Feb. 12, 1945-June 9, 2015

 

David P. Mortimer, 70, of Edwardsburg, passed to his rest June 9, 2015, while a patient at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, surrounded by his family with the song “In the Arms of the Angels”, playing in the background.

He was born Feb. 12, 1945, in Elkhart, the son of Clarence L. and Thelma K. (Fetters) Mortimer and has lived in Edwardsburg all of his life. He graduated from Edwardsburg High School.

Dave worked hard and long hours all of his life. He was a quality control manager, firstly at Adams & Westlake, then R.E. Jackson, both of Elkhart and retiring from Elixir Industries of Osceola. He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church. He was a life member of the Edwardsburg Conservation Club, where his grandfather, Peach Fetters of Edwardsburg, was an original charter member.

Dave was the past president and board member of the Edwardsburg Conservation Club. He was a member of MUCC (Michigan United Conservation Clubs), being past district chairman, vice chairman, director and statewide vice president. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 365, a member of the men’s auxiliary of the Edwardsburg V.F.W., Post 2284. He was a member of the N.R.A. and Ducks Unlimited.

Dave was married Jan. 2, 1982, in Elkhart to Brenda K. Miller, who survives with two sons, Jeffery Allen Mortimer and David Robert (Kelly) Mortimer, both of Edwardsburg and four grandchildren, Casey Louise, Jeffery Clarence, Sydney Nicole and Nicholas Joel, he also has one great-grandchild, Savanaha Nicole. There are two bothers, Robert (Marilyn) Mortimer of Elkhart and Donald Mortimer of Bremen. He is also survived by his extended family, his beloved dogs, Mollie, Maggie and Max. Family who have passed are his parents and a grandson Benjamin David Mortimer on July 1, 1995.

Dave was an avid hunter and lover of the outdoors and he loved the upper peninsula of Michigan, and had many memories with family and friends in the UP. He loved to mushroom hunt, canoe, camp, go smelt dipping and meeting new people along the way. He enjoyed memorable vacations with friends out West and to Alaska.

One of his favorite things was having all of his grandkids over on Christmas morning, even playing Santa for many close family and friends. He loved telling stories about his childhood, even doing this right up until his passing with his family at his bedside. He has been known by his family to give the best hugs around. He dearly loved his wife’s voice. He loved his family and was very proud of each and everyone of them. He also had a huge extended family of friends. His family values were amazing, and he passed them on to his kids and grandkids. You rarely had to wonder what he was thinking…even though he was a ‘thinker’ … he spoke his own mind.

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, June 20, 2015 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Road, Edwardsburg. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service of remembrance will begin at 3 p.m. at the church. Officiating will be the Rev. Jeff Reese, Pastor of the church. Inurnment will follow at Adamsville Cemetery, where other family members are buried.

It is suggested that memorial donations may be directed to the Edwardsburg Conservation Club, P.O. Box 435, Edwardsburg, MI 49112 or to Hope United Methodist Church, ‘Project Hope’, P.O. Box 624, Edwardsburg, MI 49112-0624.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.