David Alexander Opgrand

Lieutenant Commander David Opgrand, USN (Ret), 81 of Oriental, was surrounded by his loved ones as he passed away at home on Thursday, March 3, 2016. He was born October 1, 1934 in Halstad, Minnesota. He graduated from Halstad High School and attended North Dakota State University in Fargo for a year before transferring to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He later went on to earn a Master of Science in Administration – Personnel Management from George Washington University.

David had a first career as a naval aviator retiring in 1976 after 23 years of service. He started his civilian career as a Director of Administration for PenTran in Hampton, VA for 1 ½ years before becoming a Building Consultant for the Lutheran Church in America, covering the southeast region. After the merger of church into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he served as Director, Building, Real Estate and Finance for The Division for Outreach. Retiring after 18 years, he finished his career as Vice President of the Mission Investment Fund. He then fulfilled his lifelong dream by retiring to Oriental on the water with a sailboat in his backyard.

He lived in Oriental for 20 years serving on the Oriental Museum Board and on the Dottie Gray Ambulance Fund Board. He was a member of the Rotary for19 years and served three 3-year terms on the Vestry of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church and Junior Warden at the church 2 times. For about 4 years, he was a Guardian Ad Litem for Pamlico County. He was a master gardener.

David loved to travel, visiting about 60 countries during his time in the military and in his leisure. He enjoyed all his work, before and after retirement.

He is survived by his son, Paul Opgrand and his wife Laura of Chesapeake, VA, his daughter Cynthia Opgrand of Kalaheo, HI, grandsons, Christopher Opgrand of Colorado Springs, CO and Edward Opgrand of New York City, NY, granddaughter Melinda Hernandez and her husband Jullan of Lancaster, PA., 2 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, nephews and nieces and longtime friend of 48 years, Marguerite Juerling.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years Jacquelyn, a brother and sister.

A vigil will be held at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in Oriental at 7pm on March 11, 2016. A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 12, 2016 at 1pm also at Saint Thomas. Suggested memorials in lieu of flowers are the North Carolina Community Foundation - Dottie Gray Ambulance Fund, Hospice of Pamlico County or Saint Thomas Episcopal Church