David Lawrence Wheeler

David Lawrence Wheeler David Lawrence Wheeler passed away at home on June 20, 2021 due to complications of ALS. He was 76 years old. He and his wife, Tona, were married for 46 years and have four children and five grandsons. David was born in Sterling, Illinois, the second of four children. At age five, David contracted Polio, and would walk with crutches for the remainder of his life. He was able to rise above his disability, however, and lead a life full of exploration, recreation, and family. His grit and determination to overcome the limitations that Polio inflicted and avoid being defined by his disability inspired many.

As a young person, David enjoyed kayaking, music, cooking, and driving. In high school he bought a 1934 Packard Coupe, which would accompany him throughout the rest of his life. He drove it West to California, where he attended Stanford University, joining the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and graduating with a master's degree in architecture. After graduation, he worked for famed architect, Paolo Soleri, in Arizona. He took this experience to heart and participated in creating the Foam Domes for housing U.C. Davis students, and created prefabricated hexagonal structures called Banyon Homes with a friend in the 1970s. He deeply enjoyed innovative architecture. Later, he also became fascinated by the emergence of computers and the ability for architectural software to revolutionize design. The combination of these interests would shape the majority of his career.

David married Tona Blunt in 1975 and used his Packard as the get-away car. The following year, they moved to Woodacre, where they raised four children within the tight-knit San Geronimo Valley community. He was well-known for quietly demonstrating that his disability would not limit his potential to raise his energetic family. His children benefited from many hours spent with him in the backyard raising pets, building tree forts, and fixing cars. He enjoyed driving his 1934 Packard in the Woodacre 4th of July Parade with his children. David spent the rest of his life in the Woodacre family home, becoming an excellent cook and sharing many meals with friends and family. He also participated in community affairs, most notably as Treasurer of the local Senior Housing Association.

David was diagnosed with ALS in late 2019. He once again faced this situation with grit and determination. In this part of their life's journey together, he and Tona took the 'one day at a time' approach seriously and each evening they raised a glass to toast that day. He never complained, never acted depressed, steadfastly maintained his independence, and approached each day with dignity and his best effort. He never gave up. Even through the COVID shelter-in-place months, his children were able to arrange multiple family gatherings, which were the highlights of his last year.

David is survived by his three siblings and their families: Pete and Judy Wheeler of Sterling, Illinois, Ann and John James of Carlisle, Massachusetts, and John L. Wheeler of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by his wife, Tona; and his children and their families: Michael and Rachel Wheeler of San Rafael, California; John and Lorien Wheeler of San Jose, California; Paul Wheeler and Carynn Milne of Richmond, California; and Liv Wheeler and Chris Cook of Honolulu, Hawaii. He will be very deeply missed. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2021 from 4-6 p.m. at the San Geronimo Valley Community Center. All are welcome. At noon on Sunday, July 4th, David's beloved Packard will be driven in the Woodacre 4th of July Parade in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a non-profit benefiting the local community, such as: West Marin Senior Services, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, In-Spirit, Toys and Joys, Affordable Housing Association, or the Emergency Fund.