David Meyers

David Allen Meyers, was born the youngest of five Meyers children on March 2, 1962, in Vicksburg, Michigan, to his loving parents, Truman and Burnice (Baker) Meyers.

Growing up, West Lake was Dave’s backyard. Dave spent his childhood always on the water, in the shadow of his elder siblings. His family was well-known in the lake community for their water ski ramp and exhibitions for onlookers at the local drive-thru. He and his siblings spent nearly all of their time outdoors, often not allowed back inside until the streetlights came on in the evening. They would play all summer, diving off the pontoon boat while cruising at high speed or grabbing a handful of weeds to hide themselves underwater. When he was young, he maintained a newspaper route around the neighborhood. Then, in high school, he took a job installing instruments and making repairs on sailboats. His love of sailing was launched during these years and he enjoyed participating in competitions on Lake Michigan.

Around this same time, he met his future bride, Sheryl Blackburn. Dave and a mutual friend invited Sheryl to join them for a boat ride and he was smitten with her immediately. From then on, they were inseparable. She was the love of his life and he was hers. Their love blossomed early; she was only 16 and he was 19. Their courtship involved water/snow skiing, roller skating, and of course, more time on the lake.

Dave and Sheryl were married on May 26, 1984 on the hottest memorial day weekend. Together, they raised three beloved children; Kyle, Cassandra, and Stephanie. Dave became a Master Mechanic, gradually working his way up to manager and owner of Tuffy Auto Services in Portage and Kalamazoo, MI. He worked to support his young family, as Sheryl attended college. Upon discovering Dave’s heart condition in his early 20s, Sheryl switched her studies to nursing, so she could carry the torch and support him in their later years. Together they moved into a lakehouse of their own, on Gourdneck Lake, and raised their own children in the lake lifestyle.

Family was the most important thing to Dave. He spent most of his spare time investing in his children, as his legacy. He bonded with his eldest son, Kyle, while installing stereos, changing brake pads, or performing other routine maintenance on their vehicles. Dave always made it a point to teach Kyle and pass on his knowledge and principles. Dave and Kyle shared many mutual interests, including double date motorcycling in the countryside and visiting the local shooting range.

Cassandra fell in love with horses. Consequently, Dave put a hitch on the mini-van and renovated a horse trailer. Dave drove her to the barn, established himself in the horse community, and taught her to “get back on the horse”. He’d often work on her coach's cars to barter payment or casually volunteer to hold a 2000 lb draft horse. He fostered his daughter’s passion and built her drive.

Stephanie discovered sports. Therefore, Dave got her skates sharpened and learned everything there is to know about girls youth skating. Dave even joined the board of directors for the skating club! Dave continued to support her by insisting that Stephanie persisted in her Tae Kwon Do journey. It was really important for him to connect with his children through their own interests. He always made sure that there was an opportunity for anything his kids wanted to do.

Ever supportive and inspiring, Dave was always willing to accept a stray or two (sometimes just to please his wife, Sheryl). Friends knew they were always welcome at his family home, no invitation needed. He and Sheryl accumulated several exchange students from Germany, Japan, and China. Dave made them all feel like a part of the family. He was exceptionally active in their lives, gave them a sense of belonging, and treasured their time together. Everyone was welcome in Dave’s family.

Dave had a way of making everyone feel special and would do anything for others in need. Of course, he offered plenty of boat rides for fun! Dave believed in living in the moment, and shared his sense of adventure with his family. From white water rafting trips, to Cedar Point, or snorkeling in Hawaii, Dave ensured his family spent time together and experienced life to the fullest! There were no excuses for missing a vacation, in his mind. Generous to a fault, he encouraged his kids, even as adults, to take these trips and not to wait. The most perfect time is always now.

Dave had an exceptional career and retired at an early age, offering him more time with his family, but most importantly his wife. He and Sheryl resumed sailing and took several trips throughout Lake Michigan, even into Canada. She was the perfect first mate to his Captain! They enjoyed sailing with friends or going out alone to anchor in coves. Any night spent on the boat together was a good night.

After side hustling in security, Dave started up “Papa’s Daycare”. The grandkids never wanted to leave after a day with Papa Tunes! They lovingly gave him the nickname for having Looney Tune’s tattoos on his forearm. A talented artist himself, he would paint characters on the windows for Christmas. When his grandboys came into the picture, he switched to a Christmas version of Snoopy, Pokémon, or Bluey. He relished in seeing their first steps, or hearing their first words (secretly, because Mom can’t find out he witnessed it first). Christmas was his favorite time, so much so, that he maintained a countdown the whole year round. He was fortunate to have all his family within 30 minutes of his home to stay together.

Dave was very proud of his family, but snuck in one-on-one time at frequent lunch or breakfast outings. Many hours were spent watching “stress-less” Hallmark movies. Dave was often the man behind the camera and was known for his selfies. He was skilled in many ways and others often sought him out for advice. If he had the means to help, you can count on him to be there. It’s sometimes a wonder all the things he knew how to do. Dave was a sailor, skier, mechanic, artist, carpenter, and would even try his hand at plumbing, electricity, or babysitting. He could fix anything and knew how to make light of a bad situation. Dave developed many health issues very young, but was a force that couldn’t be reckoned. The diagnoses, treatments, and procedures that Dave underwent would topple some people. Many assumed his health would ultimately determine his end, but he defeated every obstacle.

Dave would say this was a good way to go. No suffering. No premonition. No regrets. Just a regular day running errands and preparing for another family gathering. Dave’s unpolished sense of humor and easy-going personality will be deeply missed. He brightened up the room with his undeniable character. He was a beautiful soul who loved his family more than anything else. May his loved ones never doubt the love he had for each and every one of them and may the memory of him be eternal.

David Allen Meyers, age 61, of Portage, Michigan, died on July 3, 2023. Surviving are his wife, Sheryl; children: Kyle (Audrey) Meyers, Cassandra (Kyle) Hughes, and Stephanie (Chris) Sajtar; grandchildren: Jude, Gabriel, Drake, and Theo; siblings: Judy (Doug) Weeks, Fred (Judy) Meyers, Terry (Bonnie) Meyers; sister-in-law, Diane Meyers; many nieces and nephews; and several exchange students he considered family. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ron Meyers.

A Life Story Service will be held Thursday, July 13 at 11 AM, at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Visit Dave’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and to sign his guestbook. In lieu of flowers, per Dave's wishes, donations in his memory will be used toward his grandchildren's educational fund. If you'd like, you may contribute to Dave's legacy invested in Gabriel, Drake, Theo, and Jude's future. You may also consider a donation to the American Heart Association, in his name.