Obituary of David K Shackelford

On February 24, 2016, the world lost a bright light: Our beloved father, friend, brother, and chiropractor, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, at his home. David was 71 years old and is survived by his children, Michael Shackelford and his fiancée, Christin West; Maggie Shackelford and her fiancé, Scott Pearlman; and Bridget Vander Schaaf and her husband, Reed Vander Schaaf; the mother of his children, Sharon Rose Crowley; and his brothers, Paul, Jim, and Joe Shackelford. David was fortunate to have spent his last weekend surrounded by family. All three children traveled to Santa Cruz for a long family weekend to meet his son's fiancée, Christin. David was born August 9, 1944, on a farm in Jefferson Township, Indiana, to Emma and Walter Shackelford. He was the second youngest of five children, Paul, Jim, Ruth, and Joe. As a teenager, his family moved to Fallbrook, California, where he graduated from Fallbrook High School. David earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland College of Chiropractic, Los Angeles. In 1979, he and Sharon Rose picked Santa Cruz from a map, having never visited before; they never left. They wanted to set roots and build a family by the beach, near San Francisco and the redwood trees. In 1982, David opened Peninsula Chiropractic. He practiced Chiropractic for 34 years in Santa Cruz, continuing to see patients long after retirement, making house calls until the very end. David's children were his greatest joy. Much more than a father, he was their best friend, cheerleader, advocate, and confidant. He was exceptionally close with all three children. Their happiness and life accomplishments filled him with great pride. His spirit and sense of humor will live on in Michael, Maggie, and Bridget. David loved his family, patients, reading, fishing, playing Texas hold 'em poker, and making people laugh. He was an avid sports fan and never missed a San Francisco 49ers or Giants game. A gifted chiropractor, he eased physical and emotional pain with his gentle touch, kind voice, empathic ear, compassion, and wisdom. He always made time to listen to his patients. He was incredibly kind, selfless, generous, and reliable. Known for making people feel comfortable, he put them at ease with his witty, dry, sense of humor, quick one-liners, and unique expressions. All are welcome to celebrate his life at a Funeral Mass on Thursday, March 3, 2016, at 11:00am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 435 Monterey Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made payable to "Center for Child Protection, Pediatric SART Program" care of VMC Foundation, 2400 Moorpark Ave, Suite 207, San Jose, CA 95128. Phone: (408) 885-5299.