David Bakos

With a love for adventure, David Bakos took each and every moment and ran with it, creating a colorful tapestry of memories along the way. Although he was accomplished in his career, it was easy to see that his family was his greatest source of pride and joy. Dave was compassionate and caring, the sort of man who would do anything for anyone without asking for anything in return. He will be remembered for his legendary corn roast parties, his homemade pizza, and his daily ritual of purchasing a lottery ticket for his wife, but most of all he will be remembered for the way he made a positive impact on the lives of everyone who was blessed to know and love him. With the end of WWII in 1945, America was establishing a new normal with the return to a time of peace. Technology was advancing with developments such as calculation by computer, the first electronic blanket, and the first auto-bank where drivers could drive directly to a teller who was sitting behind bullet-proof glass. It was in the year 1946 that James and Priscilla (Rickerson) Bakos were celebrating the birth of their son, David Andrew, on May 18th. David was born in Chicago, Illinois, as the youngest of three children in his family. He was raised on the southeast side of Chicago while his father worked as a supervisor at the United States Post Office in Chicago and his mother was a homemaker. The Bakos family made many fond memories at their cottage on Twin Lake in Michigan where they spent their summers. Dave attended local schools until he was 17 at which time he left school and joined the Marines. While in the service, Dave became a radio operator who had to carry 50-pound radio packs on his back. He served in Vietnam where he learned essential skills needed just to survive. While jumping out of a helicopter there, he injured his back and was subsequently hospitalized for three months. After he recovered, Dave was honorably discharged. Once again a civilian, Dave returned to his family who by this time was living full-time at the cottage on Twin Lake. He got his GED and then took classes in metallurgy at Muskegon Community College, earning his associates degree. Dave then secured employment at a local dental lab where he made dentures. There was plenty more to life than work for Dave, however, and living on the lake gave him many opportunities to pursue his passion for fishing. He could catch huge northern pike, and he also enjoyed hunting. They had a huge diving platform on the lake where Dave and his buddy, Dave Burnham, had a great time being wild and crazy. His rather crazy adventures continued through the winter months, too, as he liked to get his car out on the ice and spin donuts. Dave also liked to go two-tracking and was even known to drive his car on the railroad tracks a time or two. As a result of these endeavors, Dave went through a few cars during those years. Over the next few years, great changes were in store for Dave. He took over ownership of the cottage and started adding to it. Dave initially started digging the basement by hand, but later brought in contractors to help him do it right. While he was in his early thirties, Dave met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Sandra Kops and after dating for a time, they were married on a planned, fun-filled trip to Las Vegas on June 25, 1979. Sandy was good for Dave, she calