David Laurence Isa

Dave was born on September 11, 1943, on the island of Maui in a small town called Makawao. His parents were Wilbur and Edna Higa Isa. He was the youngest of three siblings. He had an older sister, Blanche, and an older brother, Rodney. Dave attended Saint Patrick’s Catholic School then Saint Louis High School in Oahu. He often recalled that he grew up in the best of times and has kept in close contact with many of his classmates. When Dave was growing up on the islands, he spent much of his time roller skating. He started figure skating but eventually switched to speed skating. His talent and dedication granted him the opportunity to travel to the mainland for national speed skating championships.

After high school, Dave moved to California for college. He met Inka van den Vryhoef at a skating rink and they married in December 1965. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past December. Dave went on to graduate from California State University of Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Science degree, then he passed the exam to become a Certified Public Accountant in 1969.

Dave and Inka welcomed their first child, Kristie, followed by three sons, Brad, Shawn and Doug. They began raising their family in Torrance, then in 1981 moved to Vista. Dave commuted to Torrance for work for years. He worked long hours, but never called it work because he really enjoyed what he did. He loved accounting, but more importantly, he loved his clients. His knowledge, guidance and dedication to his clients evolved into a multi-generational practice for many of his clients.

As much as he loved his work, his family always came first. Everyone who knew Dave knew his theory on the family circle. Dave loved, treasured and adored his family, which grew to include 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and his dog, Minnie. Dave’s family was everything to him.

Dave was smart, logical, wise, organized, kind, loyal and dedicated. He lived every day like it was his birthday. He never raised his voice and never complained. He didn’t like to be cold, but he still didn’t complain. He loved sports - especially when his grandkids were playing. It didn’t matter if it was volleyball, tennis, judo, soccer, softball, football, baseball, track and field, roller derby, gymnastics or a dance recital, Dave was there to support his grandkids. He was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, advisor, mentor, employer and CPA.

In July 2024, Dave was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He spent the next 17 months undergoing chemotherapy which eventually became ineffective. Dave spent his last few months at home surrounded by family. He was extremely tired. He was able to have many phone conversations with family, friends and clients in his last days. He also had some special visits with his cousins.

In remembering Dave, it’s important to remember the lessons that he preached, which were:

• to never say coulda, shoulda, woulda

• to always focus on the family circle

• that good things happen to good people

• that it could always be worse, and

• that everything is temporary

He will be missed even more than he was loved.

There will be a funeral mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Oceanside, CA on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at 11:00am, with a reception immediately following. The service and reception will be Aloha/Hawaiian style

The final resting place will be Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, situated at 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, with the burial taking place on March 23, 2026.