Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
David Rector Obituary
Okemos
Born May 16, 1944 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Oliver and Mary Rector, passed away September 16, 2014 at the age of 70. David worked for the State of Michigan for 30 years. He enjoyed photography, woodworking, crossword puzzles and music. David loved visiting Torch Lake and traveling.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy; sons, Shane (Kristine) Conley and Troy (Darcie Stevens) Rector; grandsons, Aaron and Ian Conley; sisters, Kay (Jake) Costanza, Judy (Ken) Barnes, Mary Lynn (Lauck) Benson and Carol Tietz; mother-in-law, Eloise Patrick and many brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale Rector and brother-in-law, Robert Tietz.
A Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, September 20, from 5-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. Private service for family and close friends will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Kalamazoo College Scholarship Fund, 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006 in memory of David.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing. On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Rector
Jim and Jeanne Butler
September 30, 2014
Jeanne and I wish to offer our sincere condolences to Kathy and family on David's passing. I too was fortunate to have worked with David many years ago at the Department of Public Health. David was a go-to guy you trusted and knew would always get the job done right. He made us all better. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
September 26, 2014
Marcia and I wish to offer our sincere condolences to Kathy and the family on David's passing. He and I were co-workers for a few years at the Michigan Department of Public Health. His contributions were many and valued.
He has left too soon.
Dave and Marcia Murray
Grecia, Costa Rica
September 22, 2014
Dear Kathy,
First of all, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you. I know David's passing will leave a huge void in your life. While you had the fortune of knowing and loving him as an adult, I was blessed with his friendship when we were young children. David was more than a friend. He was a partner, confidant and sole mate -- well, at least as much as one could have a sole mate at age 8.
One of my first memories was of David coming over when we were just entering kindergarten. We sat on our living room couch and counted to 100 for each other. Even from that early age I respected and admired David's intelligence, and acknowledged such when in seventh grade, the teacher asked whom we most admired. My choice was the ever-alert David Rector – for his intellect and calm demeanor. I always envied a bit his ease at bringing home top grades from school. When he decided to attend Kalamazoo College, my esteem of that school soared, and I thought how lucky they were to have David as a scholar.
We were partners. At least three examples come to mind: Much to Oliver Rector's chagrin, we stacked up the cherry and berry lugs and crates to build our own enterprise. We manufactured and sold imaginary compressed air from our elaborately constructed building. Don't ask me how we decided on compressed air, but it must have been a concoction from David's fertile mind.
Another of our partnerships was a real, profitable entrepreneurial endeavor: The Nickerson Avenue pumpkin stand. We pooled our pumpkins and took turns manning a few small tables in front of 443 selling pumpkins and squash of all sizes. This modest enterprise eventually turned out to be a landmark fall farm stand operated by Mary and Oliver years after we had graduated from college.
Another of our partnerships I recall was more of a collusion: We established a stagecoach line that used to traverse treacherous territory on the Rector driveway. The secret to our success was the fearsome and hardworking horse we had cajoled into pulling our red wagon – Mary Lynn.
We shared a wonderful, rural boyhood together – picking dewberries, firing off clods of dirt from the roots of cover crop, building tunnels with bales of hay in the hayloft, constructing a fun-in-the-dark amusement ride in the barn, climbing the maple in the front yard to view the surrounding landscape. David was game for everything and was the perfect best friend.
In addition to a physical and spiritual loss at his passing, there is, for me at least, a deep loss of an era of our lives: our youth. It was a strong bond that marks true friendship. How lucky we all are to have had David in our lives – at different times.
Major Gray
September 18, 2014
Jim McKittrick
September 21, 2014
So sad to hear of Dave's passing. What a special person he was. We shared four years as roommates, fellow physics majors, and traveling companions during our time at K College. I was so intimidated at our freshman orientation. Before being introduced I saw him talking with a beautiful blonde, and thought surely they had matched me up with the wrong person. But no problem. We totally blended and shared the joys and travails of college life. We learned each others families and had a wonderful relationship. Although we moved far apart after graduation, it was always a pleasure to catch up at class reunions. One of his lake photos hangs over my dresser and reminds me daily of our shared experiences and our deep friendship. I'll miss him. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Marlyn Lundgren
September 20, 2014
Sincere condolences to all of Dave's family. I had the opportunity to work with Dave and appreciated his hard work and the way he went about it. His knowledge, integrity, good humor and willingness to tackle tough jobs made him a real asset to the state and the people around him. May God bless you all, especially during this difficult time
Marlyn Lundgren
September 20, 2014
Sincere condolences to all of Dave's family. I had the opportunity to work with Dave and really appreciated the way in which he carried out his responsibilities. His knowledge, integrity, good humor and willingness to tackle difficult issues made him a real asset to the state and the people working with him. May God bless you especially during this difficult time.
