David Legaspi III1: The Color of the Man A Tribute from all of us

By Rolando Aranzamendez, rol.aranzz@gmail.com In collaboration with Deirdre Roney, abitofearth7@gmail.com

Dedication
This Tribute2 is dedicated to Leticia Aranzamendez Legaspi, Davids mother, who had nurtured him with so much love and care, with a good measure of fun and hope-filled dreams, and with much prayers and expectation that David would become what he had loved to become someday. David did. This Tribute is given with a prayer and a hope that as her sense of loss deepens her sense of joy and pride in David would continue to surpass it.3

Introduction
Letty (Davids Mother), Elvie (Davids Aunt), and I (Davids Uncle) arrived in LA on 20 June sad; we returned to Sydney on 6 July proud. We left for LA with only one gloomy story in our hearts to keep; we returned to Sydney with hundreds of glorious stories of people in LA to share. We left for LA with one aim in mind to bring Davids ashes back home to Sydney; we returned to Sydney with Davids remains and also with his passion and driving motivation that have inspired so many families and individuals from all walks of life.

David Legaspi III was born on November 19, 1960 to David Legaspi II and Leticia Aranzamendez Legaspi. David was Kuya (older brother) to Dodie, Marileth, Denn, and Malou and Tito Dave to his twelve nephews and nieces. They all reside in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia. David received his B.S. Degree in Architecture from the University of St. Thomas in Manila, Philippines in 1983. He was an architect by profession and a Muralist by passion. He was engaged in both from 1983 to the day he died on June 5, 2012. He was 51 years old. For more information on David and his works, see his Facebook page David Legaspi III Memorial Page. This Tribute is a revised version of the one given by Rolando Aranzamendez at the Memorial Service on July 14, 2012, at Punchbowl Baptist Church, Punchbowl, NSW, Australia. I would like to thank Deirdre Roney for her editorial help as well as for her insightful and challenging thoughts that substantially appear in the Tribute. "This is a very sad and happy moment in my life," Letty Legaspi said (in an interview after the Memorial Service at Santa Monica on June 27, 2012). "Sad because David is gone and I can no longer hear his voice or laughter, but happy because I see so many people loved my baby. I did not know he had touched so many hearts", in Kate Parkinson-Morgan, Memorial Celebrates Muralist David Legaspi, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/muralist-david-legaspi-celebrated-at-memorial#comment_3811360.
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Who are we to know the true color of man?

Who are we to know the true color of man? wrote David.4 As a tribute to David, I will attempt to paint in words the Dave I knew and the David Legaspi III so many others knew. I hope that in collating Davids various colors, I can create a life-size portrait of the man who blessed so many of us. My modest aim is simply for those of us whove come to know him from different angles but all in a deep way, to be continually amazed and inspired, and challenged to live out Davids ideals and vision.

At Davids Memorial Service at Santa Monica High School in the afternoon of June 27, 2012, people who knew David and have seen his works of art wrote down their respective tributes on 4 by 6 cards.5 The cards eventually stacked 2 inches deep. On the night following the Memorial Service and through the early morning of the following day, I read all these cards one by one, with pure admiration for David for all that he had become to so many people.
The statement is the title of one of Davids CDs. It has been imposed on a number of copies of his art murals, for example, on the Mona Lisa that is the flipside of the A Celebration of Davids Life cards distributed during the Memorial Service at Santa Monica High School on June 27, 2012. The present tribute also uses other comments in honor of David Legaspi III that appear in various sources such as in online school newsletters, David Legaspi III Memorial Page, newspapers, and others. Tributes from cards, which are now in Lettys possession, and other sources are acknowledged as they appear below.
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Two things I observed on these cards: The first is most cards are written as if David was present with the authors. They addressed the cards simply to David as they expressed their love and honor to him. Amazing! The second is the consistent themes of appreciation for Davids works of art and for the impact David had on their lives. I took a selection of these cards and of the other thoughts about David from other sources and brought them together according to these themes, these colors of the man.

