David Edward Keyser's Obituary
David Edward Keyser peacefully left this earth on September 19, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on June 27, 1945 in Amsterdam, New York to parents Edward and Gertrude Keyser. David enjoyed time with family and cousins in New York until his family moved to Santa Monica, California when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1963 and during his high school years he enjoyed being involved in Latin Club, International Club, serving on the Senior Board, playing on the tennis team, and he excelled in Latin and chemistry.
David enlisted in the Navy (Marine Corps) from 1967-1969 and served in the Vietnam War as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class. He was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and Rifle Marksman Badge. After his full-time military service he also served on the National Guard for several years. During that time he also worked at the Los Angeles Stock Exchange. David valued education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History at Cal State Northridge. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Education. David was a teacher at Twentieth Street Elementary in Los Angeles and Canoga Park Elementary for 35 years. He also was a taxi driver and limo driver for a short time, received a Real Estate Agent license, taught Driver’s Education classes and ESL classes as he was bilingual in English and Spanish.
After retirement, David resided in Texas and then in Utah near the end of his life. He served as a volunteer for the National CASA Association, enjoyed golfing, time with family and friends, and traveling. He loved the ocean, dogs, the New York Yankees, a variety of music and art, being a Jack Nicholson look-alike, and had a great sense of humor.
David’s former spouses include Tacy Reed Keyser, Gloria Gabriela Keyser, and the late Renee Bento.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Trudy Keyser, his younger brother Michael Keyser, and granddaughter Jessica Keyser.
He is survived by his 7 children: Douglas (Diane) Keyser, David (Julie) Keyser, Adam Keyser, Jonathan (Shellee) Keyser, Caroline (Clayton) Reid, Eliza (Eric) Comer, and Giannina Keyser; 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service with military honors will be held for David on October 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park.
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