Surfers say goodbye to one of their own
April 1st, 2009, 8:34 am · 18 Comments · posted by Laylan Connelly, staff writer
Whenever a good swell hit, Dave Kitagawa told his work clients he was at “a meeting.”
Kitagawa found a way to combine his two loves: surf and art. He’d wake up in the morning to work on design projects, then hit the waves.
Kitagawa, 43, who could be found at his favorite surf break “Blackies” in Newport Beach on most days, died on March 26 in what family members believe were alcohol-related health issues.
A paddle out is being held in memory of Kitagawa on the north side of the Newport Pier Sunday - a spot he could be found on most days catching waves - where friends and family will go out to sea on their surfboards to say farewell to Kitagawa.
Ron Kitagawa recalls his brother’s artistic talent coming out at an early age, with Dave winning an award at a county fair when he was in middle school.
“He’s been an artist all his life,” Ron Kitagawa said.
Dave Kitagawa grew up in San Gabriel before moving to Walnut Creek during his high school years.
Photo courtesy of Dino Caderao
He was a mischievous teen, going through a punk-rock stage where he dyed his hair bleach blond. He first discovered his love for surfing in Santa Cruz, and would drive 75 miles to get to the water.
He first moved to Orange County for college, attending University of California, Irvine, before transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor’s in Design.
After his college years, Dave moved to Huntington Beach. It was then his brother Ron realized what a charismatic person his brother was.
“I was really proud to be his brother,” he said. “It was then I started to see how people were just drawn to him. He was always the center of attention.”
Kitagawa started his own graphic design business in 1990 called Kitagawa Design Group.
“It was perfect for him. He’d work at home and be able to get up and go surfing any time he wanted, then come back and finish off work,” Ron Kitagawa said. “In a way, that was all he needed … to work and be creative, and surfing.”
Surf buddy Dino Caderao said Kitagawa had an infectious laugh, and was always kind to others out in the water.
“Dave was always quick to give a smile and let you have waves,” Caderao said. “He was happy to sit on the inside and pick off the ones we let by. An intelligent strategy, because he seemed to catch more waves than anyone.”
He had earned the nickname “Fish” because of his red fish surfboard he could be seen with in the line up.
He was the type of guy who loved what he was doing – because if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be doing it, Ron Kitagawa said.
“He either loved you, or didn’t care to have anything to do with you,” Ron Kitagawa said. “But he was open to meeting new people.”
Kitagawa had many friends at his surf break, Blackies, and anyone who knew him is invited to come to the sand at 9 a.m. Sunday to paddle out in his honor.
“Dave was caught in this time capsule. He had that old surfer soul, just wanting to live in the moment,” Ron said.
Dave is survived by father and mother, Yukio and Keiko Kitagawa of Walnut Creek; brother Ron Kitagawa (Francine) and niece, Kaitlyn (4) and nephew, Keith (3) of Pleasanton; his faithful dog, Gina; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 2:45 p.m. on April 4 at the Hillside Chapel (Gate 17) at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Hawaiian/surf attire is welcome. For more information, go to www.rosehills.com. Donations can be made to the Surfrider Foundation, www.surfrider.org.
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18 Comments
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Dave was one of those guys you’de hope to be there checking out the waves with you and paddle out with. Your family is in my prayers.
Good-bye good buddy.
You will be so missed at Blackies, but I know your catching that inside Wave..Mahalo
Dave was always one of the good guys!
What can I say bruddah, you are loved! It just won’t be the same in the lineup without you snagging the insides. Me ke aloha menemene. A hui hou! With sympathy. Until we meet again!
Love you cousin, say hi to Grandma and Grandpa for me. The family will miss your warm smile and gracious demeanor.
Dave,
You will be missed. You are a Great person and always will be remembered. God bless
We will miss you…
You were the sweetest guy to have worked with and to have known. I’ll miss you.
Dave - I was looking for you today … a big OUCH to get this sad news.
I’ll miss splitting waves with you - I’ll carve a special left in your honor. Glad that I’ve got those photos these past 3 years. Bart
Dave - I never had a chance to say thanks for being a mentor and a friend. You taught me a lot about design, typography and, most importantly, the business side of it all. i wouldn’t be where I’m at now if it wasn’t for you. I’ll truly miss you, bro.
Hey Couz, I’m gonna miss you! Hope you catching that gnarly wave in heaven!! Keep smiling and laughing and Ill see you in the water!!
Love you couz,
Kyle Akahoshi
Dave,
When your brother finished saying goodbye today at the paddle out in your honor, a baby seal jumped on a surfboard. It was a sign! It was great getting to know you these past few years. Funniest moments: You selling a fin on eBay and me buying it, and when we met at the desired location, we had the biggest laugh. And of course the topless woman at Blackies, and you had to lose your board in 2ft surf to get a better look! You never lose your board! Aloha my friend and. . . shakas. . .
Dave … there will always be a special place in my heart for you, you were my first love (puppy love) at Schurr High School and when you moved away, I was so very sad that I wasn’t going to be seeing my friend anymore. I remember your cute smile, cute laugh, and you had some many friends but most off all, I remember how sweet and kind you were. And after all these years, I still have some of your drawings that you did for me that I will cherish forever. I will miss you and you are in my prayers.
Unfortunately I did not hear of Dave’s passing until yesterday, April 16. One of the first things I thought of was whether you knew or not. Your reply here is EXACTLY as I had assumed it would be. Really nice what you said. I had not seen Dave in a few years and am so saddened by his paasing. Simply shocking. All my best to you and your family.
Dave,
You were a terrific neighbor and friend. Thank you so much for the love you showed my family, especially the encouragement you gave my son in design. We love you and we love your dogs, Cassie and Gina. You have such a wonderful family. We will all be there for them when they need it. You are greatly missed.
Rest in peace my dear friend. I am so incredibly saddened to hear this news…….you were an amazing person…you made me laugh like I will never forget.
I only just found out of Davids death, and I am so sad beyond words. David was my best friend through out school and I will never forget him and all the adventures we went on. You will always be in my heart!