THE FIRST COLOR OF THE MAN: HIS WORKS OF ART

Davids many works of arts, signed and unsigned, can be found in the Philippines and in Sydney, Australia. However, most of them are in the USA. There are sketches, paintings on canvases and on surfboards, murals on the inside and outside walls of dozens of private homes, and on the walls of public places, especially, of schools in cities North, North West and West of LA. David also designed buildings and composed several songs and poems. He used several names on his paintings, poems, and songs. They are Demi Lingo, Brush, Sage Brush, and David Legaspi III.6 Most of us have seen online copies of Davids paintings. However, my sisters, Letty and Elvie, our loved ones and friends in LA, and I have looked at the originals with pure awe and sincere admiration. The vividness of colors with which they are painted, the masterly strokes through which the images have surfaced on either canvases or walls are just incredible. And the way David blended the images on his murals with the physical and ideological contexts of their surrounding is just phenomenal.7
6

For more information on Davids paintings, Mural Maps, etc., see his Facebook page David Legaspi III Memorial Page, http://www.facebook.com/david.legaspimemorial. Copyright papers of most of Davids works, especially building designs, the Blank Canvas play, paintings on canvases and surfboards, poems and songs, are all in Lettys care. The word Amazing has often been used to express ones wonder at Davids murals. See, for example, Huge Mural Unveiled at Brentwood Science, http://westsidetoday.com/s9-6981/huge-mural-unveiledat.html; Unveiling of New Mural at Malibu Bluffs Park, http://www.malibucity.org/news/index.cfm/fuseaction/story/ID/662/.
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I remember vividly when I first met David at a family holiday party. He knew I was a teacher at Webster and asked how he could volunteer to paint art murals for the school. From the moment he met our principal, Mr. Cott, he never stopped painting for our school! David will always hold a place of honor in my heart as a hero, an artistic hero! He gave from his soul, painted with a touch of vibrancy, and always inspired the smallest hand to paint with a zest for life! His essence lives on the colors of the sunset and the glimmer on the waves, his smile will always radiate in my heart. Blessings of love. Pamela Held, Webster school.

I met David in a public school boys bathroom at Roosevelt Elem. School. He stood on scaffolding over the toilets that had been abused by many years of elementary school boys boredom and, yes, urine. David took on the truly disgusting taste of bathroom beautification. Miraculously, this project taught respect, joy, art, appreciation and community involvement. David unified the school with his paints. I was afraid to paint and make mistakes. He encouraged me to be fearless. I will never forget his fearlessness, his generosity, and his mastery. He will live eternally in my heart for these gifts he so willingly gave. Sybil Hadfield.

It was my privilege to meet David when he painted a Cyclorama Mural at Edison Language Academy in SMMUSD. We wanted a teaching mural and he started with one wall and ended up painting 5! We thought of it as Davids opus. He was such a kind and generous soul and helped us transform our rundown courtyard into a place that we all gather in to celebrate. Lori Orum, Principal, Edison Language Academy.

David, Your original artwork adorns EVERY wall of our living room plus the BIG signs from the farm are now in our shop. Our children, who you never met, have asked about you and heard all the stories of you. You were an original, and will be sadly missed!!! RIP. Peggy Braaksma Agnew.8

THE SECOND COLOR OF THE MAN: HIS CHARACTER

David was a happy, humble, caring person. He was outrageously generous - generous to a fault.9 He was an encourager and an inspiring human being. He was someone everyone wanted to be around. At the end of 2004, Davids 25th mural in Malibu was unveiled. It was the 300-foot mural of biblical stories and faces of some modern individuals who helped changed the history of mankind. The mural is located at the parking lot of the Malibu United Methodist Church. In the midst of all the accolades being heaped upon the painting, Deirdre Roney, who herself is an activist, painter and philanthropist, hoped that when people looked at the mural, they would see not only the figures painted on it, but also see a humble man who is in (their) midst.10 Roney spoke at the inaugural opening of the mural. She told the assembled crowd that the mural cataloged many impressive figures but that the mural artist (E)xemplified all of the saintly attributes of the historical figures he painted: David radiates loving kindness, understanding, and appreciation for all, unconditionally. When we are with David we feel he can see into our souls and what he sees in every one of us is a precious and lovable artist capable of creating goodness and beauty with our brushes and with our actions. David shows us how we might be if we choose to be. Davids profoundly self-sacrificing actions change the world for the better. His quiet humility and desire not to take credit for his goodness or to be the center of attention remind us that our deepest fulfillment comes from our deeds themselves and not from ego gratification. If people want to be truly inspired to be better than they are, they should look away from this splendidly painted wall and instead look within our own community of Malibu to find the best amongst us and then act as they do. For example, though David is not a parent and has few resources, he has given more to local schools than most parents whose children attend them. Though David is not a member of the Malibu Methodist Church, he has given more to the church community than most parishioners. If we all simply acted as David does, our schools, our

