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David Duford Obituary
He was born on Feb. 16, 1947, in Midland, son of Marjorie (Clark) and the late Jay Duford. He attended Midland schools, graduating from Midland High School in 1965. After graduating from high school, he had served with the U.S. Army. On March 27, 1971, David married the former Sharon Hodges in Midland. David and his brother Don had owned and operated Duford's Finest Foods in Midland for over 25 years. He had worked as a contractor with J&J Mobile Homes, which was owned by his brother Jerry. David's greatest love was spending time with family and friends in the U.P. at his home near Brimley.
He is survived by his wife Sharon; two sons, John (Tequilla) Duford of Midland and Brian Duford of Brimley; his mother, Marjorie (Clark) Duford of Midland; one sister, Carol (Jack) Servis of Edenville; two brothers, Jerry (Joann) Duford and Donald (Gail) Duford, all of Midland; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws; and by many, many dear friends.
In keeping with David's wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, from the Jefferson Avenue Church of God. Pastor Don Duford, David's brother, will officiate.
David's family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Karmonis Cancer Center or the Melanoma Clinic at the University of Michigan.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors, where there will be no visitation.
If you are unable to visit with the family in person, condolences may be sent through www.waresmithwoolever.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Duford
Margaret Nehring
August 28, 2006
I lived next door to Duford's Finest Food for 17 years. I have many memories fond of Dave. I was sorry to read about his passing. My heart goes out to his family.
Bill Burk
August 24, 2006
It was always fun to shop at Duford's market. I miss that store and we will miss Dave.
Chuck & Betty Washburn
August 21, 2006
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Beverland
August 21, 2006
The gift of My Uncle Dave's life has touched many people far and near. I was and still am so blessed by his love and guidance through much of my childhood and into my teenage and then on to my adult years. Uncle Dave and Aunt Sharon provided me with so much love, compassion and strength. They helped me to love through my loss, live each and every day and to laugh even when you want to cry. Thank you Uncle Dave for giving so much, I am a life that was forever changed. My love for you will always be. Until we meet again in Paradise...Cindy Lee
Michelle Woodward
August 21, 2006
I have wonderful memories of my Uncle Dave. My lasting impression will always be a smile on his face calling me Shelly. He was a very generous man whose purpose in life was to make others feel good by making them laugh. My Uncle Dave never met a stranger, he was kind to everyone. My heart felt sympathies and prayers go out to the Duford family.
Matt and Jennifer Wells
August 21, 2006
You are a very kind person and the world will dearly miss your smile and your helpfull presence. You helped me out several times while I was visiting up north and as our neighbor out in Homer Twp. as I grew up. We are very sorry for your family's and our own loss of a truely great person, but we know he is in a better place now getting the much deserved piece he deserves. David You will be missed by many. And our thoughts and payers go out to your family in this time of greif.
Stu Duford
August 21, 2006
I have always been fortunate to have the best uncles on earth. From each one I have learned traits that I use each and every day. From my uncle Dave I learned that a good sense of humor is one of the best cure-alls there is. The rest of the world missed out on deer seasons shenanigans. Hey Uncle Dave, keeps gramps out of trouble!
Love,
Stu
Rob Duford
August 21, 2006
There are so many memories that I will carry with me forever of my Uncle Dave. The time he helped me on my paper route when I was freezing. The Monday mornings when he would pick up the money for the store. The Saturday's at "Duford's" just shooting the breeze. Uncle Dave was one of the greatest humans to ever live on this planet. I've always thought it was weird that my parents gave me 4 names, but I am very proud to carry the name David as one of them.
I miss you and love you.
Rob
Margie (Servis) Knapik
August 21, 2006
I have so many fun, great memories of my Uncle David. My husband Jeff and I and our boys Joshua and Kristopher spent so many good times with Uncle David and Aunt Sharon up north. We are so glad for the memories. And all those Saturdays that I would work at the store with him were a blast! We were lucky to have him visit our home just a couple of weeks before he passed and that memory will be with us forever! My heart is broken at the loss of him, but I am also comforted to know that his suffering is over.
