David Waxman Obituary

July 5, 1941 - June 21, 2020 David Waxman, Ed.D. passed after a life well lived. David and his devoted wife Karen were married for 53 years. Living life with integrity, seasoning it with a wicked sense of humor, adding stability through hard work and self-discipline, and building everything on a foundation of loving relationships, David Waxman taught by example. Even Lewy Body Disease did not stop him from setting an example of how to live with purpose and gratitude. David was born in Los Angeles in 1941. He attended UCLA and played basketball for John Wooden. He received his Bachelor and Master degrees from UCLA in physical education. John Wooden had a profound influence on David, as did David's wonderful parents Leo and Iola. David took the lessons he learned from these role models and brought them with him as he coached basketball spending a long stretch as head basketball coach of Riverside Community College. David went back to school at USC and earned his Doctorate in Education. He then worked in administration for a time at R.C.C. and continued to teach physical education. He was honored by induction into the Community College Hall of Fame in 2009 David is survived by his wife Karen, son Kevin, daughter Traci, son-in-law Matt, grandchildren Phinn and Lyra, brother Joe, Joe's wife Barbara, his sister Susan, Karen's sisters Irene and Golda, his nieces, nephews, and in-laws. David's family loved him dearly and are so grateful for his encouragement and investment in their well-being. Donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Jul. 16 to Jul. 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for David Waxman

13 Entries

stephen a manning nyc capt 79

July 26, 2024

thanks waxman blessing an laugh an getting my studies togther

Iris Socher Smotrich

January 29, 2022

Dear Karen:

I don´t think you´ll remember me but we were friends in the 9th and 10th grade.
I´ve thought of you, Irene, Golda and Yale many times thru the years and for some reason thought to google you this evening. I am so happy that you and Dave had a wonderful life together. I am so sorry for your great loss but thankfully I imagine you have an enormous amount of beautiful memories and a great deal of love surrounding you and your family.

I wish you all good health during these trying times, and may your years ahead be filled with everything sweet.

Iris

Sylvia Thomas

October 8, 2020

Dear Karen, From time to time, I've thought about you and Dave and wondered where you might be. It's been so long since we sat in the stands at Poly and watched Kevin and Aric play basketball. I fondly remember Dave and my early days as "college deans" at Norco and Moreno Valley. Dave always had some news and/or words of wisdom to share. Sometimes it seems like yesterday when it's been nearly 30 years. Please accept my condolences and warm wishes to you, Traci and Kevin. Fond regards, Sylvia

Michael D Stevens

September 5, 2020

Dear Karen,
I am saddened to hear about Coach Waxman. I played on that 1972-73 freshman team at San Jose State and the coach was a wonderful influence on my life then and to this day. I have tried to keep on eye on his accomplishments through the years from the east coast and it seemed his life had a great affect on so many. My condolences to you and your family.

Michael Stevens

Lorrie and Glen Drogin

July 31, 2020

Dear Karen, Although it's been many years since we've been in contact, Glen and I want to extend to you our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your incomparable soulmate, David. We mourn your loss.
Glen and Dave spent many adolescent years of friendship together, and he and I both knew him to be a model of excellence of character, warmth and generosity. Unfortunately for us, we lost touch when you moved out of the LA area. We know from the previous testimonials, as well as some conversations Glen had with Dave a while ago, he touched and enhanced the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people.
If you care to respond privately, we would appreciate hearing from you whenever you might choose.

Jan Marker

July 28, 2020

Karen I was so saddened to hear about David. I had the honor to get to know David thru Rock Steady Boxing. I loved seeing David hitting the bag and giving it his all. He truly was a fighter. I have such fond memories of seeing him the gym. I will miss him.

Ron and Karen Olsen, Bel Air, MD

July 26, 2020

Our condolences.

Bud Pell

July 17, 2020

I've thought of Dave from time to time and recalled what a good guy he was with a friend who shared my youthful summer days playing at the Westside Jewish Community Center where Dave was a playground coach under the late great Eli Sherman. I was probably 9 or 10 and Dave, I believe, was still playing ball at UCLA. He was a big, strong fellow with an ingratiating personality. I'm sure he remained so throughout his life. Sad to hear of his passing but reading his obit in the LA Times and seeing his picture on the court for UCLA brought back wonderful childhood memories. My condolences to his friends and family.

Greg Wuetcher

July 17, 2020

Coach Waxman was one of my all-time favorite people. He was my coach at RCC, and after I had a serious knee injury, he absolutely would not let me quit. I was not one of his top players, but he got out his calendar and charted when I would return to the team. I will remember our rehabilitation jogs around the track and the great conversations we had and the wisdom he passed on. He was a great inspiration to me. Rest in peace, Coach.

Ronald Baldwin

July 17, 2020

David was one of the most honorable men I've known. He was truly one of the most classy and honest people you could meet. I'm truly saddened by his death. I played on his first basketball team at RCC in 1975 and I helped him move into his house. My life has truly been enriched by being coached and mentored by Dave. I had the opportunity to coach with Dave a few years after my college career. My deepest condolences go out to Karen, Traci,and Kevin and the rest of his family. Dave definitely left a positive impact on this world and I'm definitely Blessed to have had Dave in my life when I arrived in Riverside after the military. RIP in Dave, you were a great coach and mentor.

Ronald Baldwin Sr.

Dave

July 16, 2020

Dave helped instill in me a work ethic that has benefitted me my whole life as well as enriched my children and everyone I have coached in youth sports. Thanks for sharing with me Coach Woodens pyramid of success.
Dave Eccles NHHS 1970 and Huntington Beach Tournament champs 1969.

Lee Haven

July 16, 2020

Coach had such a positive impact on my life. I think of him often. Coach Waxman was a great teacher and his legacy lives on.
Rest In Peace Coach.
Lee Haven NHHS 70