Samo mourns death of alumnus David Cline in Oakland fire

On Dec. 2, Samo lost one of its very own. David Cline (’11), a student of University of California (UC) Berkeley, died in the Oakland warehouse fire that was called in late Friday night. Cline was a member of the volleyball team and a clarinet player in the Wind Ensemble. As one of the valedictorian candidates, he went on to Berkeley and earned his Bachelor’s degree in both cognitive and computer science. One of Cline’s physics teachers, Marybeth Reardon, had only positive things to say about Cline.“In the six years I was [at UC Berkeley], students came and students went, but some left lasting impressions,” Reardon said. “David was one of those students. I remember he was always smiling and always laughing. It's like his default facial expression was a huge grin. He was very talented; academically, athletically, musically, but [also] very humble. He just struck me as a happy, goofy guy who liked to make everyone smile along with him.”Selfless, vivacious, brilliant, gifted and memorable. These are a few of the words some of his teachers use to describe him. Cline will be remembered as an amazing person who loved to make people laugh and cared immensely for others. “It shook me to the core when I heard the news,” S-house advisor Al Trundle said. “We have experienced so much loss this year as a school. I thought of course about his parents and how tragic the loss was for them. He always had a smile on his face, always positive in his outlook on life, always willing to put the work in to make things better.” While Cline was at Samo, he went to the national championships with his volleyball team and excelled in everything he set his mind to. He had a different worldview which his teachers appreciated and they always knew he would shed new light on any class discussion. “My heart goes out to David's family and all those who were close to him. His time on Earth was far too short but it's comforting to think he smiled and laughed more in his 24 years than most people will in their lifetime,” Reardon said.There will be a celebration of life service on Dec. 17 at one in the afternoon at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica. Everyone who knew david or want to show their support for the family is welcome and urged to attend.