A Dad's Life
The Lord gazed upon His magnificent creation. A perfectly and wonderfully made masterpiece. It was March 15, 1940. David Andrew Jr. and Jean Kenmuir were about to receive a most precious gift; a 9lb, blue eyed, baby boy. This child, God only knew; would someday become the hero, the rock, the glue, the fortress and a role model for his family, as well as, an inspiration to all who knew him. The parents named their beloved son, David Andrew Kenmuir III.
He inherited his dad's love for sports, baseball being a favorite pastime they enjoyed together. He also acquired his father’s quirky sense of humor and contagious laugh. His mother passed down her thirst for knowledge, a calm disposition, good manners, and a gentle soul. That award winning smile he possessed was all his own. David took pleasure in making others laugh, often adding humor to his embellished stories. He was intelligent and ambitious. As a boy, he enjoyed cub scouts, sports, reading, and listening to mystery theater on the radio. As he grew older, some of his favorites included the song Earth Angel as well as, songs by Buddy Holly, Everly Brothers, and the big Bopper- in the 60s, he was listening to Kingston Trio, Simon and Garfunkel, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor. His family moved frequently until 5th grade where they finally settled in Orange County, sometimes referred to as Davey, he made friends easily and graduated from Santa Ana HS, where he was ASB President and played baseball, football, and basketball. He then attended UC Berkeley in 1958 where he developed his love for poetry, history, and folk music. He served as first lieutenant in the army.
As the 60's and David's twenty somethings were coming to a close, he became smitten with a blonde beauty, wearing mini skirts and pale lipstick. She had a great sense of humor, a fantastic laugh, and a sweet smile, Besides her looks, she was unique and Dave admired her cultural diversity, rebellious nature, and most of all, the way she giggled while pulling her hair. They never lived a dull moment throughout their 50 year journey together. Residing in Cypress, CA, for over 40 years, the dynamic duo built their wonderful life and raised two children. They were quite the talk of the town adding excitement to the neighborhood and loved by the community- coaching Softball for 15 years, while sitting on the board or serving as president. He was a West Grove Little League fan for his grandkids and great grandson, as well as, an avid traveler to Goleta where he attended granddaughters’ softball and soccer games and later to Bakersfield to watch his grandson play hockey and basketball. He retired from Pac Bell and ICG where he also played on slow pitch teams well into his 60s, eventually moving to Bakersfield to live near his daughters.
During retirement, he and Mary Ann enjoyed family get togethers (“you know what sounds good? A big pot of spaghetti”), swimming in their pool, reading, watching criminal minds and blue bloods, and laughing. On many occasions, these 2 were found giggling during awkward moments (may God help them during a funeral service). David looked forward to Krissie’s morning chats over coffee, interacting with Wendy and her 2 grandbabies, Bill’s trivial wisdom, Christiana’s Sunday worship, conversations with Trinity, and watching David play basketball. Rory was his first grandchild who could do no wrong and Garrick and Kylah, he adored. Fetch, swimming, and secret treats for his best friend, Icey, became incorporated into his daily routine. The 2 of them shared a special bond and he was certain she was his soul mate.
Courage, kindness, patience, sense of humor, calm disposition are the qualities that defined him and propelled him to greatness. He earned respect and was a man of honor. He could have achieved the world's standards of success but chose to be in a class all his own. His legacy is defined by his Integrity. He taught his children that the cornerstone of success is built on a foundation of honesty, character, responsibility, faith, love,and loyalty; a legacy worthy of the next generation. He taught that being nice is a true treasure, not to sweat the small stuff, and humor is the best medicine.
A dark cloud appeared in July 2017, when David was diagnosed with cancer but after one year of immunotherapy, remission brought a flicker of hope. Sadly, a virus took hold consequently causing a multitude of health issues. Following a 2 month battle, (subsequently, in and out of hospitals), his body became weak and his spirit tired. When prognosis became grim, we were blessed with a compassionate team of doctors and staff at USC, who urgently worked hard to rush him home. David found comfort as pain subsided with hospice care and delighted in the company of loved ones. He died peacefully in Bakersfield, CA at the age of 78.
He will remembered as a storyteller, a history buff, a sports fan, and “one of the good guys”.