David M. Barton, age 70, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016, in his favorite place in the world, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. David was born in England, emigrating to America at age 8. David graduated from Hammond High School and attended the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. He settled in West Michigan where he was the producing director of Center Showcase Theatre in Kalamazoo. His successful career in the mortgage business led him to meet the love of his life, Deb Barton. They were married on June 19, 1999. Following two of his great passions, cooking and entertaining, he and Deb opened the White House Gallery which later became the White House Bistro and Capital Lounge and they later opened the Italian restaurant Fennville Station. As Dave and Deb began spending more and more time in his beloved Puerto Vallarta, they made it their full-time home, growing great friendships, and David returned to his roots by directing plays, and passionately playing the ukulele on the beach.
David is survived by his wife, Deb Barton; children, Ben Barton (Tiffany), David J (Tina) and Delynn Barton Kenel (John), Nathanial (Anna), Leah and Michael Granzotto; and grandchildren, Sam, Barrett, Nicholas and Charlotte, brother, Raymond Barton (Mary), and sister, Beverley Seaver (Michael). He is preceded in death by his parents, Doreen and Sam Barton.
The family will sit Shiva on Monday, June 13, 2016, in Illinois. Memorial services will be held in Saugatuck at the All Saints' Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2016, led by Father Cory Stoppel. A private reception will follow at the old White House Bistro at 149 Griffith St, Saugatuck MI, 49453.
In lieu of flowers, please honor David's memory by donating to charity, for more information on the charity please send an email to [email protected]

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Holland Sentinel on Jun. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Barton

Sponsored by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel.

17 Entries

Steve Damstra

June 20, 2016

Oh David, we had so many laughs together, sure wish we could've talked one more time! I hope Heaven is all it's supposed to be...see you down the road old friend!

June 18, 2016

David was the kind of man that we thought would be around forever, his love of life and his sense of humor were some of the things we will never forget about him. David, or as we knew him, Einstein, will not be forgotten. We are heartbroken to know he is gone. Sincere condolences to Deb and family.

Pat and Sam LeBeau

Shelly Walden

June 17, 2016

Such a loss. You will always be remembered so fondly. Thinking of you Deb in this heartbreaking time.

Paul Spino

June 17, 2016

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Einstein, I watched and listen to him and Deb, via the Web Cam, sing Karaoke at Cafe Roma, many, many times. I'm going to miss them singing "I Got You, Babe" and him singing "Cabaret".

Cathy Sherman Bittrick

June 17, 2016

RIP Dave. You taught Barry so much about the mortgage business and "worked your magic" for many years in my real estate career. So glad you found happiness with Deb and you will be missed by so many.

Karen Thall

June 17, 2016

Thinking of you Deb and the family at this time. This is one man that enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest no matter where he was. Sorry we cannot make the service but know we are there in our thoughts and prayers for you.
Gary & Karen

Murray Macham

June 17, 2016

RIP big guy. Einstein will always be in Puerto Vallarta.

Murray and Rose

Cheryl Kehler

June 17, 2016

You will forever be remembered and live on eternally in the hearts of all who knew and loved you. RIP dear friend.

Sheila Johnson

June 17, 2016

David made my day every time I saw him; he made me happy and feel special.
He taught me how to love better by example. He adored and cherished Deb, his sister told of how he was so good to her and the myriad of friends that feel the void that he left are his testament to a life well lived. I will miss him dearly.

Rick Walden

June 17, 2016

Only shared two years of David's life, but wow what a ride. I met and knew him as "Einstein" and was a very colorful character here in Puerto Vallarta. There was never a dull moment when you were around him. He encouraged my ukelele playing and cursed my singing, and I loved every minute of our Tuesdays with Dave. I miss him.

Brenda Harris

June 17, 2016

David was an absolute one of a kind person and he liked it that way! And we loved him that way! A joyous soul and great friend. My heart goes out to Deb, Ben & all the family during this time. May his laughter & love continue to live on through you always.
With Love,
Sookie

June 16, 2016

So sorry Ben for the death of your Dad. My thoughts are with you !

Kathy Williams

Hannah Jane

June 14, 2016

Love and Blessings to Deb and the rest of David's family. Dave was a bright soul that is missed greatly.

June 13, 2016

To Deb, Ben and David's Family,

We are truly mourning the death of a great all-around human being. He will certainly be missed by many of us.

Our condolences,

Steve & Sue Carlson

Mike Miller

June 11, 2016

So many memories I have for David and his family. We were neighbors, school mates, but most importantly friends. My deepest condolences to Raymond, Beverly, his children and the 100's of friends he made over the years in Munster, Michigan and Puerta Vallarta.

chris nelsen

June 11, 2016

Rest In Peace, Brother. I'm glad we were friends. cwn.

June 10, 2016

David and I were in the same homeroom at HHS. He was a character. Always enjoyed his antics. I am so happy to see he lived his dreams. Blessings of comfort to his family.
J. Williams, class of '64

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