David Gary Park, aged 68, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023 in Livonia, Michigan, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born on August 21, 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio.  He grew up in Maple Heights, Ohio, and was a 1973 graduate of Maple Hts. High School.  He was a strong student and active in band and wrestling, laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning, music, and sports.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Edwin (Ed) Park and Carlene (Connie) Park (formerly Davis), beloved grandmother Bessie "Gram" Davis, and in-laws, James and Floraleen Doughty. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 42 years, Dr. Linda Park, brother Stephen Lynn Park (Martha), sister Amy Park Simoes (Dorival), brother-in-law Steven Doughty (Nancy), and nephews and nieces, Spencer Doughty, Jackson Doughty, Michael Park (BabyJane), Sandra Keeslar (Matthew), Mary Durland (Thomas), and Samuel Simoes, as well as eight great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dave studied accounting, economics, and finance at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, graduating in 1977.  Dave then moved to Dearborn Heights, MI and began his decades-long career with Ford Motor Company, first as an auditor, then as a financial analyst. He excelled in creating innovative program initiatives for Ford, notably the nationwide Roadside Assistance program, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive industry.  During his Ford career, Dave attended the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), earning an MBA, completing doctoral work in math, and earning another Masters in math. He was a longstanding supporter of Rochester Christian University, serving as the CFO for several years after his retirement from Ford.

The move to Dearborn Heights proved significant, not just professionally, but personally as well. It was there that he met and married Linda Doughty, a teacher, principal, and professor of education at Rochester Christian University.  Dave and Linda both held a deep love for animals and, through the years, included dogs and multiple Chartreux cats as adored family members.

Throughout his life, Dave was known for his quick wit, devotion to family, generosity, and faithful service, particularly to his church family at Parkside Church of Christ.  He was particularly devoted to the seniors in his life, spending quality time with both his in-laws and his own parents, and caring for them while they were in declining health. He was devoted to teaching a long-standing weekly Bible class for seniors at Parkside, spending years with them delving deeply into the book of Romans, always with a cup of coffee in one hand and his Bible in the other. He was a caring and involved uncle to his nephews and nieces, often traveling long distances to attend and encourage them in their educational, sporting, and musical events.

David's Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 1st at  Parkside Church of Christ, 17200 Outer Drive, Dearborn Hts., MI. 48127. Gathering from 10:00 a.m.