The words in capital letters are original to the writer, see Facebook wall of David Legaspi III Memorial Page, http://www.facebook.com/david.legaspimemorial.
9

By Deirdre Roney in Jacqueline Mansky, The Man Behind the Mural, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/the-man-behind-the-mural.
10

In Ryan O'Quinn, Methodist Church celebrates Pastors 20th year, unveils 300-foot Legaspi Mural, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2004/12/15/life_and_arts/art1.txt.

churches, our communities would resemble the afterlife paradise we hear so much about. For me, it is the artist, this extraordinary man, my dear friend, David Legaspi, who inspires me to be a better person more than the long-dead, far-away images on this wall. I hope this mural inaugurates a new commitment among all of us to emulate the saints among us and to act out the saintliness within each of us. Then Davids mural will truly be a success.11

Through the years, Roneys hope had become a reality. People had become more and more expressive of their appreciation of the kind of person the man in their midst was as they were of his paintings. David, you were so amazing. I loved how I met you once and you always remembered my name. Our mural at Brentwood Science is so amazing. You will always be rememberedWe love you. Debbie Carry. I remember working on a painting at Franklin. David made me feel like an artist though I have so little talent in this area. He was a remarkable man. I will never forget him! Deanna Sinfield, Assistant Principal, Franklin School. David was an incredible muralist but most of all a caring person who loved life. He was the muralist for our mural sponsored by Brentwood Green at Brentwood Science Magnet School. We love him dearly and he will be sorely missed by all. Laurel Davidson. David, since the first day we met at Franklin to discuss the courtyard mural, youve always been a treasured friend. I am still amazed that you happily put up with my Type A personality! Thank you so much for 2 years of friendship you are an amazing person and I miss you dearly. Nancy Wu. Id always loved to paint, but never really took the time to do it. However, I jumped at the chance to work with David on the multiple murals that he created with Sony Pictures. He was beyond kind and inspiring above all else. His smile and love of art were
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From Deirdre Roneys files.

equally contagious. Im so sad for all of us who will miss helping him make the world a more beautiful place through paint. But Im also grateful for being able to see his talent in action. He left his mark in so many ways and will never be forgotten. Brittney Smith. David paint(s) with the angels. Im an artist and teacher at Brentwood Science Magnet (Davids last mural). I wanted a mural at our school for 13 years, but knew I couldnt do it and teach (at the same time). When I came back from Christmas break, there was his magnificent mural. We talked every day. And he encouraged me to keep singing and painting and to finish my childrens picture book. He was a kindred spirit and I and my student will miss him greatly. Light and love. Toni Zelo. I met David when he painted the mural at Webster, but I didnt really get to know him until he was working on the mural at Pt. Dume School. I had been asked/hired to video tape him. That was the beginning of our friendship which spanned at least ten years. I really enjoyed Davids laughter, generosity, and dedication to his art. I will miss him and his smile. Claire Karels.

I well remember Davids gifts of time and talents at both Grant School and JAMS. His infinite patience and kindness with the children helped instill and cultivate creativity. David was a wonderful artist and a more wonderful human being. He will be missed! Patti Braun, PTA Council Co-President. David will live in my heart forever. He was a generous and completely selfless man with enormous talent. His gifts were his incredible art and his ability to inspire children. He was loved by so many, and he will be missed. Linda Gross. David, your spirit is brilliant, your legacy a gift of pure generosity. We love you. With tremendous gratitude. Cyndie Weinstock, a teacher at Juan Cabrillo. Phil Cott, Principal of Webster Elementary School, says, "David was the single most generous and prolific contributor to our school in my 20 years at Webster, and (he)

literally transformed our environment.12 (He) painted all the murals at Malibu schools on a volunteer basis.13 David, you were such a breath of fresh air. My Kids loved you, and it was so much fun working with you on the surfboards. Thank you14 for your loving generosity. Jenn Bevan.

