DAVID WILLIAM BUTTLES

Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on February 7, 2010

David William Buttles, 48, of La Quinta, CA, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2010, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on April 27, 1961 in San Diego, CA. David graduated from Kearny High School in 1979 where he was a varsity letterman in football, basketball and baseball. The New York Mets drafted David out of high school where he played in their minor league organization for three years until an injury ended his pitching career. He worked as a pitching instructor at the San Diego School of Baseball while pursuing his education.

David earned his Bachelor's degree and teaching credential from San Diego State University and his Master's degree in counseling from UC Riverside. He coached the baseball teams at Clairemont High School in San Diego and then Laguna Beach High School before becoming the head baseball coach at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA. He was also the Athletic Academic Advisor for the college. He was a very positive influence in the lives of many of his players and students. David's greatest passion was baseball but he enjoyed all sports.

He was an avid fly fisherman and an accomplished bowler. He loved camping and fishing in the Sierras with his family every summer.

David is survived by his wife and best friend Jill, children Sam and Haley, and Mr. Wilson, his yellow lab; parents Ray and Evelyn and sister Linda . A celebration of David's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 12th, on the baseball field at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA.