David A. Brockway

On November 1, 2018, David Alfred Brockway burst into Heaven singing “How Great Thou Art” to his God and Savior Jesus Christ.  He was met by the love of his life, Anne, and his best friend David Brisk. Dave was born on October 6, 1928 in Brockway, NY to H. Mortimer and Irene (Hunt) Brockway.  Dave grew up in Beacon, NY (across the river from Anne, unbeknownst to him).  He attended Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, where he finally met Anne.  After graduating and marrying, Dave and Anne started their family and moved wherever his career in international marketing led them.  Among the places they called home were Caracas, Venezuela, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Washington.  Dave’s career took him all over the world, which he loved.  Thankfully, he was adept at learning foreign languages!  After retiring, he and Anne continued to foster their love of travel and exploration of new places. After retirement from Clark Equipment Co, Dave began the biggest project of his life – his horse farm in Baroda.  Wanting to raise Morgan horses, he built miles of fence for his horses – by himself – modeled after the fences in Kentucky that he so admired.  He made the farm a showplace that was admired by many, complete with plenty of flags and eagles to showcase his patriotism. But he really wanted it to be a place where the whole family could gather, which they did on many an occasion.  Those memories will last a lifetime. Dave was a remarkable man with boundless energy and passion.  When he had a project, he was driven to complete it with no detail overlooked.  He had numerous lists for everything – lists for everyone!  When he agreed to do something, he put his whole being into the project.  Some of the organizations that he loved to work for in his many hours of volunteering were Blossomtime, Baroda Queen Contest, Berrien County Council of Churches, First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, Lakeshore Band, and Lakeshore Excellence Foundation.  In addition to his volunteering, Dave loved music, singing, photography, computers, and any new gadget that came out.  He also had a special place in his heart for the youth of his community.  He was encouraging, supportive, and wanted to help guide them in their life choices. There are many qualities about Dave that will be remembered.  He had a wonderful sense of humor, he was generous, giving, fun loving, and yes, he could be a taskmaster.  But he was energized and passionate, and wanted everyone else to feel that way too.  Above all, however, was his love of family.  He would, and did, do anything for his family.  His love was boundless.  The only thing he loved more was his God.  “…the greatest of these is love.” Dave is survived by his 3 daughters:  Patricia (Richard) Thistle of San Marcos, CA; Susan (Todd) Pautz of Oconomowoc, WI; and Lori (DeWayne) Hellenga of Stevensville, MI.  Grandchildren include Bryan (Loren) Thistle, Todd (Simona) Thistle, Matthew (Kirsten) Pagel, Jenna (Chris) Bell, Alicia Pautz, Derek and Dustin Hellenga.  Great grandchildren are Cosette and Kellan Thistle; Oliver, Filip, Samuel, and William Thistle; and Lucy Anne Bell.  He is also survived by a brother-in-law Dr. Terry (Susan) Northrop of Montecito, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased by his wife Anne (Northrop) Brockway, his parents, sister Elizabeth McCormick, and brother Hobart. A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 12, 2019 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Jeffrey Hubers officiating.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 11 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Those wishing to sign David’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church in St. Joseph, Caring Circle of Lakeland, Lakeshore Excellence Foundation, or the Lakeshore Band program. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman and Caring Circle for their incredible kindness and diligent care of both Anne and Dave during the final months of their lives.  You are all a blessing to this community.