THE THIRD COLOR OF THE MAN: HIS AIM AND DRIVING MOTIVATION IN PURSUING HIS PASSION FOR ARTS
The multi-millionaire and businessman Edward Brown, who heads the Cohen Brown Management Groups, Inc. and owner of a 16,000-square-foot mansion in Malibu called David his paintbrush. This is because David painted some of his ideas on the walls of his mansion and/or illustrated them on his motivational books and films. In The Malibu Times, 28 June 2012, Brown said of David: David is in the top one percent of illustrators Ive ever known His sense of humor always made the projects better. His design perspective was left-brained and organized, but his renderings were purely right-brained and inspired. What you got was harmony. (Then Brown interjected,) But David wasnt about the money... He would turn down commissions from me to go off and paint some mural at a school for free.15
12

Deirdre Roney, For David Legaspi III, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deirdre-roney/david-lesgaspiobituary_b_1620161.html.

13

Jessica E. Davis, Artist David Legaspi, Muralist in Venice and Numerous Westside Schools, Dies, http://venice.patch.com/articles/death-of-artist-david-legaspi-mournedc5cf6805?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium.
14 15

Jenn Bevans emphasis.

Melonie Magruder, David Legaspi: Artist and Philanthropist, or in its online version, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/06/27/malibu_life/art1.txt ; See also, Ted Shaffrey, A Private Xanadu, Westside Weekly, June 10, 2001, p. 3. A parent has quoted David Legaspi as saying that money has no value until you give it away to help someone else (David Legaspi III, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/06/21/obituaries/obit1.txt.

Davids attitude towards money is corroborated by Deirdre Roney. In the same newspaper article, she said, David was saintly Im not talking about a religious perspective, but something moral. He had this inherently pure, loving spirit that Ive never seen before in anyone else. He gave away everything he did.16 Phil Cott agrees: (David) wasnt possessive of the mural or the professional quality of it. He just wanted everyone to be part of it. He added that David donated one of his world-famous surfboards, which was auctioned off for thousands of dollars for Webster.17 Also, in The Lifestyle Magazine Calabasas, in its Life at its Best series, Issue No. 6, 2005, Robyn Flans says in her article, Somethings Gotta Give - Mural Support: David Legaspi III had been a structural architect for the U.S. Air Force an eventually landed a cushy job at a Malibu architecture firm, where he helped design beachside homes, painted commissioned murals and made good money until six years ago, when he found his callingThats when Legaspi swapped his Mustangs for an old station wagon and gave up the easy life to paint school murals, often with the kids painting beside him. To say he took a pay cut would be an understatement. In fact, he painted 11 elementary schools in Santa Monica for free, burning through his savings in the process.18 Having read these articles, and having heard again first hand from Mr. Brown those words on the day following the Santa Monica Memorial Service, I said to myself, If it was not money and not fame and popularity either, then, what was it that drove David to paint and paint again? If painting was his passion, what was his driving motivation in doing all what he did? Whatever it was, it must have been something really big to him. It must have been something very important and lasting as to be worth of all that he had given to it. It must have been his mission, his business card, his ambition. But what was it? Fortunately, Davids aim and motivation did not go unnoticed. Those who were close to him had observed. For example, Deirdre Roney said in The Malibu Times, 28 June 2012, p. B4: Losing David is a loss to the whole community It is important that we all take a piece of the light he shed.19

