David Haughey

1918 - 2020

Haughey, David David O'Connell Haughey, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died on October 19, 2020, at 102 years old. He was born on February 8, 1918 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Dr. Wilfrid and Edith Haughey. One of eight children, he became an Eagle Scout along with all five of his brothers. He graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1936, and the University of Michigan in 1940. David volunteered for the Army in early 1941. After basic training in California at Camp Callan, and a stint at Fort Rosecrans Coastal Artillery Post near San Diego, he was sent to Officer Candidate School at Camp Davis in Wilmington, North Carolina. Upon completion of the program as a 2nd Lieutenant, he was assigned to the school as an instructor in Anti-Aircraft Artillery for several years. While at Camp Davis he married Roberta Leete, and their first child was born in Wilmington. In 1944 David was promoted to Captain and sent overseas as a member of an instruction team of four officers, training 90mm Gun Batteries in the field with new Anti-Aircraft equipment. He served in Belgium, France, Holland and Germany. His group participated in the air defense of Antwerp with the Antwerp X Command. He was discharged in December 1945 with the rank of Major. After the war David attended University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1948. He immediately began his career in Grand Rapids with a two-man law firm called Mitts & Smith. He became a partner in 1950, and after several changes the firm became known by its current name of Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge. A noted trial attorney, David was an active member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and the Michigan Bar Association. He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. He retired from practice in 1987. In his later years David took up golf, and was a member of Kent Country Club. He spent many happy summers at his cottage on Lake Michigan, and enjoyed sailing his Sunfish. Mr. Haughey was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta. He is survived by his daughters Martha (Robert) Hocutt, Katharine (William) Begg, and Mary (Timothy) Rivelli, his grandchildren Sarah (Gareth) Benson, John (Jennifer) Hocutt, Anthony (Amanda) Warmington, Maria Warmington, Elizabeth (Andrew) Gustafson, David (Anne Laura) Rivelli, Anne Rivelli, Margaret Rivelli, and Grace Rivelli, and 12 great-grandchildren. He is survived by one brother, Charles Haughey, of California, age 100, as well as many nieces and nephews. Services will be private. Memorials may be made to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park or the Grand Rapids Symphony.