying breakfast at The Airport Diner, the Big Apple Diner, or most recently, at The Family Pancake House. David was an avid model car collector, amassing an impressive collection over the years that reflected his lifelong love of automobiles. But his most cherished hobby was taking care of all the family dogs, a testament to the size of his generous heart.

David was the ultimate uncle. He never missed a sporting event, dance recital, or school function for his nieces, great-nephew and great-niece. He was always in the stands, always showing up. He was also quietly the funniest person in the family, known for a sneaky one-liner delivered at just the right moment that would catch everyone off guard and leave the room laughing.

David was a devoted Lutheran, often found ushering on Sunday mornings at Peace Lutheran Church or lending a helping hand to church members in the community. He was a man who prioritized taking care of his family and assisting with church and neighbor projects over all else. David was predeceased by his parents, Don and Lois. He is survived by his sister Cindy and brother-in-law Chuck Stone, nieces and their husbands Stacy and Peter Noble and Amy and Juan Huitron, great-nephew Michael, great-niece Amari, and cousin Jimmy Buehler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in David's memory to Peace Lutheran Church & School or Kitsap County Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Bremerton at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026. In true Cousin Dave fashion, the family asks that everyone wear their favorite sports team apparel.