DAVID CAMERON McCALL

David Cameron McCall died on July 18, 2021, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his family gathered at his side. Born in Flint, Michigan on March 25, 1937, Dave was challenged with pain for much of his life, beginning with a hip deformity that kept him hospitalized and delayed his entry to school as his young body adjusted to his condition. But pain didn’t defy or defeat Dave–he fought it at every turn, developing into a fantastic athlete and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

At Linden High School, he lettered in baseball as a starting pitcher and in basketball as a point guard. Graduating with the Class of 1955, Dave went on to study physical education at Greenville College in Illinois, then Mott Community College and General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan with certificates in mechanical engineering and drafting. In 1956, he began a career with General Motors and AC Spark Plug that lasted 25 years, retiring for health reasons as a general foreman in 1981.

In 1957, Dave married the love of his life, Kay Louise Jordan, of Linden, Michigan, and started a family with son Brian David born in 1965, and daughter Carrie Ellen born in 1967. During those years working in the plant, he always had time for his family. Vacations to the UP, baseball games, trips across the country, Dave did it all. He loved the outdoors and sports, snowmobiling, bowhunting, fishing, golf, softball, pick-up basketball, any kind of friendly game. Following Dave’s early retirement, the McCalls moved to Alpena, Michigan where Kay continued her career teaching middle school and high school at nearby Hillman, Michigan, while Dave volunteered at the local pool as a lifeguard and swim instructor. He kept at his favorite sports of golf and bowling, continuing to perform at a high level until his health problems became acute, teaching many children how to bowl with great skill. Woodworking became another pursuit, and Dave produced beautiful pieces for family and friends.

In 2002, following Kay’s retirement from Hillman Schools, the McCalls moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to be close to daughter Carrie and son-in-law Russ Ahlers and their children, Allison and Matthew. Dave spent most of the last nineteen years dealing with the pain and health problems that he kept at bay for decades, always trying to stay upbeat for his wife and family.

David McCall is survived by his wife, Kay McCall, son Brian (Carly) and daughter Carrie Ahlers (Russ), brother Dale McCall, sisters Bonnie Burke (Bill) and Kathleen Elgert (Klaus), and special niece Gwen Tarbox. Dave delighted in his role as grandpa and will be greatly missed by Allison and Matthew Ahlers and Lucas and Jesse McCall. David was preceded in death by his parents Cameron McCall and Jean McLaughlin McCall. Though we grieve his passing, we are comforted knowing that he is released from pain at last.