16

See also Deirdre Roney, For David Legaspi III, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deirdre-roney/davidlesgaspi-obituary_b_1620161.html; Ed Fuentes, Remembering Public School Mural Donor David Legaspi, http://www.kcet.org/socal/departures/landofsunshine/writing-on-the-wall/remembering-publicschool-mural-donor-david-legaspi.html ; Jessica E. Davis, Webster Elementary Mourns Loss of Muralist, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/webster-elementary-mourns-loss-of-artist-david-legaspi#photo-10358199
17

Jessica E. Davis, Webster Elementary Mourns Loss of Muralist, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/webster-elementary-mourns-loss-of-artist-david-legaspi#photo-10358199

18 19

Robyn Flans, Somethings Gotta Give. Mural Support, Calabasas. Life as its Best, pp. 174-175. Or in the online version, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/06/27/malibu_life/art1.txt.

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What is this light that David had shed upon some people? Roney knew. She said in the same article, (David) brought out the inner artists in kids. He was never happier than when he was painting with them. In another commentary, she said, (David) never wanted to take a great mural and paint it himself. In his heart, he loved painting with peopleYou would often find kids trying to sneak out of class to paint with him.20 It seems that Davids light was about kindling in his little artists21 and in those who cared to look intently beyond the colors and beauty and the masterful strokes of his paintings, an ambition to help others live effective lives and make their surroundings as beautiful as paintings. Especially through the murals that he painted and the way he encouraged people, kids and adults alike, to paint with him, David was an educator. On the Introductory page of the Program guide to Blank Canvas, a musical comedy/drama stage play presented on September 24, 2005 at The Odyssey Theater Ensemble in S. Sepulveda Blvd. CA, are these words: The Blank Canvas project is a brainchild of renowned muralist David Legaspi III. He was inspired by the positive leaning of the education-themed murals that he has painted over the past decade for various institutions and foundations He transformed his mural concept into a three-dimensional live medium in the form of a stage play he has entitled Blank Canvas. The meaning of the school mural projects The importance of the Arts to Education and Moral Growth of School children.22 On the back cover of the Program guide are Davids own words: The Arts are the underused paint brush in the development of our youths cognitive intelligence, and Character Values are the forsaken paint colors in the attainment of sensible educational maturity. A Blank Canvas is the medium that awaits the positive composition of both and the possibility of Life Becoming a better picture.23 Having observed how David lived and painted with people, Colin Cadarette, who himself painted with David since he was six years old, said,

20

Jacqueline Mansky, The Man Behind the Mural, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/the-man-behindthe-mural.

21

Jacqueline Mansky, Memorial Planned for Muralist David Legaspi, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/memorial-planned-for-muralist-david-legaspi ; Jean Fitz-Gerald, Legaspi, Local Artist, Philanthropist, dies at 51, http://www.smdp.com/Articles-local-news-c-2012-06-1974247.113116-Legaspi-local-artist-philanthropist-dies-at-51.html.
22 23

Blank Canvas Program guide, p. 3. Blank Canvas Program guide, p. 12.

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The artist was an example of how to live (He) was a master with people. He would float from group to group of painters and volunteers of all ages, guiding and directing them, making sure they were keeping busy and enjoying themselvesFor me, seeing that from a young age, it seemed like what you were supposed to doAnd it didnt really matter what kind of rewards you got out of it. At the end of the day, its all about bringing joy to the world, and I think he really understood that.24 Judith Musters says on her card, I had the privilege of getting to know David when we worked together on the JAMS mural. He brought harmony and pride to the community and added character and beauty to the campus. He was able to engage middle-school age students in a way that broke down barriers and created hope and joy. He has touched my heart and transformed our school district. So Katie Row. She said, Dearest David, You brought such light to so many young lives, inspiring (even the not at all) artistic And you set the stage for parents to let loose and work alongside their budding artists. (Becoming a bit personal, Katie continued,) At a particularly dark time in my life you welcomed me unto your (mural work) at Malibu Methodist Church to paint away my fears Thank you for making me feel I had value when I felt hopeless. I will carry your smile in my heart always. Pat Cairns, the Principal Juan Cabrillo School, was very personal: (David,) You changed my life, and I am forever grateful. Carole Hakah, 2nd Grade Teacher, Brentwood Science Magnet Elementary School, was amazed: (David,) You affected me and my students. My student, Dereck, would follow you around while you were painting on our school walls. I watched him looked at you in wonder with big eyes. Dereck said to me, How does he do it? I said, Just keep watching him and you will learn. We love you, David.

