“Big Wave Dave’ receives a waterman’s sendoff
A seagull performs a flyby as family and friends celebrate “Big Wave Dave” Largent’s life.
Photos by Wright Adaza
When Dave Largent, a 6-foot-4 highschooler who looked like Clark Kent, tried out for the West High football team in the early ‘60s, the coach told him, ‘The long hair goes or you go.”
The long hair stayed and the legend of “Big Wave Dave” was born. Largent traveled the world in search of big waves before marrying his love Kimberly and raising sons Derek and Dane. Derek fulfilled his father’s football promise by becoming a star linebacker at San Diego State University.
On Sunday, Nov. 29, Largent’s family, including Grandma Evie, who raised him, and over 100 friends celebrated his life with a paddleout at 16th Street in Hermosa Beach. Largent passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, at age 66, following a long battle with cancer.
Son Dane said of his dad, “I miss you Pops, you were fearless and faultless and gone too soon. You lived a life larger than most people imagine and had a track record to prove it”
Largent worked for over 30 years at the Daily Breeze and then started “Big Wave Dave’s Carpet Cleaning.”
Despite knowing he was terminally ill, he frequently told friends, “God has been good to me.”
To share memories of Largent visit everloved.com/life-of/dave-largent/obituary. ER
Grandma Evie, wife Kimberly and sons Dane and Derek.
Family and friends gather around Dave’s favorite board.
Baywatch Redondo Beach sends up a water salute.