David Gonzales, 63, of Quincy Township, passed away at home of natural causes Friday, February 12, 2021.
A memorial celebration of Dave’s life is being planned for summer 2021 and more details will be announced at a later date. The family is being served by Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation in Union City.
Dave was born July 10, 1957 in Coldwater, Michigan to Juan Gonzales and Jane Irene Myers. He spent his earliest years residing in Jackson, until relocating to Coldwater when he was in middle school. Dave graduated from Coldwater High School in 1976. He was always a very jolly and caring person. He followed NASCAR and was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He also enjoyed collecting knives.
Dave worked at the Humane Society of Branch County for 32 years and was considered the “righthand man” at the shelter. He always said it was his dream job. He was a quiet man, quick with a smile for everyone he met, and a gentle touch for every animal that came to the shelter. Dave was great with the animals and especially loved the ones that came in scared and timid. He went on every rescue mission, no matter day or night. When asked, he was always willing to help. Dave was truly selfless, humble, and passionate about the animals and always showered them with his love and patience.
While he never married, Dave lived a full and vibrant life with more friends than you could count. His love for his family meant more to him than words can describe. Dave always bought chips, cookies and candy for the Humane Society staff and volunteers. He used a lot of his own money to buy things and supplies for the shelter. He regularly came in early and stayed late to give medication to the cats and dogs and arrived early Wednesday mornings to help get animals to the vet. Dave lived very simply and never complained about anything. His legacy is etched in all he did.
Dave is survived by many of his beloved family: his sister, Georgia (Leon) Ash of Girard; nieces and nephews, Pete (Monica) Ash, Tammie (Ken) Vaughn, Lynnie Ash and Randy (Michelle) Ash, all of Girard, and Tony (Tammy Winger) Dyer of Coldwater, Teresa (Rick) Salisbury of Jackson, Vicky Gordon of Jackson, and Doug (Tina) Dyer, Cindy Moore and Marvin Dyer, all of Coldwater; many great-nieces and -nephews; and special friends, Carla Belch, Jack Fife, Jan Nageldinger and Poncho (his buddy and rescue dog); a special cousin, John Jackman; and more friends than can be listed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betty Dyer; nephews, Joey Dyer and Junior Dyer; a niece, Shelly Dyer; and a great-niece, Chelsie Ash.
Memorial donations to assist with final expenses may be made to Lighthouse, PO Box 161, Union City, MI 49094. You can also donate online by visiting https://www.lighthousefuneral.
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