Obituary: David Kalousdian, 82, Hood River

David Kalousdian

July 14, 1944 – October 1, 2026

David Kalousdian passed away on October 1, 2026 doing what he loved—fishing the Columbia River.

David was born and raised in Pasadena, California, surrounded by a large Armenian extended family. In high school, he developed an interest in photography that led him to Lake Tahoe and to his first business venture in a camera shop. David grew up quickly after becoming a husband and father at 19. He switched careers to the casino industry, working his way up from keno ticket writer to dealer to pit boss while raising his sons, Jamie and Jeff.

Tahoe offered the perfect setting for David's love of adventure. He spent summers water skiing on the lake and cycling in the surrounding mountains, and winters snow skiing and snowmobiling. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to business ownership, and in the early 80’s he opened a bicycle shop, combining his business instincts with his interest in cycling.

In 1991, David moved to Hood River, Oregon and started a new chapter in his life. He opened Discover Bicycles and quickly became an integral part of a new community. He joined the Lions and the Elks, introduced countless cyclists to bike trails in the area, and welcomed everyone into his shop. In 2001, Sarah Plotkin stopped into the shop with friends, chatted David up, and returned the next day to ask him out. They married in 2003 and built an active life together.

David and Sarah spent winters in Los Barriles, Baja California, Mexico and were part of a community of cyclists, windsurfers, kiteboarders, pickleball players, and fishermen. Many days started at dawn on their fishing boat, and ended with a great meal of fish caught that morning. David loved to cook for the friends and family that gathered in their humble, welcoming home, and often included an Armenian dish from his childhood.

A man of few words, David showed his care through actions. An inveterate fix-it guy, he could often be found tinkering with a bike and was known as the go-to bike guy in his circle of friends. He always seemed to own the right tool for the job and he didn’t mind lending one, or a set of hands, to a neighbor or a friend. He did it all quietly, with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face.

David’s appetite for adventure sometimes came at a physical cost. Motorcycling, snow skiing, bicycling, and time on the water resulted in numerous injuries and surgeries, making him a familiar face in operating rooms. But he was never one to let a setback keep him down for long. Once recovered, he would return to the outdoors, testing his mended body and its new synthetic parts with the same enthusiasm that had gotten him into trouble in the first place.

David found joy in new experiences and was never just an observer but a full-on participant. He embraced the outdoors and adventure, pursued new business opportunities, and created lasting connections along the way. He was there for his family when they needed him, and especially loved time with his grandchildren.

David lived his life to the fullest. This is his legacy: the things he built, the people he touched, the memories he shared, and the family he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Sarah; his sons, Jamie and Jeff; his grandchildren on both coasts; his brother, Paul; his sister, Ruth; and the many friends whose lives he enriched.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com