Ramon Russell David, born 10/22/47 in Marion, Indiana, passed into Jesus’ arms 10/18/23.
Ever the entrepreneurial bioscientist, he owned two environmental labs over the years, and established the beginnings of what became the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University. One of Ra’s lifelong interests was football, and everyone who knew him knew not to interrupt him on Saturdays in the fall, recognizing that it was his spirited support that would determine the outcome of the game. His other passion was flying, whether that meant flying the plane as the pilot, or sitting back and enjoying the flight as a passenger. Except for the time when he decided, at the youthful age of 75, to walk off of a perfectly good plane out into the sky, using the opportunity to test his theories on gravity. He confirmed it’s real. His love for flying most recently transitioned into a passion for drones. He and his business partner developed a venture connecting drones and first responders, as well as agricultural clients and more. Ultimately, this interest led him to a tongue-in-cheek research excursion with some colleagues out into the wilderness, using the drones to investigate a potential Sasquatch sighting. This blossomed into a website, a documentary, and a book about Sasquatch and preserving their habitat.
Ra loved his family dearly, and will be deeply missed by those he is survived by, including his wife of 26 years, Ruthann (Tefft) David; children Rachelle (Paul) Berggoetz, Cheri Sanders, Ramon (Jessica) David, Debbie (Robert) Barton, Candi (Robert) Munson, Holly Moriarity; grandchildren Briahnna, Jackson, Michael, Terell, Bianca, Gabriella, Alyssa, Kayla, Cheyenne, Gavin, Eva, Josh, Summer, Tally, and Lila; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Ra was preceded in death by his brother Gene David, child John Moriarity, and grandchild Preston.
A memorial service to remember and celebrate Ra’s life will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40th St, Holland, MI 49423. There will be visitation with the family beginning at 11 a.m. prior to the service on Tuesday, also at Central Wesleyan Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to help defray final expenses. If you are interested in making such a contribution, please do so at https://gofund.me/1f9d6060.
The family is being served by the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th St., Holland, MI 49423. To leave condolences online, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.
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