David John Duran

1944 - 2014

David John Duran obituary, 1944-2014, Long Beach, CA

BORN

1944

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Luyben Dilday - Long Beach - Long Beach

5161 Arbor Road

Long Beach, California

David Duran Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 18, 2014.

On Monday morning, David John Duran (10.27.44-02.17.14) died peacefully in his sleep from natural causes. He served an honorable 22 years for the Long Beach police department. Survived by his wife of 37 years Pamela, children Nicholas, Lauren, and Sherrill Andrew Dean, sister Yvonne Clayton, father-in-law Herman Niestrath, son-in-law Anthony Kane, and granddaughter due to arrive this April.

Loved by wonderful friends and family, Dave was a strong yet tenderhearted man. His physical strength was demonstrated through innate athleticism. He was an avid handball and football player. He played on scholarship for Brigham Young University and coached the former Long Beach Rams. He was a vice officer and a member of the "500 Club," which means he could bench-press 500 pounds while undercover as Hank E. Panky. He was bold and fearless and, believe-it-or-not, once choked-out a live bull to prevent it from fighting.

A self-proclaimed audiophile, Dave accumulated an impressive music collection of over 10,000 songs, ranging from Pavarotti to Gangsta's Paradise. He surrounded himself with music and laughter, hosting BBQ's featuring his "secret weapon," a spice called Butt Rub. When not entertaining, he would retreat to his man cave in the desert accompanied by his trusty companion, an English Bull Dog/Pug named Cali, aka "My Shorty Forty."

Ultimately Dave was a provider, a protector, and a good man who took great care of our family. His big smile and even bigger presence, his warmth and sensitivity, and the care with which he demonstrated his affection will be missed by all. His spirit lives on in our hearts and the heart of his community.

A celebration of life is being arranged for Sunday afternoon, March 9th at Alfredo's Beach Club in Belmont Shore from 1-5pm. All are welcome to join us in this big beach party, as Dad would have wanted. Those who wish to make a donation towards his memorial can do so at http://www.gofundme.com/7069lw

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401
www.luybenfamilyd-m.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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March 8, 2014

Bob Malibu Martin

WOW, You finally beat me at something, pool, running from cops, eating, handball, you were no match! OK

Posted by Bob Malibu Martin

March 6, 2014

Rosemary Hernandez

Dave Duran had the most optimistic outlook on life. I met him in the 70's when he worked for the police department and I was a waitress and bartender in the Shore. He and his partner always made sure those of us that worked at night were safe. He had the greatest laugh and smile always. Pam, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

March 4, 2014

Tom & Willy Grogan

I. Will always treasure the great times we had at Sam's Family Spa in the desert with David & his beautiful wife Pam. Dave loved to play penocle. He took great Joe in beating my 7 brothers & I many times at his desert "Man Cave". We could never beat him. God bless the family. I will miss his many e-mails.

March 1, 2014

Bonnie McNeely

David was always very sweet & kind to us we loved him just for being his self but beyond that he saved my brothers life after being run over by a jeep....many, many good memories and lots of love.Bonnie McNeely (Suffield)

February 28, 2014

Dave we had alot of good times in the police department as well playing football on the Long Beach flag football team. I will miss you my brother. Jim Fortier

February 26, 2014

Wilkie Adams

David was a kind and funny man. Always laughing at something and ready to help you at the drop of a hat, he was family to most friend to all. He will be missed, May God keep him at his right hand. AMEN.

February 26, 2014

Barbara Chaney

I will always miss you, David. We had fun when we were younger. You made me laugh and took me places and included me in some of your "teenage" activities. I got to watch you play football at Cerritos College and I was so proud when you made that touchdown, buy mistake. I think you were more surprised than anyone. Until we meet again, loving you and keeping you in my heart always and forever. Your cousin. Barbara Jean

February 26, 2014

Yvonne Clayton

You were a source of pride to all of us in our family. We loved and respected you. You will be missed, but NEVER forgotten. Sis

February 24, 2014

Bonnie Benson Concialdi

What a terrific guy, great football player, a true gentleman, and someone who made me laugh during "nutrition times" in the area outside the cafeteria at South Gate High School! He will definitely be missed by so many and I know he must have been truly loved by his family! May the Lord comfort you and may the void in your hearts be filled by the precious memories you hold dear of Dave!!!

