David Wade Lytle, 61, of Sweet Home passed away Friday. He was born in Salinas, California to Bill and Clarice “Vicki” (Vickroy) Lytle.

In June of 1973, David married Alma Ruth Sloan, daughter of Loyd and Dorene Sloan. They had two beautiful daughters. David and Ruth were married 39 years.

David was a quiet, gentle and patient man with an inquisitive mind. His interests were large and varied, from mechanics, to gardening, to cooking in the kitchen with his family. He loved movies, was an avid “Star Trek” and “Iron Man” fan, but would happily sit and watch the family all time favorite “The Princess Bride”, with his family. He loved his grandchildren fiercely, writing his grandson, and babysitting his granddaughter. A loyal son and son-in-law, David cared for his parents for many years in his home, and in the recent few years spent many happy hours with his mother-in-law, Dorene. He loved his “moms” deeply, proudly.

He loved nature. He loved hunting, hiking, fishing and never ceased to be amazed at the wonder of plants growing from the earth. He loved standing at the beach at the ocean, always impressed by the magnitude and power of the universe, and reveled at his place in it.

David was a collector of “things,” enough to drive his family crazy. His collection included, marbles, video games, pens and pencils, tools, but above all, he loved books, owned hundreds, and could not bear to part with any, except as gifts. Studying, reading and speaking in public were difficult for David, but he spent time every day working to improve himself.

David was an observer, not only of nature, but of people. For those who knew him, their lives were full of small, tiny items that were thoughtful, and just for them.

His wife called him, her “Minute Man”. He lived in the minute he was in to the fullest. He carefully invested his time with great patience and thoughtfulness in his family, in his home, his allotment of time here on earth. He was happy in his life and worked every day to invest in the people who were in it. His family knew without question that he loved them.

David is survived by: his wife, Ruth of Sweet Home; his daughters, Metina Sullivan of Sweet Home and Angela Sullivan, of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Darlene Breeden of Bend, OR; and brother, Darwin Lytle of Portland, OR; beloved mother, Clarice “Vicky” Lytle of Bend, OR; and grandchildren, Elijah and Lilly Ann.

He was preceded in death by: his father, Bill Ivan Lee Lytle; granddaughter, Kayla Sullivan who died in 2000; and his siblings, Dana, Dennece, and Darrell.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.