David Charles LeKander, our gentle giant, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 26, 2022. A native of California, he was 57 years old. David was born in Whittier, CA, on December 14, 1964. He grew up in Salinas, CA, attending Sacred Heart Elementary School and Palma High School. David was an outstanding three-sport varsity athlete and scholar. David studied at Santa Clara University, where he was recruited for the Broncos football team and was a Founding Father of the university's Zeta Eta chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity.David was a very talented and loved general contractor. Early in his career, he perfected his trade building the family cabin in Lake Tahoe. He built many projects from guest houses to outdoor pergolas to mega-mansions for dozens of clients and family members over the years. At the time of his death, he owned and operated LeKander Construction and was a partner at Benchmark Builders in Santa Rosa, CA. His career in the construction industry spanned over 35 years. David was one of the "good guys," as anyone who ever met him would say. He was admired for his fun-loving attitude and his enormous heart. He was a great friend, quick with a smile, and always available for a warm hug. David loved intensely. He was a standout athlete, a warrior, and a survivor. He never missed a Sunday call to his beloved mother.David was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence LeKander, and his loving wife, Karen Finnegan LeKander. He is survived by his mother, Lois LeKander of Napa, CA; his three children, Michael, Madison, and Carys LeKander, his sisters: Debra (Evan) Garber of Sonoma, CA, and Honey (David) Chai of San Jose, CA, and his brothers; Gary (Rhonda) LeKander of Santa Rosa, CA and Daniel (Miranda) LeKander of Davis, CA, along with many loving uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and his dog, Hope.A memorial service will be held for David on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10 AM at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park in Sebastopol, CA. To honor David's love of a good candle and as he was the light of many lives, the family suggests bringing a candle to light for David at his service. In honor of David's memory, please consider a contribution in David's name to The Salvation Army SF Harbor Light: SF Harbor Light (salvationarmy.org).
Read More