David Lawrence Boots

David Lawrence Boots was born and raised in Anchorage, where he played sports, loved animals and occasionally did things like rappelling out of his bedroom window with his older sister, just to see if it could be done. After attending Bartlett High School he joined the military to pursue his dream of becoming an Army Ranger. He was injured during training and returned to Alaska, where he moved to Palmer and helped his mother through a serious health condition. She credits his care with saving her life. David later found joy and purpose in weightlifting. He worked at the MTA Sports Center in Palmer, where he was known for his crazy socks and considered family by his coworkers. He trained for and competed in strongman competitions, and had recently been working to become a certified personal trainer. David always put other people first. He was kind, empathetic, funny, honest, driven, complex and generous with his love. He loved his family, animals and, inexplicably, the Cleveland Browns. He was so devoted to his dogs Duke and Roxy that he kept their ashes and chewed up old dog bowl on display at home. His tattoos all held meaningful stories, from the sleeve of Japanese-inspired artwork to the words “Love Life” on his wrists. He could sense a good person right away. He loved well, and he was loved well. David was preceded in death by his grandparents Lawrence and June Boots and his grandfather Myron Marcey.

He is survived by his mother Janice Boots of Canby, Oregon and father Dan Boots (Kristine Boots) of Anchorage, and his sister Marcey Waugh of Caldwell, Idaho, niece Macallister and nephew Daniel, grandmother Helen Marcey and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus, 440 E. Klatt Rd. The family is planning a celebration of life to be held this summer. If you wish to remember David with a donation, he supported animal welfare organizations.