WA - — Beloved husband, business leader, philanthropist, and community pillar —
David J. Hovind passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025 at the age of 85. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Shelley, a proud father and grandfather, a loving brother and a cherished friend and mentor to many.
Born and raised with a keen intellect and a strong work ethic, David became a respected figure in the Pacific Northwest business community. A graduate of Bishop Blanchet High School and the University of Washington, he went on to a remarkable career in the commercial vehicle industry with PACCAR Inc. During his 39 year tenure, David served in senior leadership roles, including President and Vice Chairman, helping guide PACCAR through periods of growth, innovation, and global expansion. His leadership left a lasting imprint on the company and the industry at large, earning him the admiration of colleagues and competitors alike. He loved every day at PACCAR and embraced their ethical business practices and culture.
Beyond his professional achievements, David was deeply committed to his community, to his Catholic faith, and to helping others. He served on the board of directors with the Seattle Symphony, the Space Needle, Overlake Hospital and Medical Center, Bishop Blanchet High School, and the Fulcrum Foundation. He and Shelley established the Hovind Global Leaders Program at the Foster School of Business and the Hovind Heart and Vascular Center at Overlake. He was an active parishioner at St. James Cathedral Parish.
David's generosity extended well beyond financial gifts — he shared his time, wisdom, and encouragement freely, inspiring others to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in humility and kindness. He was known for his warm smile, quick humor, and ability to make every person he met feel valued.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shelley; his children Sharilyn Carroll (George), Matthew (Julie), Steven (Lindsay), and Christian; grandchildren Katie, Bridget, Madeline, and Anna; his brother Paul (Christina) and by a wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues who will forever treasure his legacy of leadership, service, and compassion. Family was everything to David, and his children were a source of great pride.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 20 at 10:00 am at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the David J. Hovind '58 Scholarship Endowment at Bishop Blanchet, to the Fulcrum Foundation to support Catholic education, or to Overlake Hospital. The family would like to thank the staff at Skyline for the love and care they provided David in his final years.
May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.
WA - — Beloved husband, business leader, philanthropist, and community pillar —
David J. Hovind passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025 at the age of 85. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Shelley, a proud father and grandfather, a loving brother and a cherished friend and mentor to many.
Born and raised
Published on December 14, 2025
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In Memory of David J. Hovind