David M. Cheney
Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure.
Obituary
David M. Cheney, beloved son, brother, dear friend to many, and a respected doctor, passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2024. Born on January 1, 1972, David grew up in a loving family. Raised by his parents and maternal grandmother, he was known for his quiet yet fiercely loyal and generous nature. As a lifelong dog guardian, David demonstrated a lifetime of compassion and love for all.
From a young age, David thrived academically and intellectually. His family encouraged and fostered his intellectual curiosity. He studied abroad in Sweden during high school, forming a lifelong bond with his host family, the Lundquists, and graduated from Stagnelius School in 1991. David maintained a dedicated and loyal relationship with the Lundquists as his second family throughout his life.
Upon returning to the United States, David continued his pursuit of academic excellence to fulfill his lifelong goal of providing compassionate medical care to all. He graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Biochemistry, from UCLA School of Dentistry, and Harvard Advanced Graduate School of Orthodontics. He was a highly respected and compassionate orthodontist who practiced dentistry in the San Francisco area for 20 years. His dedication to his patients and his profession was unparalleled, earning him the admiration and respect of his colleagues and community.
David is survived by his father, two siblings, his Swedish family the Lundquist, and numerous loyal best friends, including Norbert, Anthony, William, Pat, his staff, his patients, and everyone whose life he touched. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him.
Timeline
1972
January 1st
Welcome to the new world
David is born as a New Year baby to Kim and Tony Chen, their second of three children (but definitely the smartest).
1990
July
Living Abroad, Sweden
Spends a year (1990-91) as a foreign exchange high school student with the Lundquist family (or as David calls it, his "Sweden Family") and graduates high school in Sweden. His life outlook forever changed by the nurture and encouragements from the Lundquist.
Kalmar, Sweden
1991
September
Began his college academic life
As always, top of his class and far more mature than his age. Further broaden his perspective in life and society.
California
1997
June
Graduated College, University of California, San Diego
Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. Summa cum laude.
San Diego, CA
1998
September
Graduate School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles
Returned to the family home in Los Angeles, CA, and attended graduate dental school at UCLA.
Los Angeles, CA
2001
September
Advanced Graduate Program in Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University
His passion for dentistry continues, and found his love as a perfectionist in Orthodontics. He spoke highly of his classmates and friends during his time in Boston.
Boston, MA
2003
Launches Career, Serving Communities
Graduated Harvard School of Dental Medicine Orthodontics program. Certified and licensed. moved back to California to launch his professional career. Served as an orthodontist covering multiple locations throughout Northern California simultaneously, to increase reach and accessibility as much as possible.
David always love his patients and staff and treated everyone with genuine compassion like a family.
David always love his patients and staff and treated everyone with genuine compassion like a family.
Northern California, USA
2004
August
Home Sweet Home, San Francisco
David made a conscious decision to make San Francisco his permanent residency. For a well traveled explorer with ease of bridging new friendships, San Francisco is always a special place in his heart.
San Francisco, CA
2024
July 20th
Passes Away
David Cheney passed away on July 20, 2024.
San Francisco, CA
Gallery
Memory wall
Post your condolences or share your Memories.
August 29, 2024
rip doctor fly high❤ 😥
August 20, 2024
Thank you for all the things that I learned from you son, Rest in peace.
August 17, 2024
Darling David, you left us too soon sweetie!
You were a kind, beautiful, caring, intelligent and bright soul.
I have fond memories of us having high tea in Victoria, watching the eagles on Grousse mountain, dancing and having fun during pride! I loved your smile when you were content, happy and care-free! I found your enlightening conversations insightful. I respected your loyalty and fairness. I was excited seeing your beautiful SF house for the first time, and I am sad not having visited after you furnished it all from Sweden!
The world will not be the same with you missing!
Love, Cobus
You were a kind, beautiful, caring, intelligent and bright soul.
I have fond memories of us having high tea in Victoria, watching the eagles on Grousse mountain, dancing and having fun during pride! I loved your smile when you were content, happy and care-free! I found your enlightening conversations insightful. I respected your loyalty and fairness. I was excited seeing your beautiful SF house for the first time, and I am sad not having visited after you furnished it all from Sweden!
The world will not be the same with you missing!
Love, Cobus
August 17, 2024
David, You had a kind heart, beautiful soul, and much generosity. You showed your friends and family your love in many touching and thoughtful ways. You had a knack for knowing when to reach out, what to do and what to say at just the right moment. Your sense of humor was fantastic. Your laugh infectious. Those closest to you consider you family and we were so lucky to be included in your special close-knit group. You were taken from us much too soon, with so much life yet to live. You will live on in our hearts, which are grieving for you. You are loved and always will be. Rest in peace dear friend.
August 11, 2024
In Loving Memory of David,
We first met in 1990 during the first half of your student exchange year with us in Sweden, before I myself spent a year abroad. Even that early, it was clear that you had set high goals for yourself. You passed Swedish high school with ease, and it’s no surprise that you went on to become a great doctor.
In just six months, you mastered the Swedish language, but more remarkably, 34 years later when we met in June, you could still speak and understand it!
Student exchange as a teenager is challenging and emotional, yet deeply rewarding. We both developed lifelong bonds with our host families, and we’ve always considered you as part of our family. From the start you were included in our interests, and with our friends, and later became part of my sister's and my own families during your many visits. You will be missed by many in Sweden — old neighbors, schoolmates, and family friends alike.
