Dr. W. David Conn

Dr. W. David Conn, 70, died suddenly at his home in Pismo Beach on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. David grew up in England. He met his wife, Judith, when he was 15 years old and they remained devoted to one another until the day he died. David held advanced degrees in chemistry and economics from Oxford University. Much of Dr. Conn's work was focused on risk management and communication as they relate to hazardous substances. When David and Judith's first child, Maxwell, was 1 year old, they moved to the United States where David taught Environmental Planning at UCLA. In 1980, a position as Head of Environmental Design and Planning at Virginia Tech took the family to Blacksburg, Virginia. Here they lived until David received a job as Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Undergraduate Education at Cal Poly in 1999. As a testament to the close family values that they instilled, their adult children all followed David and Judith to the Central Coast where the whole family still lives within 10 miles of each other. At Cal Poly, David is remembered as a wonderful colleague, a kind soul, and a champion for making the university better. David invoked positive change and inspired everyone around him. He advocated for a more inclusive society where people gained by sharing experiences with each other. This led to pioneering a new course with the Psychology Department entitled Intergroup Dialogues. David humbly gave his time to all who needed his experience and wisdom. Even though he was an incredibly gifted academic, you would never know it due to his humility and the fact that he never took himself too seriously. David "retired" in 2014 but remained very active in the academic community, leading faculty and staff teams in the preparation of the California State Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and serving most recently as President of the Five Cities Diversity Coalition. Through this coalition, he worked passionately to support and expand diversity training in the local community, including our elementary schools. David was kind and fair to a fault, ethical, selfless, intelligent, and hilarious (though it was hard to say how much of the latter was intentional). David was a perfect father and husband. Never mean, never unfair, never selfish, always supportive (but critical when it was required). He seemed to know everything - impossible to stump and able to offer thoughtful advice on any topic. He had the limitless respect of his kids, all of whom know that they wouldn't be half the people that they are today without his guidance and love. David was always there to make his wife tea and offer affection and support. They were best friends. He was a regular at his daughter Danya's group fitness classes at Pismo Beach Athletic Club, where everyone knows him. He could also be seen tending garden at his sons' veterinary clinic in Pismo. David's seven grandkids meant the world to him and were fortunate enough to see him nearly every day. David is survived by his wife Judith; his three kids, Max (Stephanie), Danya (Mike), and Joel (Sarah); and his grandchildren Eliana, Liora, Talia, Mariella, Naomi, Jude, and Willow. A memorial service will be held at Congregation Beth David in San Luis Obispo on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, David would prefer donations to Oxfam America. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries