DAVID "CAPT. DAVE" LAPHAM

Lapham, David "Capt. Dave", 63, of North Tustin, California, passed away on May 5th, 2013 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born June 16th, 1949 in Syracuse, New York to Bruce and Patricia Lapham of Sandy Pond, New York.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Susan Hooper of Little Rock, Arkansas and Christine Reed of Woodville, New York.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Jessica L. Lapham of Denver, Colorado; son, Grant D. Lapham of North Tustin, California; two brothers, Daniel Lapham of Sandy Pond, New York and E J (Tonya) Lapham of Garden Grove, California; along with many nephews, nieces and grandnieces.

Dave proudly served our country in the Navy aboard the USS Jouett from 1968 - 1974 during the Vietnam War. He was retired from the County of Orange as an HVAC mechanic after 32 years of employment.

Dave was an active member of the Newport Harbor American Legion Post 291 along with the American Legion Newport Harbor Yacht Club. His love for the water grew after the Navy, which steered him into owning several boats throughout his lifetime. He pursued his dream and obtained his captain's license. Because of Dave's passion for the sea, he logged several thousands of miles on the water with friends and family.

In the late 1990's, Dave arrived at the OCC School of Sailing and Seamanship as a student with a desire to learn everything he could about boats and the sea. He enrolled in every course in the school's catalog. The dozens of courses included multiple navigation classes, and a wide variety of sailing and seamanship classes.

Upon graduation and receiving his "Professional Mariner" jacket, Dave sailed as crew aboard many OCC vessels, including a two week sailing voyage aboard the Alaska Eagle from Chile to Easter Island. He also was a team member aboard OCC's 80 foot sloop Kialoa III from Panama to Newport Beach. With his technical knowledge from his previous career in mechanical systems, combined with his knowledge of boats and seamanship, Dave became a valued member of the school's staff. Dave was a great help in keeping OCC's fleet ready for students each day. His passion for boating and learning coupled with his attention to detail and gentle nature made him a favorite among students and staff. He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and his welcoming hospitality. For those who have had the great fortune of knowing Dave, he will be forever missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to: The Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship Professional Mariner Scholarship Fund, 1801 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663.

A Memorial Celebration will be held on June 6th 2013, 1pm - 6pm at American Legion Post 291, 215 15th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663.