24

In Sean Fitz-Gerald, Legaspi, Local Artist, Philanthropist, Dies at 51, http://www.smdp.com/Articleslocal-news-c-2012-06-19-74247.113116-Legaspi-local-artist-philanthropist-dies-at-51.html.

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Elleny Smoller addresses Davids family in regard to this color of the man: Dear family of David, I am writing another card to share my favorite memory of David, one that Ill never forget. At Pt. Dume School, we were painting a mural of all of the endangered species. My twin brother Cameron got assigned a gorilla. Camerons idea of art in 5th Grade was stick figures with a rocket or grenade launcher, or any other weapon. By the end of day 1, Cameron was furious, yelling through the tears. David and I understood that he wanted to give up. So, we went to see what Cams painting really looked like. We soon realized that his space was blank. He had not put a single drop of paint on the wall. When everyone went home and came back the next day to work more Cameron was overwhelmed with the compliments he was receiving on his painting. He went to look at his own (space of the wall) and realized that his blank square had transformed into the shape of a gorilla. Of course, Cameron accepted the compliments and praise from teachers, without question. I smiled and laughed realizing David had started Camerons painting off, but leaving it blank enough for Cameron to make it his own, David didnt do this to make the mural better, but to make Cameron feel better and confident about his work. David took care of everyone and loved bringing joy through art. To this day, Cameron still brags about his 5th Grade gorilla. Thank you David and I will always love you. Michelle Droeger joins the others on saying the same thing: (David,) you allowed all three of my kids, even my then preschooler, to be a part of something. You touched their hearts and made them so proud, like you did with so many. Thanks for all your beauty (that you) bestowed upon us. From Kim Stefanko: I had the honor and privilege of working on numerous projects with David at Pt. Dume Elementary. He was such a joy to be around. What a blessing he was to our community and to the world. Thank you for sharing him with us. I am a better person for knowing him and being able to call him my friend. With much love and appreciation. Phil Cott, Principal of Webster School, compares: "(David) was like a Pied Piper of art He would put brushes in kids' hands and turn them loose, and make them feel like

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they were part of something beautiful and permanent."25 (He) radiated joy, beauty, charity and creativity He would always involve students and teachers to also be part of the project. His mission was to involve everyone, everywhere he went.26 Donna Dawson, who worked with David on murals at Roosevelt Elementary School, Benido Solow and Carl Hobkirk have seen the light that David had shed, and, like Roney above, would not allow the David light to just go. Dawson says, Thank you Legaspi family for giving us David! I am sorry for your (and our) loss. David was pure light! He was pure delight. He always inspired joy in my heart no matter how hard we worked All the time, every time, he embodied27 humanity at its finest. I am truly honored to have known him. I will pray for his loved ones (David would want me to). I loved and love David. David was such a bright light in the lives of so many people, mine included, Solow said, and then added, He made everyone feel so special. He was (a) very special person, artist, (and a) humanitarian with such talent and such a huge heart. We will all miss him so very much. To Hobkirk, David was such A bright light has gone out but while he lived he stoked a fire which lives on in those who were touched by David. And, Anne Payne, a teacher in Malibu, joins the many others in saying, Thank you, Legaspi family, for sending us David! He shared his love of color and life with small hands (i.e. the school children). His fresh strokes left a legacy of fun and passion. His open spirit touched the hearts of young artists!

David did not care about money, fame or popularity. All he cared for were the children,

the young people, and the individuals whom he had thought to inspire into a life of personal beauty of character, a life of inspiring and lasting relationship with others, a life of worth and usefulness, a life of living for others.
25

Sean Fitz-Gerald, Legaspi, local artist, philanthropist, dies at 51, http://www.smdp.com/Articles-localnews-c-2012-06-19-74247.113116-Legaspi-local-artist-philanthropist-dies-at-51.html.

26

Melonie Magruder, David Legaspi: Artist and philanthropist, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/06/27/malibu_life/art1.txt.

