Commentary: An improbable life has come to an end

I was stunned to learn of the unexpected passing of my good friend, David C. Wilcox, Ph.D., a former, longtime La Cañada resident who died on Feb. 24.

After a two -year communication hiatus, I sent David an email to inquire about his take on the current election. For the first time in 22 years, my email went unanswered. Soon thereafter, Barbara, his wife of 50 years, called me. For more than 45 minutes we shared in each other’s grief and her tremendous loss.

David was a big voice in this town and oftentimes could be considered divisive and contentious in his approach. I had the opportunity to get to know the real Dr. Wilcox and his family very well. I would like to tell you about my good friend who profoundly and positively affected so many lives.

In his 2007 autobiography, “An Improbable Life,” David describes in detail his checkered past, his personal struggles with a dysfunctional and abusive family life, teenage delinquency and personal desperation. But David had a mentor, his high school principal, Mr. Bomboy, who recognized his genius against all odds. Over the next 10 years, David finished high school, received a bachelor’s degree from MIT (in three years) and went on to receive his doctorate from Caltech in aeronautical engineering.

David ventured out on his own and formed DCW Industries, Inc. in 1973. He was instrumental in the development of computational research methods for some of the most important projects of his time. Working with various government agencies including the Army, Navy, Air Force and even NASA, David would have a hand in shaping the future of aerospace for the next four decades.

David wrote and published a number of scientific textbooks that became the basis for courses at numerous universities including USC and UCLA, where he taught for more than 30 years. Among some of his most accomplished works were “Turbulence Modeling for CFD,” “Basic Fluid Mechanics,” “Perturbation Methods in the Computer Age,” “Elements of Fluid Mechanics” and “Dynamics.” David was a huge proponent of higher education.

Born of a political ancestry, David was an unapologetic conservative and often contributed to local newspapers, always battling for the conservative cause. I first met him on the campaign trail many years ago when he was in support of a local candidate. In our conversation, I was most impressed with his passionate commitment to the candidate who had earned David’s support only after having demonstrated his breadth and depth of knowledge on all the issues.

From this chance encounter began a real friendship that branched out to both our extended families. He tutored my two older sons in math and encouraged them to push themselves beyond what they were willing to settle for. He impressed upon all of us the merits of personal convictions and perseverance, beliefs that remain with my family today.

David made a conscious decision at a tender age to use his time, energy and tremendous intellect to help kids, especially those in great need. In addition to working with his regular students, he traveled weekly to a local correctional facility to tutor inmates in reading skills. David was committed to the possibility that every troubled youth had a chance for a life of good behavior, achievement and good works.

David’s wife Barbara was the love of his life and the light in his heart. Together with their two children and four grandchildren, they were looking forward to their golden years overlooking Lake Arrowhead. His passing is a crushing blow to his family and to his extended family of friends who feel so blessed to have known him.

I feel compelled to shed some light on the full body of his life’s works as a tribute to my good friend. He will be dearly missed.

DEBORAH JOHANNES is a resident of La Cañada Flintridge.