David Michael Baldwin

David Michael Baldwin was born on January 21, 1974, in Salinas, California, to Jerry Baldwin and Valerie Wilder Baldwin. He passed away on May 13, 2026, in Boise, Idaho.

His early years were spent in Salinas and Moss Landing, California, before his family moved to Moreno Valley. In 1989 the family settled in Boise, Idaho, where David graduated from high school in 1992.

David battled Neurofibromatosis (NF) his whole life. This is a genetic disease, and in David’s case it caused, among other things, severe scoliosis. At 16 he had spinal fusion surgery at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. Two metal rods were placed the full length of his spine. This helped his scoliosis, but the result was more surgeries, pressure on his heart and lungs, and chronic neck and back pain the rest of his life.

David graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BS in psychology, and worked until 2014. He spent time as a live-in caretaker, along with his Aunt Connie and Uncle Jack, for his grandmother Nettie Baldwin, while she battled Alzheimer's. She responded to David when she was unable to respond to others. Around 2015 he moved in with his friend Vince, and his four children to care for them while Vince worked.

In April 2016, a carotid artery on one side of his neck spontaneously ruptured due to NF related vasculitis. He spent the next 31 days in ICU, with an additional 2 months in inpatient care. Despite his pain, David spent the next 10 years ministering to others in his life, including Mercedes and his nephews. He spent the last 30 days of his life hospitalized, in and out of the ICU, with arterial bleeds caused by his NF.

David had a natural ability to counsel, advise, and comfort people. He was a gifted and creative man. David expressed himself through a variety of artistic mediums. He generously created personal gifts for family, friends, and the elderly. But the greatest gift was knowing and loving David. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

David had a passion for motorcycles. He was a patient and understanding teacher and encouraged his entire family to ride.

David will be remembered for his dry and sarcastic sense of humor, his mischievous smile, and his unexpected antics. He was a kind, generous, and thoughtful son, brother, uncle, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Kelvin and Nettie Baldwin; his maternal grandparents, James and Marian Wilder; his uncle Daniel Smith, and his cousin Jonathan Smith.

He is survived by his father, Jerry Baldwin; his mother, Valerie Wilder Baldwin; his sisters, Amy Huse and her husband Casey, and Amanda Baldwin; his brother, Daniel Baldwin and his wife Kay; his niece Mercedes Huse and her husband Brian Libby; his nephews Geoffrey Huse, Theo Baldwin, William Baldwin, and Isaac Baldwin. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

David faced his lifelong battle with NF with strength and resilience. In honor of David, and in recognition that May is NF Awareness Month, donations may be made to the NF Foundation at: NF Foundation Donation – please dedicate your donation to David Michael Baldwin in his memory.https://www.nfnetwork.org/contribute/contribute-online/

A memorial service will be held, 2:00 pm, Friday, May 22, 2026 at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Garden City.

Services are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City. 208-853-3131