David T. Holmes' Obituary
David T. Holmes (Dave) of Spring Lake, Michigan and formerly of Sterling Heights, Michigan, born March 23, 1940 passed away on January 19, 2021 at the age of 80. He will be missed by his beloved wife of 53 years, Bonnie Jean (nee Mortlock) whom he married on February 11, 1967 at Northwestern Baptist Church in Southfield, Michigan. He is survived by his children, Kimberly Anne Holmes and Kristen Louise Cooper (Jack) and by his grandsons Bradley Cooper and Drew Cooper. He is also survived by one sister, Jerrie Lynn Robinson as well as by a niece Beth Ann Meyers and nephew Jeffrey Meyers (Amanda), who were very special to him, as well as a number of other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dave graduated from Allen Park High School in 1958 and went on to attend Lawrence Institute of Technology, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1975.
He worked for several crane and hoist companies and retired from LIFT-TECH International in Muskegon, Michigan as Chief Engineer. In his work, he was involved with several professional organizations including the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, the Hoist Manufacturers Association and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).
Dave (W8UMP) was an avid HAM radio operator from the age of 15. In his work with Navy MARS during the Vietnam era, he took great pride in helping service men connect with their families to let their families know that they had arrived safely at their destination. He was State Director for several years for Navy MARS (N00ASG and NN0GFH). Dave belonged to several amateur radio clubs over the years. He enjoyed field day, going to HAM swaps and contesting.
Dave was also a loyal Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings fan.
Dave and Bonnie traveled quite a bit during their life together enjoying cruises as well as trips to Ireland, New England and Alaska. They also enjoyed time at their cottage in Indian River for many years.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, David Thomas Holmes and Evelyn Louise Holmes and his infant son, David Thomas Holmes III.
Memorials can be made to: Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE First Street, Suite 800, Miami FL 33131 or Friends of Spring Lake Library (designated for Children’s Programming/Activities), 123 East Exchange, Spring Lake, MI 48456. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com. The family is being served by The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456.
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