David John Whipple

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

In Loving Memory of David John Whipple

David John Whipple passed away peacefully on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 7:03 p.m.

He was born to Mary Ann Schultz and Louis Elery Whipple in Oxnard, California, and grew up primarily on a ranch. David, the youngest of four children enjoyed a childhood of building and inventing. Days were a delight of running wild and free through lemon orchards, then patiently waiting for mom’s home cooked bacon and delicious meals. He watched the farm industry grow firsthand, surrounded by California's finest citrus and the freedom of dirt between his toes.

He fondly recalled watching his father hand-produce videos working at Sunkist, while his grandfather was a member on the Board of the Citizens National Bank in Santa Paula. David still used his precious tools from his grandfather, Charles Elery Whipple.

At the age of sixteen, he was given his trade in exchange for a debt which was owed to him, and he gladly accepted.

Here he was offered the insight and secrets of the silversmith trade. Unbeknownst to him at this time, his love of this ancient wisdom would eventually produce exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces of 12kt., 18kt. and 22kt.  Later he produced solely in 24kt. gold and platinum.

After attending Ojai Valley School and Saint Bonaventure for one year, his father sent him to the island, Oahu where he attended some college, and surfed the world-renowned waves, which was his favorite pastime. The vision of the torch and the skills which were given awoke a burning desire which David later cultivated.

After Oahu, he traveled back to Tahoe to work as a boat captain for the elites. Tired of the havoc of the casinos, his passion to open his own shop began, Earth III.

Finally, he arrived in Siskiyou County.  He was in awe of the land upon which the farmers drove big tractors instead of BMWS. Here he opened the Gold Connection. Later, he was off to open David Whipple Goldsmith of Ojai.

David, an athletic man, enjoyed all of life’s skiing adventures. He kayaked distant oceans and surfed the tallest waves in Kawaii. David was integrated in the community and was considered the best Goldsmith for his trade. He even received honorable mention from NASA for his jewelry piece.

After 53 years of working hard in the jewelry industry, he moved to Northern California where he met the love of his life, Ashley who was educated in Germany as a Heilpraktikerin (natural doctor). Their two worlds collided and became one.  They focused the tools of holistic medicine to slow the progress of his CLL and were able enjoy the most pleasure in a life of love, health, peace, and scrumptious meals.  Ashley became an author with the help of her husband and together they completed life’s circumference, sharing his best years of retirement, and slowing his chronic lymphocytic leukemia into remission for 2 years. Inseparable, they traveled to Guatemala, Texas, New Mexico, and Napa Valley during which they played a total of 1021 games of cribbage, with no phone calls, only love and peace, and most importantly, support.

David John Whipple, “white cloud,” named by his dad, was the best man in the world. His final days were spent surrounded by friends and family, and memories of his most cherished times from Ojai Valley School comforted him greatly and the memories of his childhood friend, Scott later Dale, Babe and at the end George, Norbert and Tom, Mike and Camy, Connie, Patti, Otis, Bill, and Carlos.

Some of his work is featured on www.goldbeckerwhipple.com. David gave his heart and shined his dreams into fulfillment.

Life is short, “Don’t waste anytime not living it, you only get one chance, I have had a second chance, and I am the luckiest man in the world.”

David John Whipple, a most loved, enormously talented, and handsome man and respected person who will be deeply missed by his wife and all persons who had the pleasure of knowing him and his one-of-a-kind creations.

David is survived by his wife, Ashley, his sister Marilou “Mimi” and husband, Phil, his sister-in-law Lynn, his brother-in-law Ronnie, and his nieces and nephews Michele and Craig, Jenny, Brittany, most treasured daughter Emerald and cherished stepson, Miles. He is preceded in death by his eldest brother Charles Elery II “Chuck” and his beautiful sister, Robin.

In lieu of flowers, please continue David’s work by supporting your local animal shelters.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW DAVID'S MEMORIAL TRIBUTE VIDEO