Daniel LaVine, 83

Daniel James LaVine was born on Friday, January 13, 1939 to Bradley and Bernice LaVine in Harvey, Illinois, the fifth of seven children. Alongside his family, he moved to Tujunga, California where he graduated from Verdugo Hills High School in 1957 and married his high school sweetheart Roberta in 1958. He soon moved to Vista, CA where he and his brother Tom established Tri-City Carpet, which continues as a lasting legacy of their hard work and business sense.  

In 1972 Dan and Roberta moved their family to Valley Center, CA where they raised their five children. During his 50 years in Valley Center, Dan was actively involved in the community, and was an avid supporter of the sports and activities that his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews were involved in. He was also involved in Valley Center agriculture, where he grew avocados and citrus.

Dan was a family man, a mentor, and was caring, generous and a loyal friend. He enjoyed fishing, mining for tourmaline, a good book, a Padre game, The Chargers, his fantasy football league, poker, and time with friends and family.  He was a passionate owner, breeder and handicapper of Thoroughbred racehorses for more than 40 years.  Dan could always be counted on for a good laugh or an amusing story, and a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. He always saw the best in people and loved wholeheartedly. He will be missed beyond measure.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Roberta; children, Jennifer, Daniel, Brian (and Tina), Dianne (and Tuhin) and David (and Lori); and 10 grandchildren Matthew, Cali, Hope, Daniel (Mo), Maya, Raina, Riki, Krista, Christopher, Sienna, extended family and many people that he considered family. He is preceded in death by his Parents, and brothers, Ed, Tom and Charles, Brothers-in-law Charles Kitterman and Phil Meek, and grandson Stephen.  There will be a celebration of life at the Vista Optimist Club where he was a member for more than 50 years on June 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM.  He will be laid to rest at the Valley Center Cemetery.