David (Dima) Zaltsman, z”l, died July 14, 2021, after complications from liver disease, at the age of 64. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Liliya Zaltsman; children, Rimma and Tyler Richardson, Janet Zaltsman; and grandson, Ethan Richardson.
David was born in Riga, Latvia, Oct. 17, 1956, to Golda and Josef Zaltsman. He was an only child who enjoyed school and spending summers at the Baltic Sea in Jurmala. After graduating high school, David went on to Riga Technical Institute, where he got his degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in computer science. In 1983, he married Liliya and a short year later, their first daughter, Rimma, was born.
In 1992, David, along with his family, made the difficult decision to immigrate to Portland for better opportunities. In 1995, his second daughter, Janet, joined the family.
David spent the last 25 years working as a Tooling Design Engineer at Oregon Tool, where his colleagues knew him to be passionate, smart and charismatic. He described his work as a “hobby” and found purpose in it.
David brought a smile and sense of humor to everyone he encountered and loved celebrating events, big and small. He had a passion for travel and went on many memorable trips with his family. David was a master handyman around the house. He also gave back to the community by helping other Russian immigrants and volunteering at his synagogue, Congregation Neveh Shalom.
Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, David managed his illness with strength – and even humor. Donations in David’s honor may be made to Portland’s Jewish Family & Child Service (jfcs-portland.org).