originally posted on 12/11/2023
Photos: Lisa Klawe Collection. View full-sized image.
In June of this year, the world lost an amazing man, ACE Pacific Southwest member David Michael Klawe.
David was born in Ocean Beach, California, in 1960. He often described himself as “an all-American, Polish Hoser.” He grew up as an only child of a Canadian immigrant and a Polish immigrant by way of Canada. David attended Clairmont McKenna College after graduating from Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad in 1979. He worked as a restaurant and regional manager for Johnny Rockets and as general manager for Foggy Notions — a bar and restaurant in San Diego.
When Lisa met David, he was a senior tax preparer for H&R Block Premium Division. While working as tax preparer, David started writing blogs on Southern California theme parks and attractions, eventually leaving H&R Block to write full time.
View full-sized image.
Not long after David and Lisa moved to West Anaheim in 2014, David got involved spearheading a campaign to get permit parking in his neighborhood, which was partially successful. Because of his efforts to get the permit parking, he and Lisa got more involved in the community and in Anaheim events. David was involved in WAND (West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council) and S.O.A.R. (Support Our Anaheim Resort). Former District 2 Councilmember, Gloria Mae’e, appointed David to the Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission. David was instrumental in organizing West Anaheim Organization.
David was an avid fan of the San Diego Padres, Chargers and Los Angeles Galaxy. He was also a fan of the Ducks, Angels, Manchester United (English Premier League) and the U.S. Men’s National Team, especially the soccer team. If David and Lisa were not at an amusement park or a city event, they were at a sporting event or watching a sporting event. David and Lisa were a fixture at ACE Pacific Southwest and national ACE events.
Lisa feels very blessed to have had David in her life for the last 19 years. He was loving, intelligent, passionate, adventurous, generous and industrious. He will be missed by his roller coaster family.
If desired, donations can be made to Caterina’s Club (caterinasclub.org) or the ACE Preservation Fund (aceonline.org) in David’s name.
— Lisa Klawe
#ACENews