David Strickland

David Strickland, born December 15, 1955 in Tokyo, Japan, son of Sergeant First Class, James Strickland and Masako Watanabe Strickland, and died of heart failure on February 13, 2016. David graduated from Oakland High School, a Letterman with a notable accomplishment of achieving Oakland Athletic League's overall Diving Champion and Breast Stroke in swimming Champion all three years in the sport. David was an alumnus of Claremont McKenna College, a Psychology major who became a veteran that served in the US Army as a Specialist in medical support lived a life of an explorer. David lived most of his childhood of in Germany. He became fluent in the language and culture. He studied German all throughout his K-12 and college education. German and Germany was a lifelong study for him. He enjoyed Facebooking in German with his friends. His most treasured memories were during a point in time when he was stationed at The 557th Medical Company, Darmstadt, Germany. Throughout that time he met many people and made many life long friends. Not long after his tour of duty, SP4 David Strickland became a civilian contractor who lived and worked in the Kaiserslautern American community in Germany supporting US armed forces. For the period of his stay he enjoyed touring Europe along with his dog Missy, meeting people while visiting different cities and countries. As an adult, he lived in Germany for twenty years. Thereafter, he transferred to Tacoma, Washington supporting the Madigan Army Medical facilities at Fort Lewis, in 2002 and returned to Oakland in 2007. David enjoyed going to the Oakland Main Library Downtown and taking walks around Lake Merritt. David was a man who carried himself with smugness and at the same time was acquiescent. Those close to him saw him as enigmatic. He was witty and played with dry humor, a dreamer who had big ideas, someone who enjoyed literature, sports, and having a good time. David was an Army Brat all of his life who lived and died by values the US Army had given him. His code of honor, a commitment to loyalty and duty, always respecting those who were worthy, he was selfless and provided for those in need with service, his integrity and courage was "Second to None". David survived by his mother, Masako (Mary) Strickland and two brothers, Edward and Vanmark, and a number of nieces and nephews, along with relatives and friends will miss him dearly. David's family is grateful for those who have honored David's life, with appreciation they thank everyone very much. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 12:00 PM, Noon, at the Soka Gakkai International – USA (SGI-USA), Oakland Center, 3834 Opal Street, Oakland, CA 94608, Phone: (510) 653-1100. An Interment service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at 1:00 PM, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620, Phone: (707) 693-2460.