David Obiols Robles

1947 - 2009

Sunrise Sunset

April 17, 1947 - Feb. 28, 2009

David Redfeather Robles, a sixth-generation Californian, was born April 17, 1947, in Santa Paula, Calif. He passed from labor to reward in his eternal place of rest, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at his home in Ventura, Calif., with his family and friends at his side. He was a lifelong resident of Ventura County and the eldest of four sons born to Angel and Michaela Robles. He was preceded in death by his father, Angel, in 1987.

David grew up in the city of Fillmore, a product of a close-knit and very loving, Catholic family. It was there that his spirit of adventure, different people and cultures, love of fishing, camping, and the outdoors took root in his soul and endured throughout his life. He took advantage of every opportunity to go trout fishing with his boys in Bridgeport, Calif., or travel the world and meet new people.

Upon graduation from high school he went to work and set out on a journey that saw him marry a young Martha Romero, whom he had met at his first birthday party. Shortly after, he would be drafted and reluctantly go to fight in the conflict in Vietnam. The experience drastically changed his attitude and views on life. He saw the futility of war and became an ardent lifetime supporter of the peace movement.

David was a truly unique and amazing man. His persona was larger than life, as was his deep love of humanity. His generosity was legendary and brought joy to many, many, random recipients with fresh-cut flowers, roses and fruit from his garden.

After completing UCSB with a BA in sociology, and a master’s degree in counseling and guidance, Mr. Robles joined the counseling staff at Ventura College. Robles was a respected and gifted counselor at V.C., where many students’ lives were positively changed through his dedication and devotion to his chosen profession. After 20-plus years of counseling there, he retired and began to travel. David’s spirit guided his feet to touch various exotic and beautiful places, at every opportunity.

Redfeather was a man loved by many. He loved life and lived it to the max. He was a lover of all that came from his Creator. He meticulously cared for his rose garden, his macaws, many chickens and other animal life that filled his ‘Dr. Doolittle’-esque backyard. He was a great collector of artifacts and jewelry of the Southwest and had a great love and compassion for his Native American people and their experience. His desire, even near death, was to keep walking the Red Road. He made many Native American friendships, both in the U.S. and South America.

David is survived by his mother, Michaela Robles; three sons: (respectively) Michael David Robles and Ysidro David Robles, both born of Martha Robles, and Angel Puig de Robles, born of Clarissa Puig. David is survived by four brothers: Ernesto Robles and wife Maria, James Robles, Ray Robles, and Lee Venson. He was blessed with two beautiful grandchildren, Noah and Jacob who loved their “Indian Pop” very much. Robin Lynch was his devoted and loving partner and friend. Other family members include: God-daughter, Tanya Lopez; her parents, Victor and Cecilia Lopez, who grew up with David and was like a sister; two nephews, Mark and Andrew Lopez; and best friends, Ralph James, Steve Simpson and Jerry Chastain. He will also be cherished by his adopted mother, Rose Davis of Sanders, Arizona.

David leaves a host of relatives and friends that will truly miss his presence.

A memorial service will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, at 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura, Calif. (next to St. Bonaventure High School).