David Ivan Kessay

David Ivan Kessay, of Chandler, Maricopa County, Arizona passed away following a lengthy illness at his home in Chandler on September 6, 2013. He was 46. David was born in McNary, Apache County, Arizona on March 12, 1967 to parents, Virgil and Dorinda (Kitcheyan) Kessay. David began working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) fighting fires in 1985 and found his calling. In 1990, he moved his family to Mesa, Arizona and continued his tenure with the BIA at the Pima Agency, in Sacaton, Arizona until 1996. In November of 1996, David began his career with the Gila River Fire Department in the early stages of the development of an All Native American Fire Apprenticeship Program. In March of 1997, he became a member of the first All Native American Fire Academy in history, comprised of Native American from all over the United States. Upon completion, he gained certification as a Firefighter, EMT and Hazardous Materials Technician. David quickly promoted to Lieutenant and later Captain. In 2005 he was named Firefighter of the year. David is survived by his wife, Pam Kessay of Chandler, Arizona; children, Tasha and Craig; mother, Dorinda Kessay. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Kessay. A one night wake will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 1201 N. Hondah Road Lot # A58 in Hondah, Arizona. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will begin 9:30 A.M., Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Saint Rita's Catholic Church, 1400 E. Owens in Show Low, Arizona. The committal service and interment will immediately follow at the Cooley Mountain Cemetery in Hondah. Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled the arrangements.