February 24, 2014

Steve Johnson

BIG LOSS...

Dave, I'm truly at a loss of words to hear of your passing. I'll never forget the day you first moved into our neighborhood in South Gate. We became friends immediately!

Your prowess as an athlete was evident way back in our little league days where you excelled at all sports - playing for Walt "Red" Meagher's "Knights" teams.

All that seems like 'only yesterday,' to me, Dave.

You, along with Bob "Malibu" Martin and myself, we had some great times getting up early in the mornings to go deliver the L.A. Times and Herald Examiner newspapers. We'd always go to the Royal Farms Dairy at Atlantic and Tweedy to get some free chocolate milk from that cool man we called "Tiny" because he was such a big man!

At the Winchell's Donut Shop at California Ave. and Tweedy Blvd., we'd always laugh out loud when Bob "Malibu" Martin would take a cup full of water, use some cellophane paper stretched over the top, place that cup upside down on the counter top, slide out the paper, then one of us would go order a donut. When the poor lady picked up the cup to throw it away, the water would go everywhere! (Bob was a bad influence on us, Dave, yet like you, he was one heck of a football player at SGHS.)

Then in junior and senior high school days, we worked with Jim Hollywood (Pius X High School) selling refreshments to the crowds at the Dodger, Ram and Charger games in the Coliseum and at Dodger Stadium after it was built. We were "rich kids", too, making a lot of money in those days!

Some of the best memories of all for me, was surfing at the cliffs in Huntington Beach. One way or another, we found a way to the beach with our surfboards. That soon became easy once Jim Hollywood got his drivers license, and we had the use of his dad's ol' black '49 Ford coupe!

You will be missed. It will certainly be my loss, not connecting at one of the Class of '62 South Gate High School reunions!

Love ya, Man, and thanks for a lot of good memories. You were one great football player as a freshman! You could kick butt, on and off the gridiron, but you never picked the fights - you only fought when challenged by the seniors, at the time.

I'll see you in your 'new Neighborhood,' someday, when my time comes for the Big Trip, too, Dave...

With sadness I write this "Goodbye" message to a great friend,

Steve "Firebat" Johnson
Sugar Springs, Michigan
[email protected]

Contact Me

February 24, 2014

D McCarthy

I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God comfort you during these difficult days. (Psalm 83:18)

February 23, 2014

My sincerest condolences on your loss.Dave was a great guy & I'll never forget the 1st time he said "hi" at South Gate High.He scared me but it is a fond memory.Try to take comfort knowing he is in a far better place.
Judy Hanson Dillard,Riverside,Ca.

February 23, 2014

Marvin Holm

Strong in body and in spirit! He was the only one who was capable of selling and carrying two cases of soda at the Los Angeles Coliseum during the only World Series held there! He was 14 at the time!

My heart felt condolences to his family and friends.

February 23, 2014

The Burtrums

Pam and family, Dave and I spoke a lot over the years and I know that he was a believer. I can picture him saving us all the best seats in heaven, just like he use to do for the Christmas Parade.

February 23, 2014

Pam and family may you find comfort in knowing Dave is watching down and smiling at you with love in his heart from Heaven.

Dave was a wonderful football player at South Gate High School where I knew him. Sue (King) Ross

February 22, 2014

Denise & John

Dave, John and I will miss your daily good mornings, your laughter, your welcoming personality to anyone passing by and you preparing the house for holidays. I personally will miss you making fun of how terrible I park! Pomona Avenue will never be the same without you and you will be terribly missed. You added so much life to it. Thank you for being such a kindhearted man and allowing John and I to know you. You will be missed....

