David Bockman

1930 - 2014

David Bockman
April 20, 1930-May 6, 2014
Santa Cruz, California
David Dorow Bockman (84). David was born April 20, 1930 in Evanston Illinois. He passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto from post-polio complications, on May 6 2014. He came down with polio in 1952, while at sea, serving on a destroyer, as an officer in the United States Navy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Dorow Bockman, and father, Theodore Bockman Sr.
David grew up primarily in Evanston Illinois. He obtained a B.S in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and an M.S in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. His work was published in scientific journals. During the 1950's and 60's David lived in Seattle, Washington. He worked for Boeing, the University of Washington, and Universal Oil Products.
David moved to Santa Cruz in 1970 and became an environmental activist. He filed many successful appeals at the California Coastal Commission, both on his own, and on behalf of local environmental organizations. One of his appeals resulted in Cal Trans re-routing Highway 1 to preserve the sand dunes, and the subsequent creation of Marina Dunes State Park. He was instrumental in the preservation of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, in the Pogonip acquisition and planning process, the preservation of the Sand Parklands, and Save the Gray Whale Parklands. He was active with the Sierra Club, California Native Plant Society, and the Santa Cruz Bird Club. Through the Santa Cruz Bird Club, he was involved in early efforts to save Neary Lagoon and in wetland restoration. David was chairperson of the conservation committee of the Santa Cruz Regional Group of the Sierra Club for 12 years. David was the conservation director for then fledgling Santa Cruz Chapter of the Native Plant Society. He worked with others to preserve South Ridge in Felton, and Glenwood Estates in Scotts Valley. He enjoyed spending time with his longtime friend and fellow environmentalist Randy Morgan. He could often be found at The Buttery and truly enjoyed Buttery employee/friend Moggy Miller. David enjoyed reading and visiting Yosemite National Park with longtime partner Linda.
David is survived by Linda Wilson of Santa Cruz, his older brother, Ted Bockman, sister-in law, Carol Bockman, nieces, nephews, and their husbands, wives and children. He had no children, but had strong affection for his nephew Chip and spent a lot time of time sharing his knowledge and passion for the environment with him.
In Lieu of flowers please make any donations to the Sierra Club.