Rich Davis
September 19, 2014
Dear Kathy, we were shocked and saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Dave was a valued member of MSP. You have our heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Rich &Marsha Davis
Pat and Julie Callahan
September 19, 2014
Kathy and family,
We were very saddened over the sudden passing of Dave and will miss seeing him at the monthly state retirees coffee. Please accept our deepest sympathies and know you are all in our thoughts.
Mike Dankert
September 19, 2014
I worked with Dave at the Department of Community Health. He was very smart and analytical. As others have said, a man of few words. Honest and direct. He had a dry sense of humor which I enjoyed. I am sorry for your loss.
September 19, 2014
David will always be on my very short list of best bosses ever. He was consistently fair, objective, understanding and clear in his directions. I learned how to write a position paper from him. He would research an issue carefully, then document the background, the pros and cons, the position, and his fully vetted conclusions with perfect clarity. I was amazed at his skills in that regard, and learned a lot from reading his written work, but never quite achieved his level of skill. Dave was humorous and kind and will be remembered with respect and affection. My condolences to Dave's family.
Howard Schaefer
Kara and Charlie Dunwoody
September 18, 2014
Our deepest condolences to your entire family. Aaron and Ian we know you will miss your pa pa immensely. You are so blessed to have had such wonderful experiences and memories with him. He poured into your lives and you will always have him in your heart. Great big hugs to you boys.
Ann Kosloski
September 18, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Dave's family during this difficult time. I worked with Dave for many years and he was a wonderful, kind person. Rest in peace, my friend.
Richard Hess
September 18, 2014
My deepest sympathy to David's entire family. I was a classmate of Dave's at Kalamazoo and one of his roommates on and off during those four years. I actually dragged my mattress into his and Jim McKittrick's room in the spring of my freshman year to get away from an awful roommate. I remember Dave as a man of few words, but a good listener and a heart of gold. I'm sorry we never stayed in touch over the years.
Karen Gagnon
September 18, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to David's family and friends. Dave was very special to me and someone I will never forget - the best Boss I ever had. We were a great team. Dave recognized my talents and abilities and provided me opportunities to shine. As a result, I was promoted to work in the department's legislative office which lead me to a career highlight being the program manager of a Governor's initiative. I marveled at Dave's insightfulness. We had several conversations about organizational systems - I believe that's what his Masters thesis was. Dave was not one to "chatter" so when he talked, I listened well. Without a doubt, a big joy to him was his family, especially his Grandsons! We worked hard, laughed, and shared a few beers. Until we meet again Dave - Cheers!
Gerry Ide
September 18, 2014
Kathy and family... I was looking for some words of comfort for you in your time of sorrow - these struck a personal note with me and I hope for you...
"Love endures all time and space. Have faith that David surely watches over you from Heaven, and prays for your happiness here on earth."
God Bless.....
Gerry
Rita Patrick
September 18, 2014
Kathy, Shane, Troy and your families,
I am saddened to hear about Dave's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Hugs,
Rita Patrick
Jo Peña
September 18, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I used to work with David at the Bureau of Health Systems on West Saginaw. He was such a nice man. I will always remember how much he liked his coffee and chocolate candy. May he rest in peace.
Teri Belcher
September 18, 2014
My deepest condolences to you Troy and your family. I only met your dad a couple of times, but he must have been a wonderful person to have raised such a wonderful son. May your memories give you peace and may God wrap all your family in His loving and supportive arms.
September 18, 2014
Davids passing was a shock to us all. What I remember most about David was his joy of life and he always had his smile to share. His love of photography was contagious and got me interested in some photo fun. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be sorely missed. Pam and Steve Patrick
Christmas 2009
Ian Conley
September 17, 2014
My grandfather was known as many things such as Grandfather ,rocket scientist, friend, genius, pa pa, David, husband, brother and many more. If I had to choose between my many favorite moments with him it would be this last spring break at St. Simon island. While the rest of the group walked ahead I stayed back with him talking while we walked. We would talk about the scene of the trees on our right and the water and bridge on our left while looking at the driftwood. To me he was known for many things like always loving to do his crosswords and how he knew about everything even If it was a just a little bit about that subject. He would tell me about his job and how he loved it so much, my favorite story was that his team would send rockets down a path and there were seagulls on the rocket track and how they kept getting in the way so they built a second rocket to scare away the seagulls before sending the real rocket. My grandfather was also known for always working on a project like how he helped us build our kitchen, he built our bedrooms, he framed his own photos, made chairs we sit on at torch lake, building a new dock and many many more projects. Most of all he was known for his photography. He could make anything look beautiful, and that is what I will miss most. I love you pa pa
Love Ian
September 17, 2014
We were so shocked and saddened to hear
that David had passed away. You are in
our thoughts and prayers at this very
difficult time. We certainly have wonderful memories of being with David on special occasions and most recently
at St. Simons Island.
Frank and Anita Brewer
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in David Rector's name
Memorial Events
for David Rector
Funeral services provided by:
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
How to support David's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor David Rector's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
