David William Booth

Booth, David William age 62, died at home with his family on a brilliant Easter Day, April 16, 2017. He died healthy in every way but for the early onset dementia that slowly wrested him from us over the last five years. Dave leaves us with an enduring legacy of his gleaming intelligence, dogged commitment to the people and passions of his life, natural and thoughtful leadership skills, and most memorably, his wise counsel when the going got rough. Surviving his loss are his wife of 40 years, Lynn Harpfer Booth, and his children: Phoebe (Casey) Preuninger of Plainwell, MI, Maxwell Booth formerly of London, UK, now of Chelsea, MI, Abram Booth of Charlottesville, VA and Willa (Chad) McClain of Livonia, MI. Also surviving are his grandsons, Liam and Emmett Preuninger; aunt, Carol Rudell of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Lisa Booth Garner of Flagstaff, AZ; cousin, Bill Grayzar of Rochester Hills, MI and cousin, Sally Prior of Saginaw, MI. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. Born on Nov. 8, 1954, in Big Rapids, MI, to William David & Vera (Hackett) Booth, he grew up in Saginaw, MI, graduating from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1972 and University of Michigan in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics. After graduation in 1976, Dave began working in Information Systems for Malloy Lithographing, Inc. He always said it was his "great fortune to have landed there." In 1987, he graduated from University of Michigan-Dearborn with a Masters of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Dave eventually became Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Malloy, and after 36 years retired on disability in 2012. Together since they were 16 and 17, Dave married Lynn on August 28, 1976. They lived in Ann Arbor, then Dexter and settled in Chelsea, MI in 1985 where they raised their four children. Dave had a natural desire to work with children and youth. He lived this out as a school volunteer, Sunday school teacher, confirmation mentor, as the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 425, and as the Advisor to Venture Crew 412, a coed teen adventure/service group. As a community leader and with his family, Dave shared his love of nature by organizing and participating in countless outdoor adventures. He was passionate about helping others and volunteered with many service organizations, especially with his church families at Chelsea First United Methodist Church and Webster United Church of Christ - particularly Alpha House family shelter and Cass Community Social Services in Detroit. He tirelessly served until he was no longer able. A visitation will take place on Friday, April 28th, from 6-9 pm, and a Memorial Service with Pastor Marcia Meabon officiating on Saturday, April 29th at 11 am, both occurring at Webster Church (5484 Webster Church Rd Dexter, MI). To support research on dementia, Dave donated his brain to the Michigan Brain Bank. Cremation has taken place and the ashes will be dispersed at a later date by family. Memorial contributions can be made to Cass Community Social Services, Michigan Radio, or Michigan Crossroads Council for camps/outdoor adventures.