David Leon "Big Wave Dave" McCardle

1952 - 2023

David Leon McCardle "Big Wave Dave (BWD)" of Manhattan Beach, California, passed away suddenly on October 17, 2023 at age 71. David was born in Los Angeles on September 13, 1952, and was raised in Mar Vista, CA. David is preceded in death by his parents Leon V. (Mickey) and Charm (n‚e Wilson) McCardle. Dave attended Venice High School graduating in 1971 and attended Santa Monica College. Not long after that he entered the motion picture industry in 1974. He made his career in the property and set decorating department for 35 years (Property Craftpersons, Local #44). Dave worked on countless television shows and innumerable films. His years in the entertainment industry afforded him extensive travel, behind the scenes adventures, and several fond memories while working beside lifelong friends.BWD's life had two great joys and two great loves. His first love and joy was surfing. Dave starting out in the early 60's walking with his surfboard from Mar Vista to Venice Beach to catch sets around POP pier and to gun the pylons. He was part of the early surf and skateboard culture hitting California during that time and his stories of that historical era were absolutely priceless. Dave spent his childhood summers swimming and surfing in Manhattan Beach and eventually took over his family's summer house, a true local. Then along came Sally. Not just a love but The Love. It was the kind of joy and happiness that so many people seek and often never find in a lifetime of looking. For over 30 years they traveled the world together as true soulmates which always included great tenderness, joyous laughter, and deep kindnesses. These attributes were continually extended to many friends and family members. Dave was forever charitable, caring, and compassionate for those lucky enough to have known him. David is survived by his wife, Sally Smith-McCardle; sister, Susea McGearhart; brother-in-law, Gene Gearhart; brother, Mark McCardle; niece, Erin (Chad); nephew, Ryan (Kristina); sister-in-law, Susan Putman (Don); niece, Abby Davis (Jared); great niece, Isabella; many cousins including Bill, Lisa, Brian, Cindy, Kelly, Jeff, Garth, Maura, Dana, John, Eric, Jenna, Nancy, Mike, and families; along with his dear friend, Patty Van Strien and godson, Sean Murphy; beloved pets Bailey and Beauregard. And to the many extended family members and friends which are too numerous to mention, please know that he cared about all of you.A tribute to BWD's incredible life will be held at the shoreline of 21st Street in Manhattan Beach on Sunday, December 3, 2023, 10am-12pm. For those who want to hit the surf in his memory, please bring your surfboard or SUP. It's a paddle out, just how he would've wanted it. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution in David's name to Heal The Bay, https://healthebay.org/ or the Peter Zippi Memorial Fund, https://www.peterzippifund.org/, which is a Hermosa Beach facility caring for rescued animals.