Dan Conway, Jr.

A family man through and through, Dan Conway leaves his loved ones with a rich legacy of being a strong role model and an exceptionally committed person to those he loved. Known for his strong work ethic and always putting others first, Dan would do anything to help others in need. There is no doubt that he will be deeply missed by his many special friends and family for generations to come.

In the year 1943, the construction of the Pentagon building was completed. Interestingly to note, at the same time of its completion, America was rationing canned meats, butter, and cheese, during challenging times. In the midst of WWII, Daniel and Donna (Saye) Conway welcomed home their newborn son, Daniel Jr., on June 3rd, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. His birth brought much hope and happiness to the family home.

Dan lived a typical childhood of the times. He was favored by his parents and could nearly get away with anything according to his sister, Carole. They attended St. Mary’s before later transferring to St. Augustine’s High School. During his younger years, Dan loved being a caddy at Gull Lake Country Club, which sparked his lifelong love of the game. He also played basketball on his high school team. After graduation, Dan set off for Western Michigan University to earn a Bachelor’s degree. Successful as well as ambitious, he was lucky to land a job with Brown Paper Company straight out of college. Brown later became known as James River Paper Company and Dan worked his way up the corporate ladder until he eventually became the Chief Financial Officer for the Michigan Paper Corporation where he later retired.

Dan lived a life of adventure. Not to be forgotten were the years he signed up for the Marine Corps Reserves. Dan chose to volunteer instead of being drafted and spent his recruit training on Paris Island. He had a few deployments including one to Puerto Rico. On one trip back home, he surprised his mother with a giant-sized black spider that crawled out of his seabag! During his years of service, he was a combat engineer and always spoke proudly of his time serving his country. He also spent some time on a cross-country road trip with friends. When they ran out of money, they would work side jobs to get by. Highlights of the trip were their stops in San Francisco and Tijuana. The day he met Patricia Carmody, he knew he was ready to settle down. She was working at the university when Dan was working at Kalamazoo Valley Paper Company. Happy and in love, as well as blessed with mutual friends, they joined in marriage on April 19, 1969. Together, they had four wonderful children; Scott, Kelly, Christopher, and Brian.

As a father, Dan was active and engaged. He taught his kids how to shoot hoops and tried his best to pass on his golf skills. Time and time again, they would spend more time in the woods and sand traps! As a family, they enjoyed piling into their van and heading on vacation. They visited Cedar Point, Great America, Washington D.C., and Florida over the years. During the summers, they rented a house in South Haven and spent time on the beach while the kids were still young. Typically Pat handled the discipline, but if Dan got involved the kids knew they were really in trouble! He and Pat loved their children beyond measure and gave the best they could during their growing years.

When the kids matured and left the family home, Dan and Pat enjoyed making their own special memories. They would spend their time at the Lake Doster Golf Club in Plainwell. Dan especially grew fond of the men in his league. With most people, he was reserved, but when it came to his golfing buddies they loved to poke fun at each other. At times, Dan was the instigator. He often started more than a few debates and conversations just for fun! Dan and Pat became snowbirds traveling to Florida’s Gulf Coast in the winter months. They cherished time on the beaches as well as the golf courses in the area. Lovers of travel, they also made their way to the Grand Canyon which was a lifelong dream of theirs. Sadly, Pat passed away in 2014. After a few years, he found companionship with Kay Hutchinson a local golfing partner.

As much as he enjoyed his years as a father, Dan was elated to celebrate the arrival of his grandchildren. He especially loved to be invited to their special events and games over the years. No matter how far away the event or game was held, he managed to find a way to drive there! Dan was their number-one cheerleader! At times, he privately offered his opinion or shared his advice like an unofficial assistant coach on the sidelines. Described as approachable and kind, Dan will surely be missed. His wisdom along with his dry sense of humor will always be treasured. A wonderful man to know and to love, Dan always wanted the best for his family. May the warm memories of their years together remain in their hearts forevermore.

Daniel Conway Jr., age 79, of Kalamazoo, MI, died on Sunday November 13, 2022. Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; and his sister, Carole Locey. Surviving are his children: Scott (Stephanie) Conway, Kelly (Richard) Stack, Christopher (Laura) Conway, and Brian (Jacqueline) Conway; grandchildren: Alex, Drew, Megan, Kate, Molly, Rosie, Ben, Abby, and Zoe. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared Friday, November, 18th from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. The Rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday, November, 19th at St. Augustine Cathedral. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visit Dan’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to United Way or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.