David Newland

David (Dave) Richard Newland, a man of God, faithful husband, loving father, and joyful grandfather, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025. He is survived by his sister, Renaigh Rogers (John Rogers), his brother Scott Newland (Christina), loving wife, Sue, four children, Niccole (Matt Ash), Kevin (Bobbi Jo), Adam (Renee), and Laura, and six grandchildren, Ryan, Brandon, Seth, Carter, Leah, and Kennedy. He was preceded by his brother, Don Newland (Corinne). He is loved by so many family members (cousins by the dozens!) and friends.

Born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on July 30, 1948, Dave was the third child of Don and Helen Newland. At the age of 12, he moved with his family to Portage, Michigan, where he graduated from Portage Central High School in 1967. He joined the Air Force in June 1967 where he served as a Military Police canine handler. He trained and served under the 823rd Safeside Rangers and was a Blue Beret. He served in Vietnam and South Korea. In 1975, he graduated from Western Michigan University.

He met the love of his life, Linda Sue Newland, in June 1970. They were married in 1972 and enjoyed more than 52 years of life together, raising their four children on the farm he bought in 1976, "pending my wife's approval", in Three Rivers, Michigan.

Dave was driven by his love of God, family, and country. He retired from Upjohn (Pfizer) in 2007, but he never stopped working on his farm. He enjoyed his draft horses, cows, dogs, goats, ducks, guns, and trees. Dave was generous, a dreamer, a doer, a man of honor, an encourager, and a comedian. He never met a stranger, and you couldn't tell whether he had just met someone or had known someone for years. He made everyone in his life feel special and loved. No matter what challenges he encountered, he met them with bravery, hard work, and belief that God had a plan for him. He was humbled and grateful for the incredible blessings in his life. His children and grandchildren are all so proud to have had him as a father and grandfather.

There will be a celebration of his life at 4pm on January 11, 2025, at Connections Community Church, 11500 US 131, Schoolcraft, Michigan 49087. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Connections Community Church building fund or to Twelve Baskets Food Pantry. A private military burial at Fort Custer will be held at a later date.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign David's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Newland family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622