David Cheyne

David F. Cheyne was a dedicated husband and father. He made his family his first priority and put their needs before his own. He was a hard worker and a reliable employee. His humility and unassuming nature made him a pleasure to be around.

Born on May 15, 1952, David was the first of Denzel and Geraldine (Huisman) Cheyne's three children. David grew up on the family property in Grandville. His parents had moved there from Byron Center and looked forward to raising their family on their own land. David enjoyed hunting and fishing and appreciated the peaceful beauty of nature. He went to elementary school in Grandville and attended Grandville High School. Growing up in the tumultuous sixties, David witnessed drastic changes in American culture. The music of the era had a strong impact on him and he continued to enjoy it throughout his life.

As a high school student, David wasn't involved in many extracurricular activities. Known as a "gear head," he spent most of his time fixing anything with an engine. There were always cars, dirt bikes, and motorcycles in various stages of repair in the family's garage, and David could most often be found working out there with his friends. David had a job after school at Meijer as a stock boy and bagger. After his high school graduation in 1970, David got a job working at Meijer Auto Center.

One of the regulars who helped David with his repair projects was a friend named Al. Al had a lovely sister, Carolyn, whom he introduced to David. David and Carolyn became friends and eventually he asked her to attend an out-of-town wedding with him. She agreed, and June 8, 1975, was officially the start of their dating relationship. David was not usually talkative and this particular occasion was no different. He barely said anything to Carolyn during the entire trip, but she recognized a quiet strength about him that she grew to love. They were married on November 1, 1975.

Just prior to their wedding, the Auto Center closed and David lost his job. He would not get married without having the means to provide for his family, so he took a job at a local Ford dealership even though he didn't want to work there for very long. Soon he learned of an employment opportunity that sounded interesting. Kenowa Hills Public Schools was looking for a bus mechanic. He applied for the job and became the head mechanic for the transportation department. He and one other mechanic managed all the repairs for the large fleet of buses. David worked hard, giving the job his best effort. He enjoyed it and remained with Kenowa Hills for twenty-seven years.

Shortly after David and Carolyn were married, David decided that he wanted to move north of the city. He longed to have a larger piece of land with room to grow. They selected a plot on Tyrone Avenue in Kent City. David enjoyed walking in the woods and observing wild animals. He also enjoyed feeding the birds near the house.

In 1984, David and Carolyn received a special gift. They adopted a son, Michael Kim, and David loved him with his whole heart. He was proud of Michael and wanted the very best for him.

David was not a big traveler and was satisfied staying close to home. He did take Carolyn and Michael to Disney World and once took a memorable road trip with his brother, Scott. The pair rode their motorcycles halfway across the country and back, taking in the sights all the way to Colorado. David spent a lot of time on weekends with that Harley, one of his most prized possessions.

David is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-nine years, Carolyn; his son, Michael Kim Cheyne; his mother, Geraldine Cheyne; his brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Debora Cheyne; his sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Ken Oughton; his mother-in-law, Martha Koppenol; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Albert and Judy Koppenol, Donald and Jodie Koppenol, and Hilda and Dennis Sinke; and several nieces and nephews.

David passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 29, 2004. He was just fifty-two.

Friends will be received at the Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW, on Saturday, October 2, from 7 - 9 PM and Sunday, October 3, from 2 - 5 PM. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 4, at 1:00 PM at the Kent City Baptist Church, the Reverend Christopher Weeks officiating. Interment will be in Idlewild Cemetery. To read David's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the organization of your choice, please visit his personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although his family and friends will miss him beyond words, David's example of commitment, love, and loyalty will continue to live on.