Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Grand Blanc, Michigan
1936 - 2018
ROAT, David A. -Of Grand Blanc, age 81, died Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Genesys Regional Medical Center.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Pastor Kirk Bodem officiating.
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions to the First United Church or Humane Society of Genesee County.
Visitation 3-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
David was born in Flint, Michigan on August 25, 1936, the son of the late Frank and Mary (Stiles) Roat.
On March 28, 1980 he married Gayle Burden.
He served in the U.S. Navy.
He was a member of First United Church and the NRA.
Mr. Roat was employed by Fisher Body/Cadillac for over 43 years and was a member of UAW Local #1292.
Surviving are wife, Gayle;
son, Zarin (Tracey);
granddaughter, Isabella;
sister, Deanna (Dale) Talcott;
brothers-in-law, Gary (Diane) Burden and Greg Burden;
several nieces, nephews, cousins and his two cats, Midnight and Stormy.
He was preceded in death by his son, David Allen; brother, Donald and sister, Dorothy Holmes.
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David was a very wise man who loved his family .He was a true friend..My sincere condolences to the family
Gloria Thompson
February 24, 2018 | Flint, MI
Honored and pleased to have David as a friend
and neighbor for 40 years. David will be missed but never forgotten.
Gayle and Zarin, God grant you the strength and courage you require during this most difficult time.
Love you.
Merlin/Sharon Bellinger
February 13, 2018 | Grand Blanc, MI
I always enjoyed the brief conversations I had with David when he had the strength to come to church. Colorful, jovial stories! Prayers of peace and comfort for Gayle!
Dan Malin
February 13, 2018 | Flint, MI
Gayle/Zarin - Sorry for your loss. I have great memories growing up next door to you guys and Dave was a big part of that. Spent a lot of my youth playing over there with Zarin, and Dave was always a really nice guy. I still remember the endless hours of playing Space Invaders and Asteroids on the old Atari 2600 with Zarin until Dave suggested we maybe spend some time outdoors playing instead. Great advice that kids could still use today. He cooked a mean breakfast too!
Scott Warren
February 12, 2018 | Grand Blanc, MI
I had the honor and privilege to work with Dave for several years at The Grand Blanc Plant. Dave was always good to work with, always a gentleman. He will be missed by many. May God be with Dave and his family.
Don Baxter
February 10, 2018 | Grand Blanc, MI
Gayle and Zarin, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was a great guy. I always enjoyed our conversations both at work and when he would come up here to Charlevoix for a couple days. There was always a certain energy and enthusiasm that he projected whenever he was speaking.
Bob Cummings
February 10, 2018 | MI
One of my first memories is of my Uncle Dave pulling me in a wagon. I would have been only two and a half. He was visiting my father and mother in California. Being with Uncle Dave was always memorable.
Stephen Roat
February 10, 2018 | Creemore, ON