David Gordon Ellis

March 21, 1948 ~ June 26, 2025

David Gordon Ellis was born on March 21,1948 in South Gate, California. He passed away on June 26th in Santa Rosa, California at the age of 77. Dave was a resident of Calimesa for 37 years. Dave had recently moved back to Northern California to live with his brother Bob and wife Dianna in the quaint little town of Cloverdale, so they could be there for him while he underwent medical treatments. Dave was happy to be back in Sonoma County surrounded by the beauty he once loved, he considered himself home.

In his younger years he enjoyed running with his brothers, Ron & Bob, down to Manhattan Beach, to play unsupervised in the sand and the surf until it was time to go home. Dave was a Junior Life Guard at Hermosa Beach. The family moved to Yucaipa in 1962 and the brothers were all sad to leave behind their fun life at the beach. Dave graduated in 1966 from Yucaipa High School and shortly thereafter was drafted for the Vietnam War. Dave chose to serve in the US Air Force and it was while being stationed at Beale AFB in Marysville and working on the Blackbird SR71, that he fell in love with the beauty of the tree covered hills of Northern California. After being discharged Dave followed his brother Bob to Santa Rosa in 1971. Dave attended Santa Rosa JC on the GI Bill and earned his AA. It was during these years that Dave enjoyed traveling for competitive Folk Dancing and began experimenting with his artistic side. Sonoma County was a music mecca and Dave enjoyed all the nearby SF legends with his many friends.

In the late 80’s Dave returned to Southern California to study and become a Journeyman Electrician, alongside his brother Ron. He was a member of the IBEW Local 440.

It was there that he also became a happy homeowner. His home in Calimesa is a true testament to Dave creative mind and his attention to detail. He turned an old clapboard house into a beautiful stucco home with many hand carved interior touches. There is not a portion of his home that he did not touch. Dave laid intricate brickwork, walkways, planters and steps in his front yard with the skill of a craftsman. He created revolving boulders turned by a wind turbine.

His passion was inventing. Dave had an amazing artistic and creative mind. He was proud that he held a US Patent for his G Force Ride that he created in his back yard, much to the delight of his son and nieces. He was extremely proud that the patent was granted on his first application. Dave was also a self taught master wood worker and enjoyed making detailed wood pieces, both sawn and carved. His animal and character carvings were amazing, very precise, detailed, proportionate and life like. In recent years Dave enjoyed traveling with his brother Bob & Dianna in their motorhome. He was passionate about saving our Democratic Democracy and contributed to many causes he felt were worthy.

Dave is survived by his beloved dog Boo, his daughter Jennifer (Dave) Waddell, his son Dylan Ellis, his brother Bob (Dianna) Ellis, his sisters Sheila (Wayne) Hironimus, Laura (Stephen) McGehee, three grandchildren, two aunts, numerous nieces and nephews and special friends, who will deeply miss his friendship and passionate enlightening discussions. He was preceded in death by his sister Linda and brother Ron and their parents, George Ellis and Frances Jacquet.

Dave’s wish is to have his ashes scattered in the place he loved most, in the beautiful Yosemite Valley, near Half Dome, which he conquered several times. Dave’s family & friends will gather for Celebrations of Life, later this year, in Yosemite Valley. Dave will be deeply missed but forever remembered and loved.