David “Digger’’ Lee Guetschow, 70, died June 22, 2015.

“He passed on to the realm which awaits every one of us, sooner or later. He would be touched by the tears shed for him, but would rather that he were an inspiration to us to live our lives to the fullest, to enjoy each and every moment with our loved ones, to celebrate this blessing we temporarily possess called existence,” his family said.

Born Oct. 5, 1944, in Oshkosh, Wisc., to Rudolph and Lenora (Buck) Guetschow, he was the third of five children. He showed a strong interest in music — as did his two younger brothers — which became a lifelong passion. He loved tinkering with and riding his Indian motorcycle.

In 1965, he and Mary Kay Dunn were married, a union which was blessed by a son, Eric.

A decade later, he met Sharon Brooks in Oshkosh. They moved to Alaska and were married in Homer in 1976 by Brother Asaiah. They had three sons: Brooks, Merlyn and Ruben. Here, he discovered prospecting and boating and settled in as a fitting character of the “Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea.”

Digger had an open heart and an open door. He saw all people as equals and trusted and cared without anyone needing to first prove it worthy. He was, in turn, loved by many.

David was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gary and Steve; and beloved son, Merlyn. He is survived by his sister, Betty Litjens of Oshkosh, Wisc.; brother, Daniel Guetschow of Southport, N.C.; son, Eric Rennert of Oshkosh; sons, Brooks and Ruben Guetschow of Homer; grandchildren, Jozie, Brady and Bryce Rennert of Oshkosh; and grandchildren, Erik and lzabela Guetschow of Holíc, Slovakia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Homer Food Pantry.