In loving memory of

David T. DeMille
December 10, 1967 - July 6, 2020

David Terry DeMille had a heart attack and passed away on July 6, 2020 in Garden Grove, CA at the age of 52. He was born on December 10, 1967 in La Mirada, CA and was raised in Norwalk, CA. After graduating from Whittier Christian High School, Dave attended Christian Heritage College earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a K-12 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

David married Shani (Danzeisen) DeMille on July 22, 1995 in Ballard, CA which was their favorite vacation area. They enjoyed beginning their life together in Whittier, CA and started their family of 5 children.

Dave's first career was in the field of education, first as a classroom teacher for 9 years and then as a curriculum and instruction administrator of various federal and state educational initiatives for 13 years. During that time, he received a Master's Degree in school counseling.

Dave began his second career in the Behavioral Healthcare Industry facilitating drug and alcohol groups as well as domestic violence classes. He wrote curriculum and materials used to influence client change in specific areas of need, including the many facets of substance abuse and treatment. He was motivated by his compassion for the "addict who still suffers."

Dave loved music of various kinds, Stephen Sondheim being his favorite composer/lyricist. He also enjoyed playing piano and singing. He poured his passions into all of his relationships and had a unique joy of life along with very deep thought and reflection. Dave was inspired by his Christian faith in all he did.

David is preceded in death by his mother, Meriam DeMille. He is survived by Shani, his wife of nearly 25 years; children Katriel, Devin, Karys, Kiara, and Kelsey DeMille; Father, Terry DeMille; and Brother, Daniel DeMille.

David will be laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park in a private ceremony by the family.

Tributes

Quintin Morrow wrote on Jan 6, 2023:

"David was my roommate in college and best friend. Like a brother. I was so devastated by Dan's call informing me of Dave's unexpected death I could do nothing but sit on the floor for 3 days. Couldn't eat. Couldn't sleep. Couldn't shave. Couldn't bathe. And I couldn't even attend his funeral. I'm sure to Dan, Terry, Shani, and the kids my absence was indicative of my indifference to David. The exact opposite was the case. He's been gone almost 3 years and I'm not over his absence yet. Still grieving. Still missing. Still loving."

Nancy Jenkins wrote on Jul 22, 2020:

"There are no words to describe the sorrow I feel at the untimely death of dear David. My heart and prayers go out to you, Shani and all your family. David and I met when we were both hired to teach 6th grade. It was his first year and he was sooooooo young....I believe he was 21! It was my first year in public school teaching after 3 years in a Christian school. From day one we hit it off and became dear friends. True to David?s personality we joked, laughed and really loved teaching and planning together. We each changed schools but eventually ended up back together in a different school in 6th grade again. He was an amazing teacher, always brainstorming ways to make lessons come alive for the students. I remember fondly how we were reading a book, ?The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? with the students and how he wanted them to really understand how the children in the story survived in the Metropolitan Museum of Art overnight. The morning following the chapter we brought on Mac And cheese and black coffee, simulating what the kids ate from the vending machines. The kids were so funny and David and I really loved their responses! So many memories....one more ....he loved snakes....not little things..a BOA constrictor. All was fine and good until he lost it in the classroom.....FOR MONTHS! Needless to say we kept the information from the principal! Additionally David and I got our Masters degree together at Azusa Pacific. We laughed, cried, struggled and studied together. It was tough working full time, carrying a full load at APU and for me having 5 kids (David was not married ). He was so compassionate and supportive (and at times hilarious with some quirky teachers). A last story to show his true compassion and support. During a final exam I absolutely could not concentrate nor recall the information, I was very distraught (sadly that week I had suffered a miscarriage) but I had to take the exam! I left halfway through and just signaled to David that I would be outside when he finished. David was so sweet, he told the professor privately why I left and to my shock, she excused the exam and allowed me to retake it when I was ready. This spoke volumes to David?s caring, the teachers compassion and the schools mission. It has always meant so much to me. I will miss his light...in his Christian walk, his positiveness, his strong will and his forever friendship. Rest In Peace my dear, dear friend. Hugs Nancy "