David Fuller Meredith

In Loving Memory of David Fuller Meredith:
Dave Meredith was a devoted son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, and proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He passed away leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love that touched everyone who knew him.
Dave was born in Bakersfield, California on July 10th 1959. At three weeks old he was adopted by Bette and Richard Meredith through the Children's Home Society. He spent the first five years of his life in Bakersfield charming all who met him with his smiles and laughter. He was an early riser from day one, wide awake at dawn, standing up in his crib, looking out the window to greet the milkman during his morning delivery. That was the beginning of his highly active social life. He was always making new friends with people from all walks of life.
Dave and his older sister, Leslie attended College Heights Elementary School in Bakersfield. After Dave's first year of school, his father's company transferred the family to Orange County and they settled in a small community called Olinda Village.
Dave spent the rest of his childhood in Olinda Village where he attended Olinda Elementary School. When not in school he explored the hills, hiking for hours, building forts, catching lizards and bringing home tadpoles in jars from the creek. Dave thrived in the outdoors. He was made to explore, observe and rescue any person or animal in distress. In his teen years when wildfires threatened the houses in Olinda Village, he was the first to emergencies to offer assistance. When his Grandparents' lemon groves were freezing, he would be up before dawn to help light the smudge pots to keep the trees warm. He was always available to lend a hand, help his family, a friend and even strangers. Actually, no person was a stranger to Dave, they were his future friends.
In addition to hiking outdoors, his entire family was involved in Scouting. They spent time camping, backpacking, learning survival skills and earning badges. Dave also played sports like Little League baseball and ran cross-country in high school. Dave never missed an opportunity to be outside so running cross-country suited him well. He could find his way around the hills without a map, running or hiking it didn't matter, he was in his element. He attended Brea Junior High and Brea-Olinda High School, graduating in 1977.
After High School, Dave spent a few years working, dating and enjoying life. A friend of his suggested the Coast Guard. He knew that Dave was interested in emergency medicine and rescue so the Coast Guard was a perfect fit. He joined and went to Bootcamp. After Bootcamp, he spent a year in Okinawa Japan. From there he went to a Heavy Surf rescue station in Fort Bragg, CA. After 1-1/2 yrs there he attended Hospital Corpsman school in New London, CT. Other places he was stationed: Coast Guard Academy Hospital in New London, CT, Aero Space Medicine School in Pensacola, FL., Coast Guard Air Station in San Diego, CA (Flight Corpsman), Houston Meps in Houston, TX (Medical Floor Supervisor), Pacific Area Training Team (Team Chief), Coast Guard Air Station in San Diego, CA (Senior Medical Dept. Rep & Chief Medic).
Born with a heart as big as his laugh, Dave spent 22 years serving his country in the Coast Guard, where he rose to the position of Chief Medic. He was known for his steady hands, quick wit, and deep compassion-traits that defined not only his career but his entire life.
Dave had a true passion for the simple joys in life. He loved casting a line and waiting for a bite, whether it was on a quiet morning or a breezy afternoon. He was an avid sports fan, always ready to cheer, coach, or debate, depending on the game and the company.
Above all, Dave was a one-of-a-kind soul-genuine, loyal, and endlessly generous. He loved his friends and family fiercely and unconditionally. If you needed help, Dave was there. No questions asked. His presence was a comfort, his laughter a gift, and his heart was truly beautiful. Dave lived a life of purpose, courage, and deep love. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered with endless affection.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Leslie Meredith, his nieces Rachel Hoffman, Allison Foster (husband Daniel), his nephew Jonathan Hoffman (wife Tatiana), 4 cousins, 3 great-nieces, 1 great-nephew, the Kennemer family of Bakersfield and all of his dear friends who will forever miss his warmth, humor, and unwavering support.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 24th at 10:00 am at Miramar National Cemetery located at 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California 92122.