David John Harland

David John Harland, age 72 of Grayling, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5th, 2025.

Dave was born on September 25th, 1953 to John and Doris (Hansen) Harland in Flint, MI. His family moved to Grayling in 1971 when Dave was a teenager. His life long passion was all about music. An accomplished guitar player that was self-taught and never read a note of music. He was a member of numerous bands. He started with Diamond Willow in Grayling when he was still in his teens to Street Legal when he lived in Bay City, Petal Fall (a wedding band) in Grand Rapids, Big Chimney and Johnny ‘Yard Dog’ Jones in the Detroit area. 

Dave spent years working in the family business selling cars for his dad with his brothers. He managed a music store in Detroit for many years. He traveled throughout the eastern United States going to shows, selling and buying unique and one-of-a-kind instruments. One of his prize possessions was a vintage 1950’s Blonde Gibson Les Paul Special guitar. Other things that brought him joy were riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle, fishing in the ocean in Florida and inland lakes in Michigan to mention a few. To overcome his fear of flying he got his private pilot license. He lived a full adventurous life.

Dave is survived by his only daughter Angela Horsch, grandsons Nicholas and Noah Horsch, siblings Denise (Kim) Parkinson, Karen (David) Karpicke, Paul (Laura) Harland, James (Bridget) Harland, Sister-in-laws Susan Harland, Sheila Harland, Brandon Harland, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and one great great niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris Harland, grandson Lucus Horsch, brother Richard Harland, brother Marc Harland, brother Stephen Harland and brother Kevin Harland

A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2026 in Grayling Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.