Longtime Topanga Canyon resident Dave Lichten died after a battle with colon cancer in July 2015.
Lichten was born in Hollywood, Calif. in 1946. At the age of 13, he sailed to Israel with his mother and three younger siblings. He became a well-known musician and teacher, performing all over the country, both on radio and TV. He married his first wife at the age of 17 and had a daughter, Lizi, with her.
In 1971, he met Nira and they married soon after, and in 1977, they moved to the United States. They settled in Topanga Canyon in 1999, where they remained until his death last year.
On his first day in Topanga, Lichten met Alan Emerson at Pat’s Grill and immediately joined the Arson Watch. He served with them until the end of his life.
“Dave was a true renaissance man,” a loved one shared. He was a guitarist, and also played all strings and other instruments. He composed and played improvised pieces on the piano.
Lichten was a chef, a painter, an avid photographer, a philosopher and raconteur.
“His impersonations and wit were legendary,” a loved one said. But if you asked him what he did, he always said, “I’m a teacher.” He was a teacher of music, arts and life, and many of his students became lifelong friends.
“David, when was the last time I told you ‘I love you?’” Dan DiPaola, a close friend of Lichten, said. “You were the first person to make me cry uncontrollably from witnessing the beauty of your musical talent … I will remember you, your humor, your music, your mystique, your intensity and your love of life. There are so many questions I didn’t have the time to ask — your wisdom was priceless and still is … You have done so much for so many, we all love you so much; you live on in our hearts. Love is forever.”
Lichten is survived by his beloved Nira, two grandchildren, Or and Shachar, his sister Rachel and two brothers, Bob and Philips.
In Lichten’s memory and to celebrate his 70th birthday, there will be a gathering at Topanga Community House, located at 1440 Topanga Canyon Blvd., on Sunday, May 22, 3-6pm. All are welcome.