David Clayton Leathers Jr.

David Clayton Leathers, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of Friday, December 14, 2012, at home with his loving wife and daughter. He had struggles with heart failure for a couple of years that included several surgeries – stents, pacemaker, BIVAD machine and finally he received the miracle we had all been praying for, a heart transplant. He received the heart transplant on Wednesday December 5th, 2 days before his 61st birthday. He was healing so well and was considered the “poster boy” for transplant according to his team at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. He was released on the 13th to come home and begin his recovery, unfortunately an unforeseen complication occurred that caused his heart to stop.

David was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 7, 1951, traveled the world with the Navy, got married to Nancy in 1976, moved to Colorado and had his only child, daughter Vicki, then settled in California. Dave was a pure joy to be around and had a knack for making everyone around him feel special. He loved his family dearly and would go out of his way to help anyone in need. Dave was a veteran of the Navy and served 3 tours in Vietnam, receiving an honorable discharge. He enjoyed talking about politics and social issues, loved history, would read everything under the sun and was the strongest man that you would ever meet. He loved B-monster movies, The Beatles, Three Dog Night and Dr. Hook albums, movie dates with his daughter, and sci-fi novels. He had the best sense of humor, the kindest heart, he loved to write, was extremely creative, and simply adored both kids and animals.

Dave, also known as “Chooch”, “Daddy,” and “Big Dave”, is survived by his wife Nancy Leathers, daughter Vicki Leathers, mother Veronica Svonovec, brother Andy Svonovec and his 4 daughters Stefani, Kelli, Sara and Katie, siblings Martin Leathers and Diane Leathers as well as a large extended family and a very dear friends.

Dave was truly loved by his family and friends. The world has lost a very special soul. As he requested, Dave’s body has been cremated and services will be held Saturday January 5, 2012 at Pierce Brothers in Westlake Village at 10:00 AM. Following the memorial, please join us to celebrate the life of a truly wonderful and very special man at Cisco's Mexican Restaurant at 925 Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to various children’s charities or the American Heart Association in his name.