David Albert TenClay passed away on November 11 at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa. Dave was born August 10, 1986 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, son to Roger and Sherry TenClay. On his first day of life, he raised his head and looked his mother in the eye, and the adventure began.
Dave loved music throughout his life. He was a member of Chelwood Christian Reformed Church where he also became a part of the worship team at the age 12. He did two summer tours with Carpenter’s Tools, a faith-based band. At age16 he traveled for six weeks in Bolivia, and at age 18 he toured in Hong Kong. David graduated from El Dorado High School where he was a member of the marching and concert bands as well as the bassist in the award-winning jazz band, Screamin’ Eagles.
Growing up, Dave tried most of the extreme sports available. In a letter, he talked the Chelwood Church Council into letting him build a BMX bike track behind the church as an outreach project. He wanted to welcome other young bikers and encourage them to have fun at church getting to know God and God’s love for them.
Dave attended Northwestern College, in Orange City Iowa, and graduated from Columbia College in Chicago where he also interned with the Chicago Steel development hockey team and the Chicago Architecture Foundation. After college, Dave moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he shared a house with his brother, Mike. He worked as a Repair Analyst/Alternative disposition Asset Manager for Wells Fargo and was a part of Westview Church where he served on the worship team as a bassist, drummer, guitarist and singer.
Dave loved music, composing songs and instrumentals throughout his life and played multiple instruments including keyboard, mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and concertina. He adored his extended family and looked forward to times together in person and through social media. His goal in life was to “make a difference in the world” through his music and care for others.
David is survived by his parents, Roger and Sherry, brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Kim, nephew, Cameron, and his pit bull terrier, Blue. He also leaves behind uncles, aunts and cousins as well as his church families and more friends than he realized. Dave’s TenClay and VanderMeer grandparents as well as his Uncle Mark VanderMeer have already arrived in heaven. David’s name means “beloved.” He is beloved by God and by everyone who met him and knew him.
On November 27 at 2:00pm (Mountain Time) We will gather on Zoom to honor and remember Dave. The Zoom link will be sent out shortly.
We want to continue Dave’s legacy of helping others through music. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you contribute to providing music resources for children in need using one of the following:
Des Moines: Salvation Army of Des Moines music programs at
Click on “dedicate my donation in memory” and in the comment line say “music resources in memory of David TenClay.” Checks may also be sent to Salvation Army PO Box 933 Des Moines IA, 50304 using the same info in the memo line.
Albuquerque: Chelwood Christian Reformed Church at http://www.chelwoodchurch.com/ . Click on “Donate now” then choose TenClay donation. Checks may also be sent to Chelwood Christian Reformed Church PO Box #11155, Albuquerque NM, 87192. In the memo line say “music resources in memory of David TenClay.”
……………………………….
.
