David Sieber

David Paul Sieber was born April 21, 1943 (as was Queen Elizabeth), at St. Joseph’s hospital in San Francisco to John George Sieber and Maryann Margaret (Graham) Sieber of unincorporated Bayshore City, (now Daly City). He joined big brother Philip and preceded sister Lynn (Missy) who later joined the family. His paternal grandparents had migrated through Ellis Island from Switzerland. His grandparents, both pastry chefs, had divorced but David’s father John had once told him that his grandmother had moved to Seattle and told John that if John needed to find his father, all he had to do was go to the finest hotel or restaurant in San Francisco and they would know how to find him because he was that well known in his trade. David’s father became a fine cabinet maker.

Growing up in the same neighborhood house that his father had built, he made lifelong friends. David’s mother was a tender loving woman. While attending Jefferson High School and taking college prep courses, he built a hotrod that had a beer keg for a gas tank, and it ran but he wasn’t old enough to get a driver’s license. The family still has the car. David did Nascar driving and helped his Dad build their cabin in Boulder Creek. David was very proud of the fact that his father had won the Golden Gate swimming race, in chilly waters, in the late 1920’s and David had the trophy. Through the years, David took some college courses and courses related to his job.

After high school, David became a volunteer Daly City Fireman and while doing that he was drafted and sent to Vietnam, becoming a combat infantry veteran; he was in Vietnam when TanSunNhut was blown up; that was said to be the largest attack since WWII. When David completed his military obligation, his colonel told him that he wished he had a son just like him. When David returned to San Francisco, he joined the San Francisco Police Department for the next 27 years before retiring in 1995. He was a Field Training Officer, participated in Police Olympics and spent most of his time at the “Old” Northern Station and Crime Lab. Dave felt that his claim to fame as an SFPD officer, was that senior, well known officer, Ben Vaniderstine requested David to be his partner.

David married Phyllis Gunder Sieber July 25th, 1992, and when they retired, they divided their time between San Francisco and beautiful Pollock, Idaho. David asked that his obituary include that he thought his wife Phyllis was the nicest person in the world. In Idaho, David once again became a volunteer Fireman/First Responder for nearly 20 years, also serving on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer. He also designed and built a 5-bedroom, split level house, mostly on his own, along with other buildings on their property. David and Phyllis traveled all around the world to almost every continent and every state with very dear SFPD and other friends. They had the times of their lives meeting new friends and seeing historic and famous sites. David became the life of the party on their travels and couldn’t wait for the next adventure. During their 31 years of retirement, David belonged to the Salmon River Art Guild, painting in various mediums and teaching prospective. (As a child, he made paintings for the Grand National Livestock Show at the Cow Palace which got the entire school free entry.) David’s paintings have been displayed at banks and other businesses. David also attended church and belonged to the POA, SFVPOA, IOOF Lodge, Jefferson High School Alumni and other organizations. David was a patriot who loved our country, serving as American Legion Commander participating in funerals, parades, veteran events, taking hospital equipment to veterans and driving them hundreds of miles for medical appointments.

David and his wife took care of aging relatives and friends throughout the years. His father-in-law told his wife, Phyllis that she had picked a “good one”. Old ladies loved David and would borrow him from his wife. David not only helped the elderly, but he also loved kids serving as a Judge in Science and Art competitions, teaching them to drive, doing carpentry work at Bible Camp, talking to kids in a way to make them “Think”. One of his nephews said that David had a unique prospective on things because of his various life experiences that most people don’t experience.

David endured a 17-month illness that the VA attributed to Agent Orange. He was brave, throughout, participating in studies to help future patients and his goal was to make all the medical professionals helping him smile. He succeeded. David passed away August 7th, 2025 at Kaiser Hospital, SSF with his wife and Chaplain by his side. David was predeceased by his parents; his siblings; his mother-in-law that adored him; Aunt Mernie that he took care of till her death; and many wonderful family and friends that he greatly loved.

David had animal magnetism. He loved them and they loved him. He had fur babies most of his life that lived long wonderful lives, and he generously contributed to animal organizations. He leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Phyllis, who was his world traveling companion, co-worker, confident, care giver and more; 3 daughters; 2 grandsons; 1 son-in-law; many loving nieces and nephews that he adored; his best friend, Jim, from the Army; longtime friends from kindergarten that he loved and enjoyed; his special work friends, traveling friends and loving neighbors. Many of David’s friends adopted him, sharing their families with him and including him in their lives. David was blessed and loved by many. A friend who is a Judge once said, “Who could forget David.”

Much appreciation goes to Kaiser, the VA and Linda Mar Rehab for their love and help.