David William O'Donnell

David William O'Donnell (born Kunz) was born on June 6th, 1974 in Upland, California and died at the age of 46 in his Ocean Beach, CA home on March 16th, 2021. Dave spent his childhood in Upland, CA, then Lake Tahoe, CA and then Bedford, Texas. If asked where he was from, he would always say Lake Tahoe. For Dave, Lake Tahoe would always remain a place of magical beauty, wonder and possibility. Though Dave moved to Portland, Oregon after high school he eventually landed in Ocean Beach when he was 31 years old. Loving the community and the weather, he remained living in OB until his untimely death which has left his many friends and family in utter heartbreak. Dave is survived by his mother Barbara (Barbra) Ann Hayashi of Gilroy, California, his wife Erin Margaret O'Donnell and many other loving family members. Dave and Erin started dating in 2011 and were married in a beautiful ceremony on January 16th, 2016 on Sunset Cliffs as the sun dove below the horizon. Dave and Erin shared a deep love for each other that was obvious to all by how they were often found lovingly gazing at one another, no matter what the surroundings. Dave worked in Ocean Beach at Tower Two Beach Cafe for 10 years and at Lucy's Tavern for 5 years. Dave was often jokingly referred to by his nicknames of Chicken Taco and Donkey. Dave started working at the airport in 2015, and his job with United Airlines allowed him and his wife to travel the world, having adventures and creating memories that Dave thoroughly enjoyed sharing with all he came across. Dave also enjoyed golf, scuba diving, sailing, fixing things, metal detecting, a good joke, witty exchanges, music, changing the lyrics to songs, Irish whiskey, hanging out in OB (Lucy's Tavern, The Reunion Pub, Pacific Shores Bar, etc.), Italian food, making juice, cooking, and spending time with pets. Anyone who met Dave knows that he had many stories and jokes at the ready. He was also well known for his smile, his laugh and his tact, or, as he often quoted Winston Churchill, “the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way they look forward to the trip.” When out and about in OB, if he was asked how he was doing, Dave’s most common response would be “Living the dream!”

A Celebration of Life for Dave will be held at Marina Village on Sunday April 11th, 2021 from 12pm-3pm. All of Dave's friends and family are welcome to attend. Those in attendance are expected to wear facial coverings.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave's honor to Surfrider Foundation, www.surfrider.org.

Words cannot express how much every call, text, private message, card and other expressions of heartfelt sympathy and support have meant to Erin and Barbra. The outpouring of kindness and love have given us strength and comfort, and are greatly appreciated.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." From an Irish gravestone.