Memorial Service for Dave PonTell, Pioneer of Modern Big Bear Lake, to Be Held at the PAC on May 17

Dave PonTell, described by loved ones as a pioneer of modern Big Bear Lake, passed away on Sunday, May 4, of natural causes at his home in Redlands. PonTell and wife Donna (aka Dee) had been residents of Big Bear Lake for 38 years. The PonTells owned Eagle Point Cottages (at the site now occupied by McDonalds), and Dave went on to establish PonTell Harper Realty, and was instrumental in the development of the Village’s business district and the establishment of cityhood for Big Bear Lake. PonTell had also been on the committee to retain local control of domestic water, and subsequently had a DWP reservoir named in his honor. He also was a founder of the Toastmasters Club of Big Bear, was president of the Big Bear Valley Republican Club and had served on the Park District Board. PonTell’s family–including Dee, his wife of 43 years, and children Rene, Leslie, Steve and Annette, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren—invite the community to join in the celebration of Dave PonTell in a memorial service at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 17 at 11am, in a ceremony with Pastor Jeff Tunnell presiding, which will be followed by a reception in Hofert Hall. The PonTell family asks that memorial contributions in Dave’s honor be made to the American Liver Foundation (5777 Century Blvd., Suite 865, Los Angeles, CA 90045 or 800/223-0179 ext. 231 or liverfoundation.org) or the Salvation Army (c/o Leah Sanders, 2320 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 or 619/446-0283 or salvationarmyusa.org).