David “Dave” W. Ganse, 63, of Winchester, Virginia passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 5, 2018, at his home after suffering a heart attack. He was found in his favorite spot, enjoying the beautiful views of the landscape through his bedroom windows.
Dave was born in 1954 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the son of Marjorie A. Ganse and the late Robert G. Ganse. He graduated from James Wood High School, Class of 1972 and attended Virginia Tech. Dave was a respected architect in the Winchester community and established his own firm, David W. Ganse, AIA Architect, which he maintained until his retirement in 2017.
Dave was inducted into the James Wood Hall of Fame in 2012 for his high school prowess in football, wrestling and track. He was an avid guitarist and performed with several bluegrass bands throughout his life. Dave loved to cook and spend time in his garden. In the past few years he enjoyed trips to Spain and was looking forward to traveling through Europe.
Surviving along with his former wife and lifelong friend, Pamela Hughes are his children, Leah Ganse (Pere) of Barcelona, Spain and Evan Ganse of Winchester, Virginia; brother, Robert Thomas Ganse (Barbara), Donald George Ganse (Cathy), Richard Eugene Ganse, all of Winchester, Virginia; a sister, Anne Melissa Ganse of Inwood, West Virginia; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his father and a brother, James Michael Ganse.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 11 am on Saturday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with Reverend Dan McCoig officiating. A reception will follow the service at Omps Reception Center, Amherst Chapel.
Memorial contributions in memory of Dave may be made to The Laurel Center, P.O. Box 14, Winchester, Virginia 22604.