It is with a profound sense of loss and deep sadness that Oaks Christian School announces the passing of OCS co-founder and visionary David G. Price.
Price, along with co-founder Dallas Price-Van Breda, changed the educational landscape of the Conejo Valley with the establishment of Oaks Christian School in 2000.
He passed away peacefully on Oct. 31, in his Brentwood home, surrounded by his family. He was 91 years old and served as a Trustee Emeritus at Oaks Christian up until his death.
He was interred at a private family service at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Westlake Village on Nov. 9, 2023, with a military flyover marking the occasion. A Celebration of Life Service is being planned for after the holidays.
Please read the full obituary here and special remarks here.
“Words cannot express the incredible legacy that David has left to this school and community. His dream of a Christ-centered school has impacted hundreds of students and families who have stepped foot on this campus,” said Head of School Rob Black, “We can never repay this, but we will honor his memory by continuing to uphold his vision for this school.”
In recent years, he had battled health issues due to a stroke he suffered 10 years ago. Despite that, he remained strongly connected with the school, attending many school functions, sporting events, and interacting with students and staff. He stayed informed on school innovations and strategic growth.
“David was the most remarkably consistent and joyful man I have ever known. There are but two words to describe Mr. David Price. No matter what the circumstances or challenges, no matter the condition of his health, if you every asked him how he was doing the answer was always the same: absolutely fantastic!” said Black.
Born in Culver City on Aug. 10, 1932, Price graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in economics. After graduating he served in the United States Navy as a lieutenant, earning his wings as a naval pilot.
An astute businessman, he purchased his first golf course in Yorba Linda decades ago and went on to found American Airport Corporation, and American Golf Corporation, the largest golf management company in America with 280 golf courses in the nation and England. He was also the president of Garden Land Company, Don the Beachcomber Enterprises and Getty Resorts.
In 1998, along with Price-Van Breda, he began looking for a site in Los Angeles for a private, Christian school that would deliver academic excellence from a Biblical foundation, one that their grandchildren could attend.
They began searching for a suitable location, and the former site of Eaton Corporation on La Tienda Road became available. Calvary Community Church bought the 35-acre property and then split it into two lots, selling one of the lots to the Price Family Foundation.
“Did you ever fall in love? That’s exactly what it was. I looked at it and I knew,” Price told the Los Angeles Times about his first impressions of the potential site.
Oaks Christian opened its doors to 198 students in September 2000. With few private schools in the area back then, the establishment of Oaks Christian was a game-changer in the Conejo Valley. The new school -with its modern facilities, technological advantages, and innovative programs - quickly attracted local students and became an academic and artistic leader as well as an athletic powerhouse, winning multiple CIF championships from its earliest days.
Today, Oaks Christian enrolls 1,600 plus students in grades 4 -12 and has an impressive alumni roster of students who have attended top-tier universities and military academies, having become industry leaders, acclaimed artists, professional athletes, as well as pastors, missionaries, and leaders of non-profits.
Price lived to see seven of his grandchildren and one step grandchild graduate from Oaks Christian.
While he accomplished much during his life, in his own words he described the founding of Oaks Christian as his greatest accomplishment.
In addition to his success as a businessman and educational philanthropist, Price was also known for philanthropic work with the Union Rescue Mission, Children’s Home Society, Boy’s Town, and Life Without Limbs. He received the Jerry Buss Humanitarian Award in 1988. During the Ronald Reagan Presidential administration, he served as the secretary of the United States Navy Advisory Board on Education and Training.
He is survived by his wife, Helen, his two stepchildren, four grand stepchildren and two great grand stepchildren, and his former wife Price-Van Breda, their five children, their 12 grandchildren and their five great grandchildren.