My wife and I especially remember when you invited us to LA and SF, where you were the first to hear of our pregnancy. You immediately began planning your next visit to Sweden to meet our little Julia once she was born.
Whenever you visited, the Lundquist's would come together to enjoy your company. Those moments meant a lot to all of us and have brought us closer. We are thankful to have been part of your life, and we will always miss you.
With love Mats, Su, Julia and Malte Lundquist
We first met in 1990 during the first half of your student exchange year with us in Sweden, before I myself spent a year abroad. Even that early, it was clear that you had set high goals for yourself. You passed Swedish high school with ease, and it’s no surprise that you went on to become a great doctor.
In just six months, you mastered the Swedish language, but more remarkably, 34 years later when we met in June, you could still speak and understand it!
Student exchange as a teenager is challenging and emotional, yet deeply rewarding. We both developed lifelong bonds with our host families, and we’ve always considered you as part of our family. From the start you were included in our interests, and with our friends, and later became part of my sister's and my own families during your many visits. You will be missed by many in Sweden — old neighbors, schoolmates, and family friends alike.
My wife and I especially remember when you invited us to LA and SF, where you were the first to hear of our pregnancy. You immediately began planning your next visit to Sweden to meet our little Julia once she was born.
Whenever you visited, the Lundquist's would come together to enjoy your company. Those moments meant a lot to all of us and have brought us closer. We are thankful to have been part of your life, and we will always miss you.
With love Mats, Su, Julia and Malte Lundquist
August 11, 2024
Our deepest condolences.
David become an extra son to us during his student exchange year when he lived with us in Sweden. His keen interest in culture, language, psychology have given us many meaningful talks, interesting travels and endless memories we will keep in his honor.
*The proud moment when we attended Davids Harvard degree ceremony
*All memories shared during your visits over the years and the many trips we did together in Europe. Each time you visited we discussed new possible destinations where to meet on your next visit (which e.g. led us to Rome, London and world cup in Germany)
*Lately when we no longer can travel ourselves, you and Norbert still took your time to visit us. We were so happy for the two of you. Your last visits meant the world to us and made us feel alive again! So hard to understand you are no longer with us, but you will forever be in our hearts.
We will miss you immensely David.
David become an extra son to us during his student exchange year when he lived with us in Sweden. His keen interest in culture, language, psychology have given us many meaningful talks, interesting travels and endless memories we will keep in his honor.
*The proud moment when we attended Davids Harvard degree ceremony
*All memories shared during your visits over the years and the many trips we did together in Europe. Each time you visited we discussed new possible destinations where to meet on your next visit (which e.g. led us to Rome, London and world cup in Germany)
*Lately when we no longer can travel ourselves, you and Norbert still took your time to visit us. We were so happy for the two of you. Your last visits meant the world to us and made us feel alive again! So hard to understand you are no longer with us, but you will forever be in our hearts.
We will miss you immensely David.
August 11, 2024
Our deepest condolences.
David become an extra son to us during his student exchange year when he lived with us in Sweden. His keen interest in culture, language, psychology have given us many meaningful talks, interesting travels and endless memories we will keep in his honor.
*The proud moment when we attended Davids Harvard degree ceremony
*All memories shared during your visits over the years and the many trips we did together in Europe. Each time you visited we discussed new possible destinations where to meet on your next visit (which e.g. led us to Rome, London and world cup in Germany)
*Lately when we no longer can travel ourselves, you and Norbert still took your time to visit us. We were so happy for the two of you. Your last visits meant the world to us and made us feel alive again! So hard to understand you are no longer with us, but you will forever be in our hearts.
We will miss you immensely David.
David become an extra son to us during his student exchange year when he lived with us in Sweden. His keen interest in culture, language, psychology have given us many meaningful talks, interesting travels and endless memories we will keep in his honor.
*The proud moment when we attended Davids Harvard degree ceremony
*All memories shared during your visits over the years and the many trips we did together in Europe. Each time you visited we discussed new possible destinations where to meet on your next visit (which e.g. led us to Rome, London and world cup in Germany)
*Lately when we no longer can travel ourselves, you and Norbert still took your time to visit us. We were so happy for the two of you. Your last visits meant the world to us and made us feel alive again! So hard to understand you are no longer with us, but you will forever be in our hearts.
We will miss you immensely David.
July 29, 2024
My Condolences May you Rest in Peace Dr. Cheney. I just want to say you were the Best Orthodontist I appreciate your level of care and compassion. You will be missed gone but never forgotten Fly High with the Angels 🙏🏽
Memorial Service
Please join us to pay a last tribute.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the legacy of David M. Cheney. While we mourn the loss of our dear, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the legacy of David M. Cheney. While we mourn the loss of our dear, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
Location
San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home
1 Loraine Ct, San Francisco, CA 94118
1 Loraine Ct, San Francisco, CA 94118
Date/time
August 18, 2024 1:00 PM
Do Goods for Others
If you would like to donate, please consider one of the following organizations David has contributed in the past. Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of giving for greater goods.
The Marine Mammal Center: https://www.marinemammalcenter.org
Doctors Without Borders: https://doctorswithoutborders.org
Youth for Understanding: Intercultural Exchange Programs: https://www.yfuusa.org
The Marine Mammal Center: https://www.marinemammalcenter.org
Doctors Without Borders: https://doctorswithoutborders.org
Youth for Understanding: Intercultural Exchange Programs: https://www.yfuusa.org
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