Dave Carey

As family and friends can certainly agree, Dave Carey was a shining example of fierce determination, especially during the last fight of his life this summer. His primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with others, and he truly understood the secret to living each day to the fullest. Deeply loved, Dave will be forever held close in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best.

The late 1950s are remembered as a decade of great social revolution in the United States. The civil rights movement was in full swing, bringing with it promises of a brighter future for many, and the country was also experiencing an economic boom and many advancements in everyday life. It was during this exciting time that Thomas and Mary Ann (Cumnock) Carey of Kalamazoo, Michigan, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their firstborn baby. On April 25, 1957, their wait was over. Thomas and Mary Ann welcomed their son, whom they named David, into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Dave was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home alongside his five younger sisters, Ann, Susan, Jane, Ruth, and Martha. From a young age, he had a great love for the outdoors. Dave often spent his time fishing and hunting and exploring creeks with his friends. Each summer, the Carey family enjoyed a memorable trip to Beaver Island, where they would stay in cabins with family friends. Once, their boat drifted off, and Dave and the other boys had to swim out after it! While playing a round of golf on Mackinac Island with his dad, Dave surprised a judge by accidentally hitting him in the head with a golf ball.

Growing up, Dave attended local schools and found a tight-knit group of friends. This group formed their own rock band, and although the neighbors and his parents weren’t huge fans, Dave loved playing bass guitar and spending time with his buddies. He graduated from Portage Northern High School, then went on to pursue further education at Western Michigan University. Dave graduated with his bachelor’s degree and soon began building his career.

During his time in school, Dave excelled in math and science, so choosing a career in chemistry was a natural choice for him. While attending college, Dave worked part time at Borgess Hospital where he met another group of friends who have remained close to him for the rest of his life. After studying at WMU and becoming a chemist, he worked at IDRC for a time. Following his next job at MPI Research, Dave settled into a fulfilling career at Albion College. He truly loved working with the students and wanted the best for them. His position at the college allowed him to influence the lives of countless students for the better.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Dave as he met the woman who would go on to become the love of his life. Her name was Mary Whiting, and the two first met as coworkers at IDRC. They were friends for years and, following the death of her husband, they began dating. Though Dave was nervous at first, the couple soon became deeply devoted to each other. Their everyday lives were filled with love and dedication to one another. Both Dave and Mary were glad to have found their perfect equal in every way.

Never one to sit still for long, Dave pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He liked perch fishing, which earned him the nickname of “Perch.” Dave was an avid golfer and enjoyed sharing his love for the sport with his friends and nephews. He would often go down South to golf with friends, and Gulf Shores, Alabama, was one of his favorite places with its variety of courses to choose from. Dave enjoyed taking long walks with his dog Daisy and was able to spend time with her while in hospice care. He loved manning the grill, smoking meats, and entertaining loved ones. Dave was famous for his pork recipes and his mushroom cap recipe became legendary. He liked listening to all kinds of classic hard rock. One of Dave’s most prized possessions was his father’s cabana wear, consisting of a bathing suit and a matching jacket with a pocket for cigarettes. The first time wearing it was at a neighbor’s pool party/Carey family dinner where he snuck away and came back, making a grand entrance wearing the cabana wear and a pair of his dad’s leather spectator shoes with no socks. He wore it with pride in remembrance of his father. He was well known for his quick wit, and his sharp sense of humor brought a spark of joy to every room he walked into.

When looking back on the overflowing life of David Carey, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. Dave was a friend to many and beloved by all he met, and he exemplified what it meant to treat others with kindness and respect. He treasured his friends, family, and pets above everything else in life. Though he will be deeply missed, Dave leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

David Carey of Portage, age 67, died on July 18, 2024. Dave was born April 25, 1957 in Kalamazoo to Thomas and Mary Ann (Cumnock) Carey. Surviving are his significant other, Mary Whiting; siblings: Ann (Mark) Bayer, Susan Carey, Jane (Tracy) Kiel, Ruth (Thomas) Shehigian, and Martha (Brett) Huckabee; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Celebration where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Thursday, July 25 from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A rosary and time of sharing will begin at 7 PM. Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 26, at 11 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church. Burial at Mt. Ever Rest Cemetery. Celebrate Dave’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Monica Catholic Church.