David (Dave) Bolton passed away on June 28th in Redlands, Ca at the age of 59. He was born in Riverside, California on April 11, 1963 to Gloria and Joseph Bolton. He attended Longfellow Elementary in Riverside, Naylor Junior High School in Tucson, Arizona, and graduated in 1984 from Redlands High School. Dave lived in Redlands for 40 years and was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church (Holy Name of Jesus). He had been in a car accident at the age of 14 which left him permanently in a wheelchair and without use of his left hand and leg. He lived at home with both of his parents until his father passed away in 1992. He continued to live at home with his mom until 2019. During this time, he attended the Loma Linda Adult Daycare Program from 1995-2019.
He and his mom were very active and kept busy attending activities in the community and social gatherings with friends and family. Dave enjoyed attending summer performances at the Redlands Bowl and performances at the Redlands Footlighters. He would often spend time at the Redlands Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the Empire Bowl, the Redlands Lawn Bowling, and the local movie theater. Many weekends would find him having dinner with friends at Uncle Howie's Pizza, the Spaghetti Factory, or the Tartan restaurant. He especially enjoyed watching his mom sing at any restaurants that had karaoke. Dave loved spending Saturday afternoons with his mom at Barnes and Noble sitting in the café having a mocha frappachino while looking over magazines and people watching.
He had a deep interest in the history of the American West, especially the era of the lawmen such as Wyatt Earp. Family and friends close to him knew that this was a major topic of interest. He also found history of the Civil War and World War II of interest. With his love of history, he enjoyed going to the Lincoln Shrine and any other type of local historical reenactments. Dave enjoyed listening to all types of music, but his favorite group was the Bee Gees. Many family members and friends were asked if they also liked the Bee Gees. As a young boy, he enjoyed constructing models, such as military tanks and showed a strong inclination to drawing. He was involved in little league and served as an altar boy. He loved summer reunions with family in Idaho, Utah and Oregon and would enjoy fishing with his dad and uncles.
From 2019 on, he lived at a skilled nursing facility and in a home care facility. He passed from complications due to a bed wound which never healed resulting from being bedridden for a long period of time. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Bolton. He leaves behind his mother, Gloria Bolton (of Redlands); his sister, Susan Bolton-Johnson (of Mentone); nephew, Joseph Johnson (of Mentone); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
Dave had a good attitude despite of the challenges that he faced. Even though he could be a quiet and somewhat reserved man, he had a wonderful sense of humor and found great joy and pleasure in the company of good friends and family. He was well loved by many and will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15th at 11:00 at the Holy Name of Jesus Church in Redlands, Ca. A reception will follow at the Lugonia Fountain Mobile Estates Clubhouse at 1251 E. Lugonia Ave, Redlands, CA.