David La Mountain

Obituary for David Wallace La Mountain Born July 31, 1945 - Passed away April 15, 2017 at the age of 71. David was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He had a full head of blonde hair and big blue eyes. He was very energetic and curious. David loved being outdoors and playing in the woods near the family home in Claycomo County. Summer activities most cherished were with his maternal grandparents, Clifford and Dovie Phillips. They adored him and wanted him to stay with them, when his father, Wally La Mountain was offered a job in California. His mother, Lorna, thought about it, but knew she would miss him too much if allowed to stay in Missouri. That decision was discussed often over the years of his life. David finished elementary, middle and high school grades in Redondo Beach, California. In the years following, he worked in sales, construction, both new, remodeling and painting projects, short order cook and later in life working in the Sierra’s cutting firewood for family and friends. David also served a short stint with the United States Army during the Vietnam War, with his duties taking him to Germany rather then to Vietnam. David was a dear brother to his two sisters, Bonnie Lee and Diane. Bonnie was first born and Diane was the baby. David was a typical brother, he would love to tease his sisters, but if there was ever any need to protect or defend them, he was there! David liked to travel around the states and loved the mountains. He tended to follow Wally and Lorna and lived with them on and off over the course of his life. He made friends wherever he went. He loved animal’s, in fact his last dog was a Great Pyrenees mix named “Ben.” They adored each other but when David couldn’t walk him anymore or take care of him properly he found a rescue farm near his home in Camino for Ben. We are sure they missed each other but Ben is very happy there. David lived near the Apple Hill Train Ride and took care of the ponds, the wild geese and a few raccoons. During that time a feral cat became his friend and he called him “lil one.” It was unusual for a wild kitten to get so close but he must have sensed the gentle nature of David. David also loved and was loved by his nieces, Gina and Kim (Diane’s daughter’s) and their children and his nephews (Bonnie’s son’s), Robb, Rick, Scott, Matthew and Patrick and their children. He appreciated very much a number of last visits made to his home in Camino, California. David was preceded in passing by his grandparents, and his parents, Wally and Lorna. His sisters Bonnie and Diane and their spouses and children survive him, along with at least 7 cousins, his nieces and nephews and their children. He will be missed but we celebrate his passing and release of his sweet spirit back to God.