David Thrift

David Thrift was born on May 27, 1943, in Santa Barbara, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from San Francisco State University in 1967 and later completed a Master of Arts in Linguistics at Cal State Fullerton in 1972.

From 1967 to 1970, David served in the United States Coast Guard, with assignments in Miami, Florida; Panama City, Panama; and Long Beach, California.

Following his service and graduate studies, he began a long career teaching English as a Second Language at Long Beach City College, where he taught from 1972 to 2024. He cared deeply about his students and their success. David was also a proud officer of the teachers’ union and participated on the contract negotiating team several times.

David was known for being kind, generous, loyal, considerate, and curious. He loved reading, listening to music, watching the Dodgers, and spending time with his family. Above all, he was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. 

He is survived by his wife, Lourdes; his son, Deylin; his daughter, Dalina; his daughter-in-law, Kristina; his son-in-law, Eric; his grandson, Ryland; his sister, Ann; and his sisters- and brothers-in-law and their families.

David Thrift passed away on September 25, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 83. His life reflected a lasting commitment to education, service, family, and the many people whose lives he touched through his teaching and care.

To continue his legacy into the future, his family is establishing a scholarship for English as a Second Language students at Long Beach City College in his name.