LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – James David Carl, age 66, died in Oakland, Calif., on Nov. 23, 2015, after a brief battle with cancer.

Dave was born in Paso Robles, Calif., on Aug. 16, 1949, to John and Mildred Carl.

His early years were spent in San Miguel, Calif. Orphaned at a young age, Dave was raised by various relatives including his oldest sister, Sarah, in a number of communities. He finished school in Lynnwood, Wash.

Dave moved to Lake County in 1978. He met his future wife, Rae, and future sons, Zack and Alex, the following year.

At that time, he was a working cowboy and the boys participated in many ranching activities. A dedicated father, Dave coached soccer, was an adult volunteer for 4-H, and attended many classes, trainings and programs with his children.

In 1986, the family expanded, adding Amber and Marianne. Dave adored his girls as he had the boys and added hairstyling to his parenting skills, which were many.

He was a published poet, self-taught script writer, computer builder and leather worker. He also bred and showed quarter horses for more than 30 years.

Dave was primary caregiver for his Annie for the past 15 years. A devoted family man, Dave loved to cook, barbecue and spend time with his kids. He lived in Bachelor Valley for more than 30 years. Dave loved rural California and rolling oak woodlands. He embraced it as an ag foreman, gold miner, cowboy, laborer, yardman and rancher.

He leaves in sorrow his children, Zachary Burroughs and Heather Reilly, Alexander and Eliana Burroughs, Amber Peak and Marianne Carl; his sisters, Sarah Townsend and Anna French; brother-in-law, Don French; in-laws, Dave and Cari Eby; grandchildren, Nathaniel Norcio, Anthony Burroughs, Amanda Bertalot, Katie Peak, Matthew Peak, Andrew Peak and Emma Peak; nephews, Greg French, Doug French, Shawn Eby; niece, Susan Guyot; his dear friend, Bobby Gentry; wife, Rae Eby-Carl; and a large extended family of cousins.

The big man left an immense hole in his family's heart and will always be missed.

Services will be at United Christian Parish, 745 Brush St. in Lakeport at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, followed by a potluck. Please join the family in this celebration of Dave Carl's life.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.