David “Doc” Nipper

David “Doc” Allen Nipper passed away peacefully at home on September 3, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born January 13, 1944, in Long Beach, California.

From a young age Doc knew he wanted to be a dentist. He graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1970 and, with his former wife Lynda Nipper-Nelson, built a practice in Santa Barbara that served the community for more than fifty years until his retirement in 2020. Patients and colleagues remember not only his skill but his kindness, patience, and generosity. He approached each person as an artist would, taking time and leaving people more at ease than when they arrived.

He had a creative and mechanical mind; it showed in everything he built, repaired, and modified. He loved camping in Big Sur, Formula One, automotive events and races at Laguna Seca, and riding his motorcycle on the weekends.

Doc was a longtime member of SGI-USA and a dedicated practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism. He was a devoted partner to Lenore Palmer for the last 28 years. Together they shared a deep commitment to the peace and happiness of all living beings.

David is survived by his brother, Steven J. Nipper; his children Steven B. Nipper, Lorien Nipper-Avila, and James Von Essen; his stepdaughter Natalie Schoer; and his granddaughters Jasmine and Juliet Avila.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, October 15, at 3:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo Pavilion.