Obituary of Thomas David Weber

Thomas David Weber 1944-2011 David Weber, a long time resident of Santa Cruz County, passed away peacefully on August 22, at the age of 66. with his wife and children at his side. Dave was born on the solstice, December 21, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. His family moved to California when he was a child and he grew up in the city of Brea. He met and married his lifelong soul mate, Rebecca, while attending California State University at Fullerton. After receiving his degree in computer science, Dave and Rebecca moved to Santa Cruz, where they established roots and raised their children, Aimee and Nate. Dave's career in the computer/technology industry started when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. He was trained as a repairman for early computer "machines" which consisted of tubes, relays, 80-column punch cards and moving mechanical parts. He would spend forty years in the software and hardware industry, and was involved in the transition from mainframes, minicomputers, and PC's, to the Internet. During his career, he worked for Control Data Corp., Digital Equipment Corp, Scientific Micro Systems, Cirrus Logic, Lexar Media and Kingston Technology. Upon retirement, he continued to pursue his passion in computers, volunteering to work along with Rebecca at the Santa Cruz Adult School Learning Center and the Capitola Career Center. His little grandsons, Owen and Max, were his latest and greatest joy, and he devoted his time to them from the very beginning of their lives, rocking them in the late hours, and then playing with them as they grew older. They brought a smile to his face, even when he was facing his final journey. Dave was a life long sports fan and followed all the local college and professional teams. He had season tickets for Stanford basketball, and in 2006, he was chosen during half time to attempt to make three 3-pointers. He made three jump shots in thirty seconds and won $1000. Only his friends have the inside story about his "300" game at Surf Bowl and his "hole-in-one" at DeLaveaga Golf Course. Dave traveled extensively, visiting all fifty states and over thirty countries. Dave and Rebecca's last trip was to New England for the fall foliage in 2010, where he made it a point to visit Rhode Island, the last of the fifty states on his list. Dave is survived by his loving wife of forty-four years, Rebecca Weber; his daughter, Aimee Benson of San Diego; his son, Nate Weber, of Santa Cruz; and his grandsons, Owen and Max. He leaves behind many beloved family members, including his sister, Norma Hartley; brother-in-law, Dennis Hartley; son-in-law, Steve Benson; sister-in-law, Jodie Foley; her husband, Jim; nephew, Bryan, and brother-in-law, Dennis Schipke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Pauline Weber, and his sister, Louise Weber. He had a special relationship with his father-in-law, Bill Schipke and Bill's wife, Ann. Dave will be missed by many family members and friends. With his open heart, strength and wisdom, Dave was a life mentor to many. He was a "second dad" to his children's friends and will be remembered as the greatest of dads. Through his web site on Hospice Journey, he answered some of life's big questions by writing his life stories and encouraging others to share their private memories of him. His reflections are a guide on how to lead a life filled with laughter, love and integrity. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2pm, at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. Santa Cruz, 95062. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting to please send memorial contributions to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle for Dave and share any condolences with his family.