David Allan Savage

David Allan Savage, Age 74 of Royal Oak. February 11, 2023 Loving husband of Denise. Dear father of Joshua (Kathleen) Savage, Jeremiah (Jill) Savage, Zachary (Lyndsay) Savage, and Kwinn Derderian. Devoted Grandfather of Elijah, Anna, Luke, Audrey, and Abigail. Great Grandfather of Dream. Brother of Rebecca (Ray) Conway, Betsy (Dex) Kosky, the late Stephen (Helga) Savage, and the late Rachel Simons.
David proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War period guarding bases, was an honor guard for fallen soldiers and contributed to the development & testing of safety harness systems for pilots. He was honorably discharged in 1969.
He was an avid pilot himself who continuously trained to increase his certifications enabling him to fly single-engine planes, sea planes & gliders and flew just a few weeks prior to his passing. In addition to his passion for flying, he loved kayaking, traveling, riding his Harley, sailing, racing through the nearby park on his recumbent e-bike and played a mean game of pool in leagues or at the Senior Center. He loved bonfires in the backyard with family & friends, the annual Pirate Party, Coke, Devil Dogs, playing Marbles with friends and spending time doing anything and everything with his wife, especially hanging out in the Loft.
Born in Boston, raised in Attleboro and Cape Cod, he moved to Michigan in the 70's but never lost his love for the ocean and water. He never fully lost his accent either and it would come back strong after even the shortest visits to the Cape or Maine.
He was a man of high integrity & kindness with an uncompromising hard work ethic. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix, build or create. David was very slow & reluctant to criticize or find fault with anyone but was always quick to lend a hand. Everyone's friend and respected by those who had the good fortune to meet & know him. He was the neighborhood lawn mowing, snow blowing and go-to guy for a question or tool and he was always helping, conversing and thought of them more as family than just friends.
His greatest passion though was his family. Whether it was camping in the backyard or playing hopscotch with the grands in the driveway or helping his sons & daughters-in-love with whatever they might need, you could count on his presence and unwavering support.
His will to overcome pancreatic cancer was strong but, apparently, he was needed in heaven to fix a hinge on the Pearly Gates, rewire the lighting or drill a hole in the floorboards. We can count on him to be waiting for us there (wearing his toolbelt) as he was ever faithful.
In addition to his wife, sons, daughters-in-love, grandchildren and sisters, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends who all loved & respected him. He is already deeply missed.