David Kemp

David Taylor Kemp was born at River District Hospital in St. Clair, Michigan on December 23, 1965. The proud parents were Robert James Kemp and Sally Ann (Taylor) Kemp. David was the third child, older brother Mark and sister Susan. Lastly, the little red-head Elizabeth Ann.

When David’s mother and father separated, David and his brother and sisters moved to Escanaba, Michigan. David was an avid hockey player and did well in his early years at school. Being closer in age, David would always let his little sister, Elizabeth, tag along. Whether it was making snow forts, riding BMX bikes or just spending quality time outdoors, they were always together.

He loved and respected his older brother, Mark, who played football, baseball and went fishing with him. His older sister, Susan, was always there to help him out.

David graduated from Port Huron High School in 1984 and took courses at both St. Clair County Community College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Younger sister, Elizabeth was especially close to David. They shared much time together and were “buddies” in every way. Just a few years ago Elizabeth and her husband Mark Washington invited David to move to Kalamazoo and enroll in community college. The entire family often met on Lake Michigan or at a variety of parks and recreational areas around Michigan and at one another’s homes.

David’s mother Sally was his light in the night. David loved his mother so deeply and often was devastated with himself when he was not reaching his potential. Sally always said, “The loudest squeak gets the most oil.” Sally’s family is proud of the unending love and support that she gave her “baby boy”.

The highlight of David’s life was the birth of his son Bryan Patrick Kemp in 1992. He loved his little boy and was very proud of him. He was saddened at the time they had been apart. Bryan’s mother Katherine MacNeil was always supportive of Bryan’s relationship with his father. David’s family remains close to Bryan and Katherine. Actually, David’s sister, Elizabeth, introduced them to each other in the 9th grade. Bryan now has a handsome 2-year-old brother named William.

He leaves many loving family members including his mother, Sally Ann Taylor of Grand Rapids, Michigan; father, Robert and his wife Josephine Kemp of Simpsonville, South Carolina, brother Dr. Mark Kemp, sister-in-law Shery Kemp and their four boys, Taylor, Christopher, Jacob and Mark of Grand Rapids, Michigan. His sister Susan, her husband Gordon Welsh, their children Alexander, Matthew, Joseph and Madeleine of Rochester Hills, Michigan. His sister Elizabeth and her husband Mark Washington and their three year old daughter Christine of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Extended family includes, step mom, Josephine Kemp of Simpsonville, South Carolina, Jay and Tracy Secord of Gaylord, Michigan and their 6 children. Mike and Karen Green of Portland Oregon and their two daughters. Pat Green of Tampa, Florida, and his son. David’s first cousins Stacey Walsh of Sarnia, Ontario and her family; Kelly Fultz of Fort Gratiot, Michigan and her family; as well as Brian Mitchell of Port Sanilac, Michigan.