27

Underlining is Donna Dawsons.

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I have seen at least two postcard copies of Davids paintings that portray the uselessness and destructiveness of illegal use of drugs and of a society that to him is going in the wrong direction. They are titled Fluids and The Colors of our Time, respectively. Both postcards have original poems by David printed on the back (see one below). If we can follow through Davids thoughts in these abstract works and appreciate them together with his other paintings, you would probably say with me, that most likely, David was also in a subtle and colorful crusade of bringing especially his young artists away from a culture of uselessness and destruction into a life of beauty, redeeming relationship, and hopeful sacrifices for the sake of ones life and society.

"Just a few minutes of painting can last a lifetime," David said. "To think that helping one child paint a fish on a bathroom wall can somehow lead to them becoming an artist, or to even appreciate art a little more, that is wonderful."28 Melonie Magruder of The Malibu Times says of Davids legacy:
28

Quoted in Jean Fitz-Gerald, Legaspi, Local Artist, Philanthropist, Dies at 51, http://www.smdp.com/Articles-local-news-c-2012-06-19-74247.113116-Legaspi-local-artistphilanthropist-dies-at-51.html.

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When he died of a heart attack June 5, at the age of 51, he left behind a trove of public art that illuminates normally colorless building features, and a generation of local children who might not have otherwise ever contemplated an empty wall and been inspired to take up a paintbrush.29 And, on the Summary page of the Blank Canvas program, it is written, Blank Canvas is Life itself. The kind of life we live is based upon the kind of choices we make. Our canvases may be filled with riches, yet they may also feel empty. Or they may remain blank because of fear of making decisions in life. Bad choices are unfounded, but wise decisions are often built on a foundation of good character that holds values and virtues.30 Alice and Barney of Lomita, who are known in LA as Davids California Parents31, quoted on their card a very appropriate Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 13:28, from The Revised Standard Version translation. It serves as a fitting conclusion to this section on the color of the mans visionary and sacrificial passion. Love does all things, Believes all things, Hopes all things, Endures all things. Love never ends.

THE FOURTH COLOR OF THE MAN: HIS SPIRITUALITY

David was a loving son, a wonderful and a fun-loving brother and uncle, a musicallyminded and gifted nephew and cousin, a sincere and an effective friend, a passionate and an accomplished painter, a philosopher, a poet, and a generous patron of anything that builds up relationship and friendship, encourages helpfulness, promotes education, and of whatever that is good for his neighbours. David lived an unselfish life. David did not waste his life - he lived it to the fullest, not primarily for himself but for others. Yes, he died way too young32, but life is not measured by its duration, but by its donation, by its contribution in making another persons life beautiful and his society a better place to live.
29

Melonie Magruder, David Legaspi: Artist and philanthropist, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/06/27/malibu_life/art1.txt.

30 31

Blank Canvas Program guide, p. 10.

Deirdre Roney, For David Legaspi III, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deirdre-roney/david-lesgaspiobituary_b_1620161.html.

32

The words of Mr. Edward Brown in Melonie Magruder, David Legaspi Artist and Philanthropist, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/06/27/malibu_life/art1.txt.

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His memory will linger in every place where his works of art made the greatest impact and in every heart where his love and generosity restored spirits and built friendships. Roney was definite: Davids largest impact was not what he put on walls, but what he inspired in the hearts of thousands of children and grown-ups.33 It was between the years 1986 and 1988 that my nephew David and I had become close. He came to me for counsel in several occasions. We read the Bible and prayed together a few times. In one of those times of meditation and prayer, David came to know that the most important Person he could ever had and trusted in was no other than the Lord and only Saviour Jesus Christ. On May 11, 1987, David gave me a pencil drawing of two hands with visible holes on both of them leaning on a drawing board. The left hand is holding an architect kind of a ruler and the right hand a pencil as if ready to make a line. Below the hands are the words, The good God is the super Architect of this universe, For He alone designs the perfect plan for mankind Thy will be done David A. Legaspi III, 5/11/87 On a personal basis, David was proclaiming, God is the super architect of our lives".34 After the unveiling and dedication of his 300-foot mural of biblical stories for Malibu United Methodist Church on December 16, 2004 called A Mural of Faith and Compassion, David said in an interview, Almost all of my public murals are educationbased This time it is still teaching, but it is teaching in a spiritual way35. Jane Bellomy says Malibu United Methodist Church was one of the places blessed by David Legaspi's sacred murals - I say that because he viewed all of life and its beings as 'sacred'. David memorialized the stories and characters of the Bible, along w/ modern day saints, and that mural has become the teaching wall for all the children and youth who are part of the church. Rest in Peace, David Legaspi for we are so grateful for your life and all that you gave to make a difference in ours.36

