Obituary of David Haik Toshikian

David Haik Toshikian passed away on Sunday August 15, 2010 at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. He was 71 years old. David was born in Ware Massachusetts to Charles and Lucy Toshikian. During World War II his family moved to Southern California for a brief time before settling in Santa Cruz where he lived for 67 years. He worked at Lonestar cement plant in Davenport for 38 years as a personnel manager which he found very rewarding. David was a man full of life and enjoyed making others laugh. He loved meeting new people and performing his "chicken" joke for them. An expert on classic Hollywood trivia, he knew many of the local movie stars who have retired here and spent hours talking with them about their careers. He loved animals and had many beloved dogs over the course of his life. Since moving to Bonny Doon several years ago he enjoyed seeing and feeding the deer and wild turkey who would often stroll up to the house for a visit. He loved working with his hands and around the family property. However, to this day it's still a mystery to his family why he loved painting everything green from lawn chairs to cars. As a father and husband he enjoyed putting on barbeques bringing his family together for good food and great company. David loved his community and had a strong sense of duty; which started back in 1954 when he participated in the Civil Defense Team, Skywatch, in junior high. He was proud of his role as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. During his years in scouting he was a Cub Scout Master for Capitola pack 616 and the District Chairman for Santa Cruz County. David worked with many organizations throughout his professional life. He worked with the United Way as Commerce and Industries Chairman and an Allocations Chairman. He was a board member for the Transportation Manager Association, the Native Animal Rescue, and the Davenport Fire Team Auxiliary. He worked as a volunteer for the Sheriff's Office, Capitola City Police Officer Selection Committee, Adopt-A-School program, and the National Election Staff. Also, he was the founder and president of both the Santa Cruz County Personnel Managers Association and the Safety Managers Association. He was proud of his community achievement awards which he received throughout his many years as a volunteer. He was the recipient of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Annual Transportation Award. The Boy Scouts of America honored him with the District Award of Merit and Distinguished Service Award. While working for Lonestar he received the Adopt-A-School Industry Education Council Deb Ducharme Award. He was also honored by the Surf City Kiwanis Club and received the Citizen of the Month award as well as the Santa Cruz Sheriff-Coroner's Office award for outstanding cooperation. During his retirement he volunteered for the State of California, Rancho Del Oso Ranger Station and the Board of Directors for Waddell Creek Association. He also enjoyed reporting the Bonny Doon weather conditions to KSBW Ch. 8 news each day. David is survived by his wife of 42 years Barbara Toshikian and three children David Toshikian; Shawn Toshikian and Tracey Pooler and their daughter Harley; and Elizabeth Ettinger, her husband Anthony and their daughters Maile and Kathleen. He is also survived by his first wife and dear friend Patty Balzi, brother Charles Toshikian and family, sister Pricilla Welch and family, sister Rose Quigley and family, and his predeceased brother Warren Toshikian's family who loved him dearly. He was blessed with many nieces and nephews, all of whom meant the world to him. He was loved and supported by his in-laws Mary and Richard Guizio, Susie and Denise Kehoe, Pete De Quincy, and predeceased Elizabeth Sheldon. He is survived by his most beloved dog, Lady. David's family would like to thank all the friends, family, and staff in ICU of Dominican Hospital for their support and love. He was a great man, member of the community, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man we could all count on for help, support, and love. He will be greatly missed. David's family and friends will celebrate his life with a memorial at their family home. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Boy Scouts of America, Waddell Creek Association, or a charity of your choice in David's name.