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BORN
1982
DIED
2019
David Vaz Obituary
November 28, 1982 - May 16, 2019
Resident of Watsonville
With much sadness in our hearts, the parents of David Michael Vaz regret to inform you of the untimely passing of their beloved son, David. David's biggest pleasure in life was anything to do with his love of water, surfing being the first. Most of his life as a local boy was spent at the beach; he grew up involved in the Manresa Jr. Guard program, from age 7 to 17, when he became one of the youngest California State Lifeguards. He loved his job as a California State Lifeguard in Monterey, and over his ten years of service, he was involved in many life saving rescues. David was also involved in the running of the Monterey Jr. Lifeguard program. He attended Rio del Mar school and graduated from Aptos High School, class of 2001. While attending Aptos High School, David swam on the high school team and played water polo. He won 2nd place in Surfing for Aptos High in the Santa Cruz Surfing League, in his senior year.
Then in 2012, David moved to the North Shore of Oahu to pursue his love of Surfing. David went on to manage North Shore surf shop in Haleiwa. He enjoyed teaching people from all over the world to Surf.
David is preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents, his Cousin, Donna Vaz and Uncle Steve Espinosa. He is survived by his parents, Michael & Cheryl Vaz, his two brothers, Nicholas and Miles and their wives, Maddysen and Vanessa, also his special little buddy, nephew, Matthew Vaz, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
David's infectious smile and sense of humor will be forever missed by his many cousins, friends and family. David will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and all those who knew him. He is in every bright ray of sunshine, the twinkle of every star at night, the smiles of every child catching their first wave.
A paddle out is scheduled at Manresa Beach on the morning of June 22nd at 10:00 am with a Celebration of David's life at 12:00 pm at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse. Please come share your stories about David and bring any photos of him! In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Manresa Jr. Guard program.
Aloha David, We love you!
If you would like to offer condolences to David's family, share your memories and light a candle in his honor please visit www.scmemorial.com.
View the online memorial for David Michael Vaz
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Memories and Condolences
for David Vaz
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
4 Entries
Micah Cavin
June 4, 2019
David was a good man. I was a friend of his in our earlier years. David Always had positive vibes about him. Good natured, I am sure in part to his family. He had good values. I'll never forget back in'04 or '05 David, my Dad, and I did the Sentinel Triathalon together. David did the swimming leg, my dad rode the bike leg, and I ran. I remember David taking off with hundreds of guys into the water to start the race...guys who train all year long for these things. David was just a natural. He swam around that damn Santa Cruz Wharf so quick we were shocked to see him second out of the water! We had to rush to get my dad ready for the bike leg! If my dad was faster on the bike, and I was a faster runner, we would have won that thing! haha. That was a special memory. I Will always remember the good conversations we had during our teenage years. He was inciteful. I will miss him. All my love to his family and friends. God bless David. -Micah
Aloha a hui hou
Lynn Marie Richardson
May 25, 2019
Donna Herbert
May 25, 2019
David was a beautiful boy with a heart of gold and a smile that lit up the universe and warmed your soul. He radiated gentleness, kindness and compassion. His presence on this earth with be missed but never forgotten. My heart,tears, love, prayers and condolences go out to Mike,Cheryl, Nicky, Miles and Matthew, his aunts, uncles, cousins and to all who knew him. Rest easy sweet boy
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