David Martin Roberts

David Martin Roberts was born on December 6, 1968 in Torrance, California. He passed away at the age of 53, on June 30, 2022.  He is a beloved Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend.  Survived by his parents, Dave and Hilda Roberts; his sisters, Lorraine Rauch and Christina Hower; nephews and nieces, Ryan Atwood, Drew Crane, Troy Crane, Joe Hower, Mae Hower, Otto Crane, Lilia Crane, Bella and Jace Atwood.

Follow the laughter, and you could always find Dave.  If there was a silly joke or a mischief about, he was in on it.  Finding the humor and spotting potential for fun, in all situations, was a gift we all enjoyed and admired in Dave.  A simple trip to a local park with nephews became a hero’s adventure, with an imagined rushing river to be precariously crossed.  He once turned a trip to SeaWorld with a young niece and nephews into a Shamusical. His imagination, free spirit, and humor made its way into all aspects of his life. We are so lucky to have been in on his fun. 

David never had children, but he had a palomino horse named Cowboy, while growing up, and a golden retriever named Barley, as an adult. His bond with both these animals was remarkable and endearing.  He had them well trained, but still gave them room join him in shenanigans. 

A curious and intelligent person, David truly never stopped learning.  He graduated from Fountain Valley High School in 1986, and then received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Chapman University.  His college career ended with a double major in a Botany and Biology from Humboldt State University.

A pragmatic naturalist and conservationist at his core, David lived in places where he could surround himself with natural beauty. He loved skiing and mountain biking in Tahoe, and then moved back to San Diego and Ventura to enjoy the coastline.  His love for the natural world and his compassionate ideals led David to pursue a career in environmentalism.  He spent his life doing what he loved.  Thank you for being compassionate and making the world a better place Dave!

For the past 6 years, Dave had been working as a Resource Conservation Manager at the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.  He loved his work here and the people he worked with.  Over the past few years Dave was instrumental in the creation of a beautiful Sustainable Demonstration Garden. He was really proud of the way it turned out and the potential impact it could have on the LA County community. Before working at the water district, Dave was a Restoration Ecologist for River Partners for 7 years, an Open Water Development Manager at Marrone Bio Innovations for almost 2 years, a District Manager for the Tahoe Resource Conservation District for 4 years, an Environmental Scientist, Lake Tahoe TMDL, and Project Manager at California Regional Water Quality Control Board for 6 years. Before this, Dave worked for the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the National Park Services in Oregon, where he identified several new plant species.

Dave was an adventurous, independent traveler who made friends wherever his feet landed.  During a travel hold in Thailand, after 911, Dave made the best out of being stranded by staying in an island resort, where he became known as the American Buddha. He made friends and created laughter while traveling in New Zealand, Hawaii and Europe.  You are on your final adventure now Dave and one thing is certain, you will make friends, reunite with old friends, and the laughter will follow. 

Thank you for the fun memories, Dave. You are loved and you will be dearly missed.   

In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the League to Save Lake Tahoe or the Sierra Club. 

Please check back for upcoming information on a Celebration of Life Memorial.

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