Obituary of David Owen Tooker

David Owen Tooker was born on August 7, 1953 in New London, CT and journeyed onward from this life on February 14, 2011 in Aptos, CA. David grew up in the central Connecticut town of Woodbury. He first attended Western New England College and then went on to the University of Colorado at Boulder. He lived and worked for several years in Colorado before heading westward once again and arriving on California's Central Coast. His energy could only be said to have been nearly boundless - his was a life of constant yet economical motion - nothing wasted. David's occupation as a General Building Contractor was very compatible to his spirit. He wanted to improve the condition of all that he could. He bent his efforts toward accomplishing that goal in his work and in his artistic and creative pursuits. His hands were those of a hard working man - strong and tough with the ability to build a beautiful home or shape a finely made piece of furniture. David enjoyed many peaceful and pleasurable hours in his workshop. His woodworking designs were studies in strength and balance. He also took great pride in his skill as a boat carpenter. His favorite pastime was auto-racing and he seldom missed watching a "Formula One" race if it could be helped. He derived great contentment and many lifelong friends in racing his own Mazda sports car. David took his first checkered flag at Laguna Seca - his favorite track. He went on to win many more races at the various SCCA venues around California He was always quick to say that he found both his inspiration and spirituality in the sea. He had a profound appreciation of nature and the world around him, especially in the beauty along the Big Sur Coast. Living close to the ocean meant a great deal to him and he loved both the time he spent in his youth on Block Island, RI and here, sailing along the California's beautiful coastline. His family and friends are so grateful for the privilege of having this gentle soul, this kind and loving man in their lives. David was a good and true friend and chose in so many ways to show kindness and generosity to all he knew. He possessed a quiet dignity and a fine Irish sense of humor and love of life. David was the "Rock Solid Heart" of his family. His voice was deep and resonant. Though it may now be silenced, the great comfort and expressions of his love for family and friends will be heard always in our hearts. David leaves behind his wife Mary, as well as stepchildren Sara Robertson, Julie (Robbie) Smith and Marcq Sarratt. He delighted in being the loving "Pops" to Jackson and Zachary. In addition, he is survived by his mother Shirley Tooker and brother Matthew (Aimee) Tooker of Connecticut, his very dear sister Kimberly (Jack) Nellenbach of Pennsylvania as well as his three nephews Michael (Kelly) Scott, Christopher and Patrick Nellenbach. He was preceded in death by his beloved father Lewis Owen Tooker. We wish to express our sincere thanks to the kind and caring nurses and doctors attending David at Dominican Hospital as well as the Hospice of Santa Cruz County staff for making it possible for David's last wishes to be fulfilled. Contributions in David's memory may be made to the Sea Otter Program at Monterey Bay Aquarium. A gathering to celebrate David's life will be held in the Springtime.