David L. Morales

David Lawrence Morales – Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – made the greatest take-off and landing of his life in the early morning hours of Friday, March 31, 2017. He left the burdens of this earth behind when he ascended that day and landed at the great airport in the sky. Now you know his plane had a few holes in it, and the landing may have been on one wheel, but he made it and all the angels cheered.

David lived a life that touched so many people. He loved building giant scale model planes and flying them with his many friends. He was an amazing pilot and was recognized with numerous awards for his creative genius and bold techniques. He had a passion for World War II planes, especially P38’s and Mustangs, and was incredibly proud of the many generations of family members who served in wars from World War I through to Desert Storm.

David had a diverse career spanning military service, law enforcement, career management, and eventually learning management software and video consulting. David attended the University of Arizona and Tulane University along the way obtaining a B.S. Degree in computer science. He also had a Master’s Degree in BS but we’re not sure where he got it.

David loved to tell stories. And it’s quite possible that many of them were somewhat true. But it was the passionate story telling that endeared so many of us to him and kept us on the edges of our seats. David lived a life most of us would envy.

There was a time in his life when David lived up to Steve Martin’s “I’m a wild and crazy guy” image or maybe he was more like Richard Gere in Officer and a Gentleman—ok so maybe somewhere right in the middle of those two—but at any rate all the women wanted him and all the men were jealous. He was one heck of a handsome dude but he met his match when he met the love of his life, Colette.

David loved his family immensely and often made funny family videos that he shared with everyone who would watch. David was a hero to his daughter Emma, 9. He spent endless hours with her tinkering in the garage on everything from doll houses to an intricate N scale train town called Emmaville.

While most who knew David would only experience his exuberance for life and selflessness, there was another side, the side of a husband and father that only a wife and child will ever know.

David shared his life with many co-pilots who meant a great deal to him. He was preceded in death by his father Bill Morales, Grandparents Isabel and Arthur Morales and Grandfather Warren Hill. Surviving David in life are his wife Colette, his daughter Emma, his mother Sarah Hightower Hill, Grandmother Emma Hill, his brother Matthew Morales, Sr. and his wife Nicole, and his two nephews Matthew Jr. and Michael, his sister Marla Morales and her husband Gary Minor and his nephew George Minor and nieces Andrea Bestor and Lilly Bestor, his sister Jenny Ybarra, nieces Melissa Medina, Tasinda Sandoval, Patricia Diaz and nephews Arthur and Michael Martinez.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo for their kindness and comfort during the last days and hours of our son, brother, father and beloved husband’s life. Your guidance, comfort, hugs and tears will never be forgotten.

Celebration of Life Friday, April 07, 2017 at 2 pm Pacific View Memorial Chapel 3500 Pacific View Dr. Corona Del Mar, California 92625. Reception to follow.

Donations may be made in David's name to the American Cancer Society.