Daddy Dave

Steve's stepdad passed away today in Florida at the age of 77. Daddy Dave married Steve's mom when Steve was 10. He was an important figure in Steve's life, and Steve often talks about how different his life would have been without him. He was an intelligent, fair man and a good provider. He moved the family out of the city of Saginaw and into the suburbs. Daddy Dave was an intimidating figure in those days with his gruff voice and no nonsense attitude. Steve occasionally rebelled as a teenager, but he is the first to admit that he would have been much worse if Daddy Dave hadn't been in his life. The fear of Daddy Dave was an important factor in his behavior, and he's very thankful for that.

Dave Grosart wasn't an overtly emotional sort of man, but I always suspected he was just a big teddy bear underneath. It wasn't that he didn't feel things, but many men of his generation weren't comfortable expressing those emotions. We understood that and we loved him; he was a fine man.

Daddy Dave will be missed, but it's comforting to know that we will see him in heaven one day, as he recently accepted the Lord as Savior. Philippians 1:21 says, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Daddy Dave has gained the glory of eternity today, and there is rejoicing in heaven.

All is well in the Keweenaw. All is well in heaven.

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February 20, 2013

Traverse City Record-Eagle

Dave Grosart

THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Dave Grosart, 77, passed away suddenly at The Villages Hospital in Florida on Feb. 15, 2013. He was born in Saginaw on July 23, 1935, to the late “Scottie” and Alice Grosart.

Dave and Donna were married Aug. 10, 1963, in Saginaw.

Dave was a carpenter by trade. Later, he and his wife owned and operated The Baywood Lounge in Saginaw. In 1982, they moved to Traverse City, where they owned and operated The Suncatcher Lounge in the Traverse City airport terminal. After retiring, Dave drove school bus for six years for the Traverse City School System.

They moved to the Villages, Fla., in 2010.

He is survived by his sister, Peggy Grosart, of Santa Rosa, Calif.; his wife of 49 years, Donna; and their five children, Margaret Ann Peters (Dean), of Beaver Island, D. Scott Grosart (Lisa), of Traverse City, Steve Hamilton (Julie), of Calumet, Christine Hamilton, of Cary, N.C., and Barbara Labs (Jim), of Freeland. They had 10 grandchildren (one deceased) and seven great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service held in Traverse City in late June.