David Berliner, 74

David Andre Berliner, 74, of Sandpoint, Idaho, passed away Jan. 6, 2024, after declining health. He was born Dec. 29, 1949, to Gertrude (Breitstein) and Nathan Berliner in New York City, N.Y. They explored with their children all the art, museums, and general amazement the Big Apple had to offer, an upbringing Dave treasured throughout his life.

After graduation from Plainview High School, Dave studied aeronautical engineering at the State University of New York at Farmingdale. He found his creative interests unsatisfied, however, and soon departed the land of Nathan’s hotdogs and world-class museums to explore the beauty of the West. He transferred to Utah State University to pursue his passion for photography. 

It was there that he met the love of his life, Ohio native Andrea “Ande” Clark. She was a kindred, non-conformist spirit who shared his love of the outdoors and his ardent enthusiasm for the greatest rock musicians of the day, including Bob Dylan and The Doors.

Dave liked to quote John Lennon’s “Life is what happens when you’re busy doing other things,” and boy, was he busy doing other things! He became a master carpenter and cabinet maker, a talented wedding videographer, and a designer of instructional software for the insurance industry. His last job, as a beloved IT guru for the Lake Pend Oreille School District, was his favorite: using his gentle, easy-going demeanor and soft voice to help teachers at every grade level navigate rapidly changing technology.

Dave and Ande were blessed with 48 years of marriage, attracting a wide circle of lifelong friends — artists, teachers, techies, and anyone who embraces the amazing diversity of the universe. They moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1978, where they raised two exceptionally interesting and giving daughters, Cassidy (Berliner) Stockton of Portland, Ore., and Jillian Berliner of Sandpoint, and cherished an equally kind grandson, Graham Stockton. 

Besides his wife, daughters, and grandson, Dave is survived by his sister, Susan Berliner of NYC, brothers Cary and Sande Berliner of San Diego, Calif., and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to a charity close to the giver’s heart.

A celebration of life is being planned; details to be determined.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit David’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.