David Castaneda Obituary

It is with much fondness that I remember David, father of my beloved friend Elena. In these dark times, loved ones and the memories of loved ones taken by death are candle flames in the heart.

It will be a year since we lost our dear David on this coming Friday. Where does the time go? My time with him was precious. I continue to hold him lovingly in my heart and thoughts.

To the family. Sincere condolences. Please draw close to God during this difficult time and he will comfort you. 2Cor. 1:4

Candy, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss of David. I have nothing but fond memories of him whenever I went to visit my parents, Al and Genie. Once dad passed his acts of kindness like taking moms garbage to the street and helping her around the house or outside when I was not around to help will always be remembered and appreciated. He will always be remembered! May he rest in peace without anymore illness. xoxo

Mary, David was a special, warm and wonderful friend to all of us here in the Bay Area. He embraced all of us like we were his own children. We will miss his love and tenderness towards us. We will be blessed with great memories of David.

We offer our condolences to the family during this difficult time. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you-James 4:8.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dear Candy, It has been so many years since I saw you guys I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a great man I am sure he will be missed by all But now he will be with David and his other children in Heaven. I will keep you in my prayers.

Dear Maria and Family,

All of our warmest thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. David was family to us. His wry sense of humor and charm will be missed deeply. Que en paz descanse. With love and compassion.

Mary - we are so grateful that you and Dave brought Elena into our lives. Little did we know that Elena would pass over first, but we are grateful that since then we were allowed to get to know you and Dave better. It let us know where Elena got her sense of humor and huge heart. She was a reflection of you and Dave!

It is with a heavy heart that we write this to you Mary. We will remember Dave because of his dry humor, wit and his enormous heart. What a good human being and a life well lived. Such a kind, caring, and gentle man. He is with our beloved Elena and his sons now. Much love and blessings!

Kevin and Dave

For David.
I am sitting here this evening trying to think how to put into words all that is in my heart. Although I did not come to know David until the last few years of his life, I feel fortunate to have had the time we had. I met David through my close friendship with Elena. So much of who Elena was and so much of what I loved in her came to her from her dad, and I got to see that firsthand from my friendship with David after Elena was gone. He really made me laugh sometimes. He also had a righteous outrage at injustice in all its forms. I can see where Elena got her strong moral sense. A few weeks ago, when I could see that David's health was failing rapidly, I sent him a note. Since I am a writer by profession, it was important to me to write down a few words that I wanted to say to him at that time. I kept a copy of what I sent to him and I would like to quote part of it here. These are some of the words I wrote: “I want to thank you for giving life to your beautiful daughter, Elena, and for raising her to be so smart and funny and everything else, too much to list. She was one of my dearest friends and I loved having her in my life for the many years we spent together before we lost her, too soon. She made such a huge contribution to the work of my husband Ron and myself in raising our children. You have accomplished many things in your life, David, but the one I thank you for the most is giving Elena to me and my family and to so many of my friends. I cherish the years and days and hours spent with Elena. You made that possible.” I am grateful that I had the opportunity to tell this to David while he was still alive. And I cherish the time I received with him, so late in his life. How unfair that he was so much older than I and that we had such a short time to be friends. I will miss him. I will love him always.
Amy Wachspress, Ukiah, California, January 26, 2014

Our hearts go out to you Candy. May David rest in God's peace.
Frank and Lee (Cabrera) Lopez

Father of my beloved friend Elena, it will always be with fondness that I hold him in my heart and prayers even as I do you, Maria. I send you a beso and strong abrazo and prayers for comfort.