Dave Latter

Latter, Dave
David Scott Latter passed away on October 27, 2014 in Phoenix, due to complications related to a heart infection. He was surrounded by his children, his closest family members, dear friends and long-time pastor. Dave had just turned 48.
Dave is the son of Lou Ann Latter of Saratoga, California and his late father Don Latter. He is survived by his loving children Briana and Christian of Scottsdale and his sister Susan of California.
Dave leaves behind his girlfriend Mary, his dogs Kirby and Jake and a legion of buddies across the country who call him "Lats".
Dave lived a rich life that revolved around baseball but took its most meaningful shape and focus when he became a father, first to a beloved daughter 18 years ago and then to a son nearly 12 years ago. He lived for them. He was the father who stayed at home when Briana was a toddler to teach her to read, write and send her off to school with a perfect ponytail like only he could do. He was especially excited to have a son to carry on the Latter name and took great pride in coaching every sport Christian played, from soccer to flag football, to of course, baseball.
Baseball was Dave's passion, his dream and until his children were born, his life.
There wasn't a sport Dave didn't play and play well from hockey as youth in Minnesota to quarterback of the football team at Lynbrook High School in Saratoga.
Dave was born in Houston, Texas but spent his best years in Saratoga where the Latter house became a central gathering spot for the many friends Dave and his late brother Jim collected.
He left home in 1985 to play baseball for the University of Southern California where he was a standout right handed pitcher. He graduated from USC with academic distinction and a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology in 1989. That same year he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 33rd round. He pitched in the A's minor league system in Medford, OR, Madison, WI, Huntsville, AL and Tacoma, WA and played spring training with the big league club as well as winter ball in Los Mochis, MX before undergoing surgery for a torn UCL. After an intense 17-months of rehab, Dave was determined to pitch again and returned to the mound with the Lubbock Crickets in the Texas-Louisiana League. He went on to play spring training with the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring from professional baseball in 1995. Dave went on to start his own successful garage cabinet business in Tempe, AZ before moving back to Los Angeles, CA with his then wife where he took on and shined in his role as a stay-at-home dad. Dave and his family moved back to Scottsdale, AZ in 2003, shortly after the birth of his son and a few years later became the owner and operator of a power wash company. His sole reason for doing so, he said, was to have flexible hours that would allow him to be at his children's school events and help coach his son's athletic teams.
Dave had a wicked sense of humor, a deep allegiance to his very long list of friends, a love of cooking, an unwavering loyalty to his beloved USC Trojans and an abundant sense of pride over his children's accomplishments. Dave would do anything for anyone. If Dave cared about you, he cared about you for life. Those who love him take comfort in knowing Dave is at peace with his beloved father and brother, no doubt planning to cook the best Thanksgiving feast heaven has ever seen.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Dave's life at Mountain View Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 15 at 11:00am. The address is 8050 E. Mountain View Rd., Scottsdale.
In lieu of flowers, Dave's family is asking that you consider a contribution toward college education funds established in both Briana and Christian's names. Dave was adamant that they receive the best education and was very much looking forward to the college acceptance letters Briana will start to receive this spring.
Please make any contributions payable to: "Putnam 529 for America." Please add "LATTER 529" to the memo line. Contributions should be addressed c/o Michael J. Carlin, Wealth Management, LLC, 7098 E. Cochise Road, Suite 222, Scottsdale, AZ 85253.