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David Wells Obituary
November 22, 1954 - March 4, 2014
David Michael Wells, 59, of Anaheim, CA, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 4 from complications of surgery. Born on November 22, 1954 to Bill and Shirley Wells in Santa Ana, CA, David graduated from Villa Park High School and resided in Orange County his entire lifetime.
David was a professional musician as a trombonist, band leader, arranger and music copyist. David is known for his easygoing way by his many friends and family, who enjoyed his love of life and his great sense of humor. He toured in his earlier years with many different groups, blues to R&B bands. David absolutely had a true disdain for the disco era. He led the Swingtown Big Band, arranging most of the music that the band performed, as they performed throughout Southern California. Swingtown was especially loved at Disneyland, where they played for many years at the Carnation Plaza Bandstand. He was a core member of the Disney Music Library for over 16 years, as well as working most of the major music offices and film studios in Los Angeles. His work included many films and television shows such as Avatar, Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers, Frozen, The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as the Academy Awards and other major productions. David also was very involved with the Los Angeles Recording Musicians Association, (the RMA), where he was a board member and helped many of his colleagues with his insights and advocacy for musician's rights.
David had a great love for boating, fishing, hunting, cooking, and barbecuing and was always up on the latest electronics and computer gear. He enjoyed traveling, making numerous fishing trips to the Sea of Cortez, as well as trips to Italy, France, Canada and many parts of the United States.
David's greatest love was for his family and friends. David is survived by his mother, Shirley Wells; sisters, Deborah Wells Mark and Lisa Osterman; brother, Kirk Wells; partner, Jan Gelert; first wife, Alice Wells; nieces and nephews, Christopher Allen, Candice Rutherford, Rachel Allmond, Rebecca Wells, Chelsea Haines, Brennan Wells, Phoebe Osterman, Ava Osterman, Vivian Osterman and Lela Rutherford.
David had a tremendous impact on all those who knew him and will always be remembered for his generosity, friendship, brotherhood, sense of humor, and zeal for life.
A Celebration of Life event will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 3:00 PM, at Original Mike's Restaurant in Santa Ana, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Wells
Sponsored by The Orange County Register.
Ron Leftige
March 1, 2024
What a great brother Kirk! Blessed...
Chris Evans
March 2, 2021
I agree with recent memories of Dave! He was /is one of a kind-- I often smile thinking of the lovable rascal and the great times------ Chris
Paola
March 1, 2021
I lived in the same neighborhood and he was just such a sweetheart very nice neighbor will never be forgotten I don’t live there anymore but I still miss him and Jan.
Ava Osterman
April 18, 2018
I am happy my uncle and aunt are reunited again.❤❤❤(Janet marie gelert)
April 18, 2018
I loved my dear uncle and now his wife just passed i just hope now they are happy together
Ava Osterman
April 18, 2018
I loved my dear uncle and now his wife just passed i just hope now they are happy together
Vivian
October 12, 2016
I loved my uncle although her passed he still lives on in my herat
Vivian Osterman
October 12, 2016
He was my uncle very generous I miss I never forget him ❤
Mike Koptyra
May 19, 2016
I'm sad to find out of David's passing-I often thought of him after losing touch around 1981.
He was a good person and a friend to me in a way that made a difference in my life. I still have a band picture on my wall with him from about 1979 .Thanks Dave for all your help and support you gave me.
Mike Koptyra
Tommy
February 24, 2016
OMG. We did not even know about Dave passing. Dave adopted dog Tommy from us in 2010. He was very patience with Tommy and they made a good pair.
We are so sorry.
Alice: if you read this, please contact us at [email protected]
Ha Adolfo
www.BasicNeedsFoundation.org
Lisa
August 17, 2015
Always in my heart & mind, more than just a brother, the guide & support I'll always need. Love & miss you dearly...
Debbie (Anderson) Huewe
March 16, 2014
David was a friend of mine from Villa Park High School. So sad to hear of his passing. RIP David and my prayers go out to his family and friends for comfort and peace.
Norman and Rita Major
March 11, 2014
Dave was a wonderful student of mine, and later played, beautifully, in my big band. My wife and I are shocked and saddened by his too-early death. We will miss him.
Kimilla Reece
March 10, 2014
What a huge loss for everyone who knew Dave. Hugs and prayers for the entire family. He was so loved and touched so many peoples lives. Such a loss for the music world as well. Gone way, way too soon!
Kathy Conant
March 9, 2014
Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Paola Martinez
March 9, 2014
My prayers will be for him and family. He will be missed around my neighborhood. He was a very kind helpful and lovely neighbor. Paola, sal, Jesse and Mariana's condolences.
March 9, 2014
Kirk we were deeply saddened to hear of your brothers passing. May you find strength and comfort in this difficult time.
***
"I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three."
-- Author Unknown
Ron & Karen Leftige
March 9, 2014
Dear Wells family, we are so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. A true bon vivant, his enjoyment of life and interest in and knowledge of so many subjects was infectious and made him easy to be around sometimes very diverse people. He was generous and witty and so talented. It is difficult to believe that such a great spirit has left. We hope that all the good memories will sustain you all as time goes on. Our condolences to all of you, Fraser and Sharon Thomas, Jackson WY
Brad and Nina Stetson
March 9, 2014
Dear Shirley, Kirk and Robin, and Family: We are so very sorry about Dave's passing. He was so much fun to talk with and be around. He was so talented and had a great sense of humor. He will always be loved and remembered by so many, many people. Sincerely,
March 8, 2014
He will be missed by so many. All his friends and family
have so many memories to share. He will not be forgotten. God bless you and help you through this sad time. Barbara and Jim Osterman
March 8, 2014
Dave wells was a truly delightful man. Always a smile and easy going way. We have lost a good friend.
Chris Evans
March 7, 2014
Dave was a rare bird. Gentle of spirit and strong of heart, he was always there for his friends. A soulful and articulate musician whose music didn't stop with the notes and performance, but carried out into the almost musical way he led his life. His unforgettable humor ran dry and clever. I'm counting on meeting him again. In the meantime I'll pray for the comfort of his loved ones and remember the GREAT times.
March 7, 2014
Kirk. Tom and I are so sorry to hear about your brother. You and your family are in our hearts. Tom & Chris Richey
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