David Markel

Dr. David Markel passed away peacefully on August 7. Dave was a 55-year resident of Pacific Palisades with his wife Nancy.

They were active community members, devoting much time to organizations such as PPRA, No Oil and the Temescal Canyon Association. Dave was well loved by all, including family, friends, neighbors, professional peers and his patients.

Dave was born in 1934 and raised in Detroit, where he attended Wayne State University for his undergrad and medical degrees. For his internship, he traveled to Los Angeles where he met California native Nancy. They married in 1960.

After serving as a captain in the Air Force 1963-65, he acquired his Palisades home and began his distinguished practice as a well-known Los Angeles psychiatrist. Among his achievements was his fundamental work in starting the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis, where he also taught and supervised students’ cases.

He was an assistant professor at the UCLA Semel Institute and was a training analyst for numerous therapists practicing throughout the country. Besides being highly esteemed by his peers, he was much loved by his many patients and continued his practice until his passing.

In the words of just two therapists: “As one of the founding Fathers of the ICP, one could not have had a better father figure. Dave radiated the perfect blend of consideration, encouragement, interest and curiosity mixed with just the right amount of fiery anger in the face of injustice.” And, “Being there was the epitome of who David was. His voice conveyed that quality. His respect for people, his old world graciousness, his innate kindness—these are everlasting memories of David for me. He had a phrase—‘there’s always something.’”

Dave is survived by Nancy, his daughters Rachel and Deborah, his son and best friend Jeffrey, his grandchild Sarah, his brother Norman, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and all those souls he touched. He was a dedicated family man and he is greatly missed by all.

Dave loved “ethnic” food and traveled all over LA with his son to visit restaurants, long before it became fashionable. He liked UCLA sports, fishing, classical music, Clint Eastwood movies and collecting elephant figurines.

Memorial plans are in abeyance pending resolution of the COVID issue.