David Michael Mankin

David Michael Mankin, of Allegan, passed away at the age of 40 on July 6th, 2023 at home from addictive disease.

The writing of this obituary was delayed by the pain of a premature departure.  Although addictive disease itself is not always a terminal diagnosis, its chronic nature oftentimes leaves in its wake an incurable perspective on those afflicted with it.  He was oftentimes overwhelmed by the negative stigma that comes with addiction, and that feeling too often drives the shame that addictive disease thrives on.  It is important to mention this as part of Dave’s story so that he can have a small part in the effort to change the narrative on substance use disorder.  However, there is an even greater importance that he not be remembered for it or for the symptoms that he and those closest to him experienced.  Addictive disease will never define Dave as a person. 

“Dave Mike”, as his family called him, is survived by his parents, Steven and Jeanne of Allegan; and sisters, Lindsey (Craig) Revering of Mesa, Arizona and Katie (Steve) Melvin of Palos Hills, Illinois.  Most notably, he leaves behind his most loved and cherished daughter, Audrina of Allegan.  Dave loved his family fully and will be missed by his grandmothers, uncles, aunt, cousins, nieces, and nephew and the many in his life without official familial titles but whom he held close to his heart as his chosen family.  In truth, there isn’t a way to fully acknowledge all of the people Dave cared for, because he wanted to be a friend to all.  

He was born on April 1, 1983, with a sense of humor and lightheartedness only reserved for those born on April Fools’ Day.  He loved to laugh and enjoyed using his sense of humor (which changed in level of appropriateness based on the crowd).  Paired with his light heart was a sense of tenderness, generosity, and helpfulness that he carried inside him always; he never lost sight of the goodness in life and “killing ‘em with kindness” even in the worst of times.

Dave was a man made to hold a tool in his hand.  It began with taking apart the family toaster as a child and manifested into a career filled with an especially varied mechanical aptitude.  He cut his teeth with K’nex and after graduating from the Allegan Alternative High School in 2002, he worked all over the country on many exciting projects and locally at Marcellus Metalcasters, Tiera Yachts, and Ropes Courses, Inc.  In his free time, he loved woodworking, hunting for mushrooms, fishing, hiking, watching movies, and being with his family and his dear dog Otto.  

He was preceded in death by both of his grandfathers and two of his aunts.

Heartfelt gratitude goes out to those that were with him during his brief time in hospice care at home and the loving care he received at both Grand Rapids St. Mary’s Hospital and through Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan.  

His life will be celebrated by those who love him outdoors, with a big bonfire, in September.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sanford House at Johns Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he treasured his time spent there in recent years.

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