David Willison

David Paul Willison died peacefully in his sleep, Aug. 22, 2018.

He is survived by his two daughters, Charley Ellen Rebecca Willison and Julia Frances Marnie Willison, and Charley's fiancé Gurhari Preet Singh; his daughters' maternal aunts and uncles, Mary Ann Coffey Mutrux, Kathleen Christian (Jay) Stump, Arthur "Gene" (Lisa) Christian, Robert Gus Christian, Rebecca (Bobby) Christian Cooper, and all of their children and grandchildren; his former wife, Melanie Coffey Willison; his brother, Tad Kindred Willison and Tad's children; members of the extended family of Nicki Hoyle, Randy Hoyle and Jill Hoyle and Danielle Bessemer.

David was born May 19,1953 in Midland, where he resided most of his life. He was the third child of Dr. Charles Hallock Willison and Sue Kindred Willison and was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles Richard Willison; and his sister, Dorothy Nance Willison.

David had a long-term interest in juvenile law, working at Eagle Boys' Village in Hersey as a counselor when he was a young adult. He attended Outward Bound leadership training in Maine in 1973, completing a three-day Solo expedition. He later traveled to the Galapagos Islands on a research vessel with Sea Education Association on one of their maiden voyages. David attended Delta College part time while working with the City of Midland as a garbage man. He began school full time at Central Michigan University, where he graduated in 1980, with a bachelor of science in English; he obtained a juris doctorate from Cooley Law School in 1984.

For 16 years, David worked as a trial attorney and public defender in Midland. He was a sole practitioner with a general practice, specializing in family law and juvenile court matters. He also practiced real estate transactions, estate planning and administration, criminal law and civil litigation. David loved the practice of law and being a trial attorney. For several years before opening his own practice, he served as bailiff and law clerk for the Honorable Tyrone Gillespie, writing draft briefs for the Court of Appeals and 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. After retiring from the practice of law in 2002, David worked as a groundskeeper and mechanic at Midland Country Club. He left there in November 2017.

David was an avid reader loving science fiction, classic literature, nonfiction and poetry. He read several news publications daily and listened constantly to the radio, podcasts and newscasts. He loved jazz and rock and roll, and played alto and soprano saxophones, after studying music at Delta College and Herter Music years before. He loved model cars, toy race tracks and Indy car racing, following his father's enthusiasm for high speed, well-made cars. From a young age, David was a swimmer, participating in Midland Dolphin Swim Team formed by his parents and other families. He visited Plymouth Pool twice daily for the last 16 years. David was a dog lover, never living without a canine companion. He spent multiple years training his dogs in search and rescue, and schutzhund protection work as well as basic obedience. He always walked his dogs at least three times daily and was often identifiable to people by his constant canine companions, particularly Ripley, the three-legged dog.

David's tremendous art of storytelling, great sense of humor, ability to take himself lightly, with his never-ending care and concern for the common man were the hallmarks of his character. He truly enjoyed the art of conversation with other people and greeted everyone he met. He is deeply missed by his family and friends and many members of the Midland community.

A memorial service celebrating David's life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland, at 6220 Jefferson Ave., Midland on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Constance Grant officiating. A reception at the church will follow. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Humane Society of Midland County. Arrangements are entrusted to Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home.