Obituary of David Alan LaVars

Local resident David Alan LaVars passed away on April 19, 2014 at Stanford Hospital at the age of 68 surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 24, 1945, David grew up in Southern California attending Morningside High School and later, Cal State University of Dominguez Hills, earning a Bachelor's in Economics. His degree would serve him well later in life as a business owner. Dave would enlist in the armed forces, serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a proud veteran, and earned numerous awards and accolades, including the National Defense Services and Vietnam Services medals. A skilled thinker and tinkerer of anything mechanical, his talents would come in handy as he began his career an operator and co-owner of a renowned Santa Cruz Body Shop for over three decades until his retirement in 2011. Dave loved to travel and ventured with family and friends to many locations around the world, including Denmark, Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico. He was an active member of the Twin Lakes Church congregation, and volunteered with the People's Pantry program. Passionate about the ocean, he was an avid surfer in his younger days, and a dedicated fisherman later in life. Dave had a great sense of humor and was loving to all those who knew him. He was a man of heart and faith, and his family came first in everything that he did. He especially loved his grandchildren whom affectionately called him Bepa. He is survived by his wife, Susann Rogberg-LaVars, son, Lon LaVars (wife, Shane), daughter Debra Santos (husband, Greg), step-son Soren Coats (wife, Wendy), brother Jim LaVars, sister Lauri Howell (husband, Mark), six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Reese Marie Coats. Services will be held at Twin Lakes Church, inside the Monschke Hall, on Friday, May 2nd at noon. Hawaiian shirts and attire are encouraged in Dave's honor. Flowers can be sent to Twin Lakes for memorial services, or contributions to Stanford Hospital or Twin Lakes Church honoring Dave.