Just a note on the Admiral's final resting place.  Since I live one mile from the cemetary and on  the way to Miramar commissary I decided to stop by and see where the Admiral was laid to rest.  Section 8 second row. Remembe the Veterans Day 11/11/11
Minnetonka Shipmate in San Diego

Rear Admiral Lauth helped recruiting for the Coast Guard Academy several times by meeting with high school students interested in the Academy.  He and his family shared stories of life and work in the Coast Guard.  We will miss him.

Bob Vryheid, Past President, Coast Guard Academy Parents Association San Diego Chapter.

Dear Kay,
Today marks a significant and emotional day in your life and your family’s life.  Please take some small comfort knowing that David’s legacy will live on through many others, perhaps until the end of time.  He was such a magnificent, positive influence on all of us who were privileged to know him.  He enriched us and made us strive to do better.  In turn we hope to have made a more important impact on those in our own lives, than if we had never known David.  Thus I believe that our children and friends will have become better citizens indirectly because of David’s positive influence.  And the cycle will be carried on through the generations.
God bless you and David.
with love,
Chris

Kay, I'm so very sorry. I have many fond memories of Friday happy hour. You and David have always been gracious hosts to all around you. Love to you.
Julie Kennedy

Kay, Susan, and family, 
It has always been a privilege to be an honorary member of the Lauth family. David has always been a role model for us all. His warmth and kindness always made me feel welcome, and his creativity and love for life will continue to be an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Love, Matt and Lori Johnson

Mrs. Lauth my deepest sympathies.  I came on active duty in 1974 and was privileged to serve with your husband when he was the District Commander in Honolulu. I was sort of dating his driver at the time, Bill Cumpston, not really but we were great friends so I would come up to the front office on occasion.  Though it was some years back, I remember him as being a fair leader and well loved by the staff.  Those were some great years.  I am working for the CG in Port Angeles, WA now as a civilian and heard of your husbands passing.  Again, he will be missed by the many lives he touched along the way, Jan Freeman, SKC (retired)

Kay:

As we knew it would happen, you can see the MINNETONKA crew is grieving Dave’s loss along with you and your family.  We regret very much that we will not be able to be with you this week, but we will hold you in our thoughts and prayers.

Don and Gloria Bodron

Dear Mrs. Lauth, I was aboard the Minnetonka when David assumed command and had the great honor to serve under him although it was to be for a short time as I was transfered to the Pontchartrain to make the Vietnam deployment. I  have come to discover that there was something special about that grand old vessel that all the people who ever served on her affectionately called her "the Minnie". At the most recent reunion whenever someone stated that they were former crew members there was such pride in their faces. We all will miss the Admiral as he was a fine Commanding Officer and a true Minnetonkan. Then BM2 Jerry D. Jones    BMC (ret)

Dear Mrs. Lauth,  I mourn the loss of your husband, Rear Admiral David Lauth.  I will never forget how he saved my life by "medevacing" me off the "Minnie" in Yokosuka, Japan in 1971.  I am so happy that I got to meet and talk with him in recent years at the Coast Guard Reunions, because we really made peace with each other.  I offer one final salute. Alan Horn YN3 - USCGC Minnetonka - 1969-1971

Dear Mrs. Lauth.  I’m very sorry for your loss.  Our Coast Guard family and CGC Minnetonka crews have also lost a great crewmember.   I’m sorry that I will not be able to attend the Service this week.  He always supported the crew at our reunions and will be missed but not forgotten.   I noticed that Chief Frost noted that he will represent the CGC Minnetonka.  Please accept our condolence.  Jack and Claudia Hunter

Kay and family...I had the distinct privilege of serving under Dave on Minnetonka where I learned what a real leader is!  I tried to follow his lessons. And I cherish the years of friendship thereafter, with you and you family.

God bless you....Dick Wight CAPT USCG (ret)

Dear Mrs. Lauth.  I did not know Admiral Lauth.  I was on the Minnetonka from 1965 to 1968.  After the Vietnam patrol I was transfered to Coast Guard Cutter Venturous out of San Diego.  I keep in touch with my shipmates via e-mail or reunions.  I heard about your husbands death through Jack Hunter.  I live in San Diego and I can see the new cemetary from my house.  It is a beautiful cemetary, I'm sure that Admiral Lauth would aprove your choice for his eternal resting place.  That is my choice for  eternal resting place.  If you don't mind I chose to come to the cemetary to represent the shipmates from Minnetonka.  Many of the shipmates live far away and many are old and not in good health to traves.  May God bless his sole and remember him in his Kingdom of Heaven.  Sincerely  Leonard Frost QMC Retired

Dear Kay - Sorry to read of Dave's passing.  He was very kind to me when I returned from Hawaii after Jeff left for Loran Duty.  He was a dear man and how proud you must be of his Coast Guard career!  You had an exciting life together.    Irene Jeffrey, San Diego, California

My thoughts are with you and the family.  May memories of all the good times help to ease the sorrow.

I'm very sorry for your loss. But please know that I will always fondly remember Rear Admiral Lauth and the Lauth family for showing a young Coast Guardsman great care and kindness.

OBITUARY

David F. Lauth

January 21, 1928 – October 14, 2011

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