Dennis Woodward
August 20, 2006
I am so glad that Pat & I were able to visit you in June this year. I hope I have the courage you portrayed as you fought the battle with this desease. I will remember all the many good memories we shared over the years with you and Sharon. You will be truly missed but it won't be long before we meet again in a much better place. Your brother-in-law for the last 34 years. Denny
John Duford
August 20, 2006
My dad would always tell my brother and me, "You will never be too old, or too big for me to hug you or tell you I love you". I will be 30 this year and I can honestly say he never stopped hugging us or telling us he loved us until the day he died. The last few days have been tough, but my dad believed all of it was in God's will. I will miss him greatly but I know now he is not suffering, and I can walk away knowing and not having to wonder like many children, if there dad loved them.
Miss you greatly Dad,
Appreciate everybody's prayers.
With love your son,
John
Curt Wright
August 20, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this hard time.
God Bless,
Curt, Christie and Owen Wright
Charlene Ferreira
August 20, 2006
I will always have the warmest thoughts of my Uncle Dave. He was a great man. I know this, because even though I didn't see him as often as others, the snapshot memories I have always been warm and good thoughts. It brings a smile to my face when I think of him and it always has and always will. I am sorry Uncle Dave because I kind of lost a little of my southern accent that I know you always loved about me. You were the first person to ever tease me about it and the first person who ever loved that about me.
Aunt Sharon, John & Bryan - I miss you very much and my thoughts & prayers are with you. He was lucky to have you three in his life and I am blessed to be related to you. I will see you soon - Love, Carrie - AKA Pat Woodward (Hodges)'s youngest daughter.
Kathy (Thurston) Hansen
August 20, 2006
I am so sorry to read of Dave's passing. I was a friend of his when we were quite young. I'm am glad to know that he remained a very happy and smiling guy. That is how I remember him from way back then. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Paul Duford
August 20, 2006
My Uncle Dave was a great man! He taught me many lessons in life. He taught me that life is to be lived, loved and enjoyed. His cancer taught him that to complain about the little things in life, like going to work on Monday, was not worth doing because so many people out there would love to go to work...if they could. He would have loved to have gone back to work. My guess is he's probably right now paving some street with gold, or helping Jesus build a porch. Thanks Uncle Dave for the time you spent with me and the unconditional love you showed me. You never saw me as a failure but always pushed me toward my potential. And of course, thanks for all the laughs.
Love Your Little Buddy,
Paul Duford
Jerry Duford
August 20, 2006
David was my best friend and younger brother and he will be greatly missed. He was a guy that would do anything to give someone a helping hand. My family and I will miss him but will surely see him again some day in Heaven.
Brother,
Jane Willmann
August 20, 2006
I'm so very sad and send you, Sharon and Don, and your families my heartfelt sympathy. Although I was only in Midland for 6 years, every visit to the market was a treat! David and Don were both so friendly and we made friends with them quickly. I think of you all often and am grateful for the memories. God bless you all - you'll be in my prayers. Jane
Don Duford
August 19, 2006
Just a wonderful brother that would do anything for anyone. A man who loved his wife, sons, daughterinlaw, family and friends. David could see God in everything that surounded him in the U.P. David we will miss you but we will meet again some day soon.
Your brother
Don
Mary
August 19, 2006
When I worked at Accardo's Restaurant in Midland, Dave and Al came in all the time. Dave was a happy and upbeat guy and I always enjoyed serving him. I'm sorry for your loss.
Lisa Servis
August 19, 2006
Smiling face and a heartfelt hello everytime you walked into Duford's, that is how I will always remember Uncle Dave!
He suffers no more. Sharon and boys, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shelia McRoberts
August 18, 2006
I went to school with David and he was a happy & inspiring guy. He will be greatly missed. My sympathy to his family.
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