David Lawrence Carslake

David Lawrence Carslake, 71, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2023. He was born in Cardiff, Wales to Jean and Alan Carslake on August 18, 1951.

David, was born in  Cardiff 1951 in a time of post war rejuvenation. His father Alan worked in Insurance, but had served in a Tank Battalion in the battles of World War 2. His mother Jean was a Secretary but had been in the Land Army during the war. They met at the Cardiff City Hall when his father was playing with his band ‘Al Carslake and the Woodchoppers’. He was the drummer. It is significant that his chosen name of David was after the Uncle he never met. His Mothers only sibling was killed in the last days of the war and was a highly decorated hero in the Commando brigade of the Royal Welsh Fusilliers.

Like a lot of people in those post war days, the Carslake’s wanted a better life and decided to emigrate to Canada in 1953. But David was not to become a Canadian citizen and his father felt very uncomfortable there and they returned to Cardiff where they bought a house in Brynteg, Rhiwbina, Cardiff from which they never moved. His only brother Lyn was born in 1954.

David’s roots are in Cardiff and from where he had many close friends who he kept in touch with all his life. This grounding personifies his deep care for those he values, but he had his Dads controlled British reserve and those that mattered just knew it.

His school years in Rhiwbina and then Whitchurch Grammer saw him in excel in sports as well as academia. He was a team player and his particular favourites were football and cricket. On the academic front he flourished and he got top grades in Pure and Applied Maths as well as Physics.

Being single minded as well, he chose his next step and decided to read Electrical Engineering at Liverpool. This was despite the fact he was slightly colour blind and couldn’t easily change a plug! This decision shaped his next stage of development. He was in Liverpool when the 60’s young people revolution was taking place with Bands like the Beatles leading the way. His hair got longer and a beard appeared. His clothes got more bohemian. This was strange as he has so many similarities to his father who wore a suit at all opportunities and even gardening, whereas David only wore a suit a few times in his life. But he also formed his lifelong obsession with Liverpool FC and spent many a Saturday Afternoon singing in the legendary Kop stand.

From there David graduated and worked in a  Cardiff steel mill to earn money and was never afraid of hard graft. He then decided to do a Post Masters at Liverpool because he just loved the place.

By then though the Carslake urge to travel kicked in. He loved the beach and loved travelling to Australia and Hawaii. His degree subject was quickly forgotten and he got a ‘student job’ in Kansas City. He spent the summer selling ice cream in a van before earning enough money to go around the West Coast. The Company that employed him liked him so much that they asked him to return the following year. David’s loyalty was immeasurable and he stayed with the same company for 40+ years until he retired.

He did and there was no looking back and he never contemplated moving from his adopted City with the mighty Chiefs and where he had a season ticket. He earned promotion at work to then manage the operation and for a time, several other Branches across the USA. Finally after a number of bachelor years he decided it was time to properly settle down and he luckily met his loving wife Linda. They were blessed with two fine boys in Evan and Ian.

David was dedicated to his family and loved spending his time watching movies and grilling for them. He was passionate about his work. He loved to celebrate the 4^th of July with extravagant fireworks display and enjoyed unwinding with a beer and his friends, but he never forgot what mattered, be it caring for his USA or UK family. It was always appreciated by those that felt it.

He is survived by his sons Evan and Ian Carslake, brother Lyn Carslake, granddaughter Sofia Ladron as well as other extended family and friends.

He is greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 2:30 PM until time of service at 3:30 PM all at Terrace Park Funeral Home, 801 NW 108^th St. (169 Hwy & Shoal Creek) Kansas City, MO. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will be in Terrace Park Cemetery.