David Bradstreet

1936 - 2023

MISSION BEACH - David Bradstreet passed away peacefully in his home on January 1, 2023, after a nearly 3-year illness with Esophageal Cancer. He was born In Lander, Wyoming on April 24, 1936, to Lee and Thelma Rook Bradstreet. His family left Lander when he was 3 years old and lived in Oregon, Nevada, and Utah before settling in Stockton, CA in 1944. While in Stockton, David helped his family run a grocery business and worked on their walnut farm while he attended school.
When David was 20 years old, he branched out on his own and headed to the beaches in San Diego. He began working for Rohr Aircraft and held a number of positions. He completed his undergraduate degree at San Diego State University and received a Master's Degree in Public Administration from National University. Additionally, he received a teaching certificate and taught recreational classes at both Southwestern College and San Diego State University.
In 1962 David began his career in City Government in Chula Vista as part of their Parks and Recreation Department, working in all facets of recreation programming. In 1970 he was selected as the city's Parks and Golf Course Superintendent. In January 1979, David was hired as the City of Carlsbad's Park and Recreation Director. For the next 19 years, he and his talented staff embarked on an aggressive park development program. These efforts played a major role in developing Carlsbad's Park system, consisting of over 480 acres of parks and facilities which have played host to thousands of recreation program enthusiasts within Carlsbad and throughout San Diego County. In June 1994 David further expanded his responsibilities by assuming the position of Community Service Director which included many Public Works Functions as well as the Park and Recreation Departments. After 35 years of public service, David retired in 1997.
His recreational interests during his life were many. He was an avid water and snow skier. He tried his hand at fly-fishing, but found out you didn't catch a lot of fish with a fly. He played recreational basketball and softball, even injuring several fingers as a player in Over-the-Line tournaments. His absolute two loves in sports were sand volleyball and golf. He always tried to be paired in volleyball with rated players and went on to win several major 2-man tournaments in the South Bay and in Mexico. In golf, he was known as a grinder who had a good short game. He had four holes in one. David often said, if you play long enough, you're bound to get one hole-in-one somewhere!
He is survived by his loving wife Mary, daughter Kelly, sisters Mary Alice Wampler (Robert) and Silver Penny Lamb (David), and an extended family as well as many friends who adored him. He was the ultimate role model for living the good life and undeniably lived it to the fullest while motivating and inspiring others.
The family is planning a celebration of life on January 21st. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations be made to the American Diabetes Association to support research and cures for childhood Type 1 Diabetes. Always remember David's bigger-than-life personality, toast him with an itsy bitsy (NFL Silver Bacardi and diet coke) sharing kindness to all, both friends, family, and strangers, and do this in honor of him.
"So I commend the enjoyment of life because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad" - ECCLESIASTES 8:15