‘Leavenworth’s Father Christmas’ is Honored with a Quilt of Valor

David E. Severance, Jr, known to many as Leavenworth’s Father Christmas from 1996 to 2018, was presented with a Quilt of Valor on November 2, 2022. A Quilt of Valor is an expression of gratitude meant to thank and comfort service members and military veterans. A Quilt of Valor unequivocally says thank you for your service and sacrifice serving our nation.

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is an organization of 10,000 members and volunteers in the United States. It was started in 2003 by Catherine Roberts when her son deployed. Since then, over 300,000 quilts have been awarded. The mission of Quilts of Valor is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

Severance served in the Marine Corps Reserve from July 1961 to July 1968 at the Sandpoint Naval Station in Seattle, WA. He received an honorable discharge in 1968 with the rank of Sergeant.  Severance also served 30 years with the Seattle Police Department.

Fondly remembered as Father Christmas and a steadfast supporter of the Greater Leavenworth Museum, which began in 2002 with his help and support, Severance is a treasured community member.

The Quilt of Valor was presented to Severance by Upper Valley Historical Society current and former board members in a ceremony in the City of Leavenworth Council Chambers. This Quilt of Valor was pieced by Carol Cade, quilted by Althea Gyde with Blue Heron Quilting, and edges bound by Margaret Neighbors.