February 22, 2014

Tom Morgan

John you were truly one of a kind. Your great laugh and big personality will be missed by all.

February 22, 2014

Frank Gesicki (aka Gish)

RIP Dave, many great memories of you live on at the Bay Shore handball courts.

February 22, 2014

Patsy Kreager-Jones

Pam and family. So sorry to hear of David's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

February 22, 2014

david black

To the family I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was so kind to me from the time I was a kid working at the Hindquarter in the early 70's right up to the days he would patiently play as my partner in a handball tournament at the bay. I always enjoyed seeing Dave...

February 22, 2014

Kristal "Ann"

Pam, Nick, and Lauren, I am so hearbroken to hear about Dave. I know I haven't seen you guys in a long time, but you all have a special place in my heart, and Dave will always live on in my memory. Especially that story about the bull - I've heard it from my dad, too, so I *do* believe it. Love to all of you.

February 22, 2014

Marty Leavelle

What a great ambassador for the city of Long Beach. When Dave was around, Belmont Shore was safe! A wonderful example for all the young officers. Dave continued the line of Long Beach officers that had a unique pride in representing Long Beach. Arnie would be proud!

February 22, 2014

Delvida Clarke

Pam and family, I am so sadden to hear about Dave. It was a joy and honor to work vice with him and then later after his retirement to continue to visit with him at MYART functions. I will always remember him as kind, funny, professional , and he will be missed.

February 21, 2014

Luann Cadby

Pam and family, We are so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. So many great memories of Dave and that infectious smile of his, Long Beach has truly lost one of its great ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Steve and Luann Cadby wilmington North Carolina

February 21, 2014

Deborah Dodds

Pam...I am so sad about David. I have known you guys for 17 years and I will miss all of the nice BBQs and times spent around the pool at Cathy and Bill's and at the mobile. I always loved David's smile and is hearty laughs. He was such a good man. My prayers are with you and your family...Debbie Dodds

February 21, 2014

Matthew Sasha Sumey

Dave has known me half my life. He was an amazing father and an overall genuine good person with a heart of gold ! What a funny man. He always made me laugh. Don't worry Lauren and Nick he will always be looking down at you and I know you'll make him
Prowd more and more that each day passes. He might be gone but there is no way that this outstanding man will ever be forgotten. Pam, Nick, Lauren I love you all and glad that you all were apart of my life...., the best years of my life. May your dad rest in peace.

February 21, 2014

Jill Wertz

Dear Pam, Lauren and Nick....I am so sad to hear about David.

I have wonderful memories of our breakfasts at the Elks, him coming over to your Dads to visit, hang Christmas lights...what ever Ham needed done, David was there.
Even helping out this past week.

You are an amazing family, and my heart and prayers are with you, and with Herman too, at
this very challenging time.

Please call me if I can help in any way.

Love and hugs,
Jill

February 20, 2014

So very sorry about Dave. He was a gentle man and a dear friend and our
thoughts and prayers are with you.

.John Bluthardt and Mary Ellington.

February 20, 2014

Stu Clifford

So sorry to hear about your loss. Dave was a great guy that I had the pleasure of knowing during the time we were neighbors.

February 19, 2014

Susan Ridgway

Lauren, please know that you, Anthony, your mom, and brother, as well as the rest of your family are in our prayers today and always. I know how difficult it is to lose your dad and to try and understand why, why now? I hope you will lean on your friends and family throughout these next few months and into the future. I could tell how proud of you he was and watching him give you away at your wedding proved that ten times over. He was beaming! Cherish your memories and honor him every day. I remember you telling me how funny he thought it was I let his dog kiss me all over my face too! We love you and please reach out if there is anything at all we can do for you and your family. Even if it's just to talk. Love, John and Susan Ridgway

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