Dave grew up in San Rafael, California. Beginning at age 11, Dave developed an insatiable curiosity about electronics and science. While growing up, he spent much time designing and building many electronic projects from the chassis up.

Dave attended the College of Marin, and focused on the field of science and electronics engineering. Eventually, after he retired at age fifty-five, he discovered the wonderful world of amateur radio.

Professionally, Dave has worked in many different fields and applications of electronics and biomedical electronics engineering. Additionally, he has taught electronics at Diablo Valley College. Dave holds a patent on a communication system.

In 1986, after he retired, Dave became a ham and held the callsign KB6MZA until 1987; he then upgraded to Extra class with his present callsign, KI6WF.

Since then, Dave became hooked on DXing, which, observes Dave, provides a wonderful opportunity to get to know many people from different cultures and parts of the world.

Some of the awards that Dave has achieved include DXCC Honor Roll with 334 current entities (339 total entities), 5BDXCC, WAC, WAS, and WAZ. Although Dave has never been on a DXpedition, he has supported them by building computer interface cables, for example, for the 1996 AL7EL/KH9 Wake Island and 1997 VKØIR Heard Island DXpeditions. Also, Dave works with NCDXF Advisor Bob Fabry, N6EK, constructing cable sets for the NCDXF Beacons.

Dave is currently involved with several ham radio organizations, including the Northern California DX Foundation (Director), Northern California DX Club (Member), Northern California Contest Club (Member), Heard Island DX Association, INDEXA, Alameda County ARES/RACES, Contra Costa County Sheriff's Posse Emergency Radio Unit, Islam Temple Amateur Radio Club and Hiram's Amateur Radio Society.

In addition to amateur radio, Dave is interested in photography, astronomy, audio/music (HI-FI), computers, skiing, and sports cars.