David Bruce Parker, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Born on August 21, 1942, in Pontiac, MI., Dave lived a vibrant life filled with adventure, creativity and an unwavering devotion to those he held dear.

A proud Veteran, Dave served his country with honor in the US Army from 1965-1968. His last year of service was spent in Vietnam as a Preventive Medicine Specialist. Later in life, he made a trek back to Vietnam, to experience how the country had evolved since the war. He was an avid outdoorsman with an endless passion for nature, and he spent a lifetime pursuing fitness and the outdoors. He was a relentless runner, biker and cross-country skier. Qualifying and running the Boston marathon, twice, was a great source of pride. He was a world class fly-fisherman, camper, hiker, canoer and kayaker. Few things in life made him happier than being in a trout stream with his waders on and a fly rod in hand. He was also a voracious reader with an incredibly creative side. He meticulously handcrafted thousands of flies for fishing, wrote beautiful poetry and earned awards for photography.

In Dave’s professional life, he worked in Urban and Community Development for the cities of Pontiac and Dearborn. He was a founding member of the Friends of the Clinton River Trail, a lifelong member of the Challenge Chapter of Trout Unlimited, a member of the Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham and the Sylvan Lake Veterans group.

Above all, Dave’s heart belonged to his family. On July 11, 1964, he married Deborah DuVall, and they built a life filled with love that spanned over 60 years. Together, they raised two children, Melissa (Kirk) Bunnell and Bruce (Marsha) Parker. He was extremely proud of his 5 grandchildren, Olivia Bunnell, Addison Bunnell, Andrew Parker, Evan Parker and Everly Parker. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Parker (Barb), sister, Carol Hornbacher-Nasim, brother-in-law Owen DuVall (Anne), many loving nieces and nephews, and Barbara Pearce, lovingly regarded as Aunt Barb.

Dave was a lifelong Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan, but his five grandchildren were his greatest source of pride, and he will always be their biggest super fan. He was a fixture in the stands at their games and recitals for more than 2 decades and no conversation with Dave was complete if it didn’t begin and end with how his grandchildren were doing.

Dave’s life was more textured and richer than words can express. He never let life just happen to him. Rather, he pursued his great many passions with an unparalleled zeal and voracity. His loss leaves a monumental hole in so many hearts. But it should also be cause to celebrate a life led to the absolute fullest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association.  

There will be a Celebration of his Life later this year, in Michigan. Plans for the commemorative event will be forthcoming.