Losing a Legend
Last week, we lost a Legend.
David was the face of our gym and an embodiment of the culture of West Coast Fitness. His journey was a powerful story that inspired members and was a testament to his commitment to bettering himself.
Here's his story in his own words:
"I transformed my life in prison, emerging in peak health and with a renewed sense of purpose. After two years of radical change... our local gym allows me to serve the community that helped save my life, and to teach others about the power of love, strength and resilience."
We have been incredibly lucky to watch David thrive, overcome illnesses, and celebrate so many victories, including two men's physique competitions. His strength, determination, and beautiful spirit touched so many of us.
Someone who was very close to him, Ami, wrote a beautiful tribute that illustrate the impact he had.
Here are some words that display his presence:
I still remember the day I first saw David. He moved around the gym as though he were floating on gratitude simply for being alive. He was so full of life, love, and energy that I couldn’t stop staring. There was a lightness to him that mesmerized me.
As we got to know each other, I came to recognize the warmth in his eyes. He had a way of making you feel his whole heart.
David brought that same warmth to everyone around him. He could make a heavy day feel brighter and find joy in the simplest things. He spoke to people as though they were the most important person in the room, and they felt it. He appreciated people for who they were, and brightening someone’s day brought him genuine joy. His energy was infectious because it was entirely his own.
David always spoke about the members as family. The gym was everything to him. He didn’t believe in days off because he loved what he did, and the people he got to see and talk with every day. I know many of you saw him as the light and heart of the gym. I want you to know he felt that same love for you.
He was also determined and disciplined, deeply loyal, and protective of the people he loved. He cared deeply about others and was always willing to help when someone needed him. His gratitude for the present moment reminded me to slow down and notice the small, precious parts of life.
The years we shared held more than I could ever have imagined. We grew together through joyful times and difficult ones. I am humbled and grateful to have walked beside him.
I will always remember the light David brought into the gym and to the people around him, and how lucky I was to know the heart behind it.
Join us for his Celebration of Life
We'll be having a celebration of life for David on October 17 from 12pm - 2pm. We'll close down the Main weight room for this and bring his favorites: Dominos pizza, Coke Zero, fruit snacks and more.
If you'd like to contribute to help lay him to rest
We've put together a GoFundMe to help his one surviving family memberwho is carrying the weight of funeral arrangements and the many difficult decisions that come with saying goodbye. In a moment like this, the emotional pain of loss is already so heavy, and the added burden of funeral costs makes it even harder for his loved one to navigate the days ahead.
You can donate here if you'd like. ❤️🩹
David greeted every member with the warmest smile and brought a sense of joy and positivity wherever he went. He loved our gym deeply and took so much pride in being a part of it.
David always chose to smile, and we are grateful for the countless beautiful memories we have of him. We know so many of you have your own special memories of David, too.
Hold your loved ones close,
Your West Coast Fitness Family
PS: Thank you for all the love you've shared with us while we navigate this challenging time ❤️
