David O'Neill Allain

DAVID O'NEILL ALLAIN AUG 18, 1955 - SEPT 24, 2009 David Allain passed away at his home in Turlock following complications of multiple sclerosis. Born in Los Angeles to Lawrence and Mary Allain, he graduated from Royal High School in Simi Valley in 1973. He followed in the footsteps of his father's family in construction while taking courses at Moorpark College, and later worked in Yosemite National Park and Hawaii. David traveled to Louisiana and throughout the U.S. and France tracing family roots. His travels also took him to other parts of Europe and to Egypt, and he lived and worked on a kibbutz (community farm) in Israel. David then spent four years of service with the Peace Corps in Gabon, Africa where he built an infirmary and school in one village and helped complete a school in another. He returned to the States with an enduring love of the Gabonese people and a zeal for conservation that long preceded its current popularity. After completing a year of studies in the Experiment in International Living in Vermont, David returned to California and settled in the Sierra foothill communities of Mariposa and Midpines. There he continued honing his carpentry craftsmanship and helped build many fine residential homes while continuing his studies at Merced College. When David's health prevented him from continuing as a carpenter, he moved to Turlock and earned a bachelor's degree in social studies and certificate in counseling from California State University at Stanislaus, where he also pursued a master's degree. He volunteered in the Help One Student at a Time (H.O.S.T.) program, worked as a counselor for the local elementary and high schools in Ceres and Turlock, and was an avid scholar with a keen appreciation of history and the U.S. constitution. David enjoyed living in Turlock, where he always seemed to meet an acquaintance and to spark a friendly smile as he wended his wheelchair through the markets and shops, post office and restaurants, reminding us that for him, despite his physical challenges, every day was a beautiful day in paradise. David's attitude never seemed to flag and when asked how he was doing, his ready reply was, I'm doing my best, by golly!'' David is survived by his brother, Gregory (Kim) of Temecula, sisters Melissa (James Botsford) Allain-Botsford of Castro Valley and Tamara (Gerry) Allain-Montange of San Antonio, Texas, nephew Cody Allain, and nieces Sara and Claire Botsford and Jessica Allain. He is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Mary Allain, brother Peter and sister Kimberly. A celebration of his life will be held in the Los Angeles area. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated and may be made to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163. Arrangements made by Turlock Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA 95380. www.modbee.com/obituaries