Obituary of David Matthew Calhoun

David Matthew Calhoun died early Saturday morning, September 3 at home with his family just before sunrise. So often, words such as brave, valiant and courageous precede the word cancer. That was every bit Dave as he fought for 17 months. He was 52 years old, born in Redwood City on October 6, 1958 and the 5th of 7 children. He was a resident of Santa Cruz for the past 30 years. Dave started working at age 8 as a paperboy. About a year later, after much persistence on his end, he was hired by the 49ers to be a ball boy, a job he had for many years and one that he fondly remembered. He was self employed as a general engineer for over 30 years and semi retired 3 years ago to start a smaller version of his business. He worked hard his entire life to provide for his family, so it seemed fitting that he passed away on Labor Day weekend. It's hard to sum Dave up in a narrow newspaper column. He was larger than life and his presence was felt by many. Nature was his sanctuary and he be-bopped from the ocean waves, to the mountain bike trails to the snowy mountains and then to the golf course. He appreciated the small things in life like shopping for a meal or strumming his "buitar" as we jokingly called it. Dave is survived by Debbie, his wife of 30 years. She was his best friend and love of his life. He also leaves 4 daughters, a new son in law and a soon to be son in law: Jackie and Kevin Crossley, Amanda Calhoun and Aron Conger, Kirsten Calhoun and Sophie Calhoun all from Santa Cruz. Dave fiercely loved his girls and was proud of the adults that they had become. In addition, he leaves his father, William Calhoun and step mother Mary, sisters Lisa, Laura, brothers Bill, Bob and John. He will also be missed by his mother in law Sue Fitchen as well as Debbie's siblings and their families. He also leaves behind his extended family and many, many friends. Dave was preceded in death by his mother Lorraine, his brother Kenny. and his father in law Pete Fitchen. He was a board member at the Boys and Girls Club from 1996-2001 and instrumental in getting things done there. He also coached and refereed for their basketball league over the years. He loved stepping up to help his daughter's swim meets and water polo games at Santa Cruz High and could often be heard yelling "swim to the 2!" on the sidelines. Dave's generosity was felt by many in a variety of ways. He was a loyal, gentle, wise, fun and kind person, one that would always stand out in a crowd (it helped to be 6'4"!). We understand that there is no why he has left us, but he will very deeply be missed. In keeping with his lighthearted spirit he would tell you to, "do something fun everyday". That was his mantra. We take comfort in knowing that he is peaceful and free and that we will see him on the other side. Even though he worked hard, he lived playfully, truly embracing each and every day. In keeping with this spirit there will be a celebration of his life on Sunday September 11 at 11am in the Boys and Girls Club gym (543 Center St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060) followed by a backyard barbecue at the family home. Instead of flowers, Dave preferred that a donation would be made to the Boys and Girls Club P.O. Box 873 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Attn: Julie Penniman.