33

Deirdre Roney, For David Legaspi III, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deirdre-roney/david-lesgaspiobituary_b_1620161.html. David had a Bible since he was 14 years old. The same Bible was found on his reading table in a Canoga flat in which he died.
35 34

In Ryan OQuinn, Methodist Church celebrates pastors 20th year, unveils 300-foot Legaspi mural, http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2004/12/15/life_and_arts/art1.txt.
36

Comments section in Pamela Conley Ulich, David Legaspi: A True Malibu Legacy, Treasure, Legend, http://malibu.patch.com/blog_posts/david-legaspi-a-true-malibu-legacy-treasure-and-legend.

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DAVID, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU

David, we are very proud of you. You were a light that beamed upon us for a time but will never extinguish. Your colors will live forever in our hearts. We say with Randee, Peter, Holly and Lacey Bol, Thank you for showing us how to live from the heart, and with Anne Vitolo, (David) drew us all in and taught us how to accomplish great things as a community. Thank you David for leaving us your colors!37 David, we thank you for following the Light that you received and shed some of it upon us.38 Thank you for the Colors you brushed upon us. They will remain39 and will glow even brighter. We will not let you down.
37

Comments Section on Kate Parkinson-Morgan, Memorial Celebrates Muralist David Legaspi, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/muralist-david-legaspi-celebrated-at-memorial#comment_3811360. A good soul indeed. One who boldly followed his passion. And the light followed by Calvin Prakasim, in the Facebook wall of David Legaspi III Memorial Page, , http://www.facebook.com/david.legaspimemorial. May Legaspi's art on Webster's walls remain for generations to come commented Diane C. Hines, an art specialist in Webster, in Jessica E. Davis, Webster Elementary Mourns Loss of Muralist,
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We miss you. Que descanse en paz.40

The Colors of Our Time (In Retrospect: Reflection of a Society through the Glass Prism) By Demi Dingo (a pen name of David Legaspi III) As society drifts Through the midst of time, Images meander In darkness prime. What is blindness If there is no light? If no one sees Then what is sight? Behold! And there was Light From the Creators Hands. Our eyes dissect Sunlights color bands. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Purple are seen.

http://malibu.patch.com/articles/webster-elementary-mourns-loss-of-artist-david-legaspi#photo10358199; Kimberley Tober, RIP Dave As long as we live, they too shall live, for they are a part of us, in the Comments Section in Kate Parkinson-Morgan, Memorial Celebrates Muralist David Legaspi, http://malibu.patch.com/articles/muralist-david-legaspi-celebrated-atmemorial#comment_3811360.
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From the card of Lori Orum, Principal Edison Language Academy.

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Which color in time, Transcends among the rest? Which color on scale Weighs the heaviest? The craving flesh tones? The burning cones of snow? Until prism cracks, Only time will know. And like the rainbow After the rain, True colors show As society Weeps in vain.

David was not a perfect human being. Saints are not perfect. They are just more loving, wise, and impactful than the rest of us. If we all simply acted as David does, our schools, our churches, our communities would resemble the afterlife paradise we hear so much about.
- Deirdre Roney41

The first two lines are from Deirdre Roneys 24/07/2012 email and the final sentence is an excerpt from her speech at the inauguration of the A Mural of Faith and Compassion quoted above. In picking up and carrying forward some of the light David left behind (from the same email), Roney has organized David Stakeholders. She kindly asks those who have seen the David Light to join the group and support its goals.

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