David Frederick Upton

David Frederick Upton died January 31, 2009 in Ann Arbor after a courageous battle with heart disease. He was born in St. Joseph on November 13, 1921 to Margaret Beckley and Frederick Stanley Upton. He loved growing up in Edgewater, becoming an Eagle Scout and an avid sailor in the one-design Star class. He was educated in St. Joseph, at Deerfield Academy, and the University of Michigan (Engineering 1948). While in Ann Arbor, he became a lifelong Wolverine fan and a devoted member of Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity and the Michigama Honor Society. His time at University of Michigan was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. He served bravely in the Pacific theatre as a naval captain and was present at the flag raising at Iwo Jima. Following graduation he married his college sweetheart, Harriet Woodworth Skinner and lived in Ann Arbor. Returning to St. Joseph in 1950 he joined Whirlpool Corporation and became head of purchasing. Dave was actively involved in the Rotary Club, St. Joseph River Yacht Club, St. Joseph Junior Foundation, the Congregational Church, The Salvation Army, The Republican Party and the Michigan Mental Health Association. Dave had a passion for people and service which was displayed in his leadership as a Trustee of Kalamazoo College, the University of Michigan William Clements’s Library, and the Frederick S. Upton Foundation. In 1960 he was elected as a delegate to the Michigan State Constitutional Convention, and then served from 1962-64 as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. From 1965-1997 Dave was owner and president of Southwest Michigan Abstract and Title Company. Believing in the potential of Southwest Michigan’s agricultural heritage, Dave purchased Tabor Hill Vineyards. He became an advocate of Michigan wines, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. He was proud of the numerous awards his wines received including the fact that they were served in the White House. Following the death of his wife Harriet, Dave married Linda Richardson in 1986. This was an exciting and happy Chapter II in his life. Together they made his dream of excellence for Tabor Hill a reality. With Linda at his side he became an advocate for organic food and complimentary medicine. Dave and Linda loved to travel and hosted their friends and family in their homes. A common thread woven through the tapestry of Dave’s beautiful life was the influence of Grace. Humble and always respectful of others he had a unique ability to connect with all he met. His capacity for love was immense and authentic and through this example we all felt more fully alive. He will always be remembered for his soft, patient yet always enthusiastic voice and his generous spirit. Guided by his faith, he welcomed each chapter of his life as an adventure to be grateful for. Dave shared these experiences with whoever wanted to go along, and what a glorious ride it was! Dave was preceded in death by his parents Frederick S. and Margaret B. Upton, his wife Harriet S. Upton and his granddaughter Ele Stover. Dave is survived by his wife Linda Upton, his brother Stephen Upton (Elizabeth), sisters Priscilla Byrns and Sibby Wood (Max), daughters Margy Trumbull (Scott), and Betsy Stover (Woody), sons Ben (Bonnie), and David, grandchildren: Matt, Ben and Will Trumbull; Hallie, Beckley, Bo and Upton Stover; Fred, Sam and Celia Upton; Cazzie and Ariel Upton, many nieces and nephews, mother-in-law Tina Richardson, sister-in law Suzy Richardson (Phil Miller) and brother-in-law Bob Richardson (Priscilla). The family would also like to acknowledge Dave’s special friendships with Eric Lachman (Sue) and Paul Landeck (Kim) and extends additional thanks to those who aided Dave including: Dr. Tammy Born, Fritz Seyferth, Bernie Lischer, Charles Marble, Miranda Zoschke, Mely Fuentes, Bobby Wigent, Patrick Wills, William Wills, Temo Khasaia, Ingrid Behnke, Andi King Ross, Maria Nevel Smith and Nancy Boggs. His family recognizes the outstanding care he received while at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, especially Dr. Kim Eagle. Though he travelled the world over, for Dave, there truly was “no place like home”. His favorite view was that of the sun setting over Lake Michigan. Hail to the Victors Valiant, Hail, Hail to Dave Upton! A celebration of Dave’s life will be held in May. In honor of Dave’s love for his community, memorial gifts may be made to the St. Joseph Benton Harbor Rotary Club Foundation 2970 East Britain, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Attn: Les Miller In honor of his big heart, memorial gifts may be made to The Heart of a Champion Research Fund University of Michigan Cardio Vascular Center 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5852 Those wishing to sign the guestbook online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home.