In June of this year, we lost an amazing man, ACE Pacific Southwest member David Michael Klawe.

Please join us on January 13, 2024, to celebrate his life. We will start at 9:30 in the morning at the fire pit outside of Knott’s Berry Farm. Once the park opens, we will take a ride on Silver Bullet in memory of David. Please note that admission to Knott’s is required to ride the coaster.

The actual Celebration of Life will be at one o’clock at the Klawe home in West Anaheim. Some of David’s favorite foods will be served and you are invited to share your memories and stories of David. It would be appreciated if theme park or sports related attire is worn to honor David’s memory.

For those attending the meetup portion at Knott’s Berry Farm, simply join us at the park at 9:30AM. If you will be attending the celebration of life at the Klawe household, please e-mail Jackie Edwards at jedwards@aceonline.org and you will be provided the address for the afternoon event.

Should you desire, donations can be made to Caterina’s Club (caterinasclub.org) or American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Preservation Fund (aceonline.org) in David’s memory.

A Little About David

David was born in Ocean Beach, California in 1960. He often described himself as “An
All-American, Polish Hoser.”  He grew up as an only child of a Canadian immigrant and a Polish immigrant by way of Canada. David attended Clairmont McKenna College after graduating from Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad in 1979. David worked as a restaurant and regional manager for Johnny Rockets and as general manager for Foggy Notions, which was a bar and restaurant in San Diego.

When Lisa met David, he was a senior tax preparer for H&R Block Premium Division. While working as tax preparer, David started writing blogs on Southern California theme parks and attractions, eventually leaving H&R Block to write full-time. Not long after they moved to West Anaheim in 2014, David got involved spearheading a campaign to get permit parking in our neighborhood, which was partially successful. With his efforts to get the permit parking, he got us more involved in the community and in Anaheim events. David was involved in WAND (West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council) and S.O.A.R. (Support Our Anaheim Resort). Former District 2 Council member, Gloria Mae’e, appointed David to the Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission. David was instrumental in organizing West Anaheim Organization.

David was an avid fan of the San Diego Padres, Chargers and Los Angeles Galaxy. He was also a fan of the Ducks, Angels, Manchester United (English Premier League), and the US Men’s National Team, especially the soccer team. If David and Lisa were not at an amusement park or a city event, they were at a sporting event or watching a sporting event.

Lisa feels very blessed to have had him in her life for the last nineteen years. He was loving, intelligent, passionate, adventurous, generous, and industrious. He will be missed.

Inclement weather, equipment problems or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the above schedule. The park will do its best to provide ride times and rides as listed however, the schedule of events remains tentative and is subject to change based on the park's operational status and local health restrictions at the time of the event. E-mail regional representative team for more information or if you have any questions. Members are expected to abide by ACE’s code of conduct at all times during the event, and are also responsible for the conduct of their non-member guests. Should you need special accommodations such as a wheelchair, speech/hearing, etc. please reach out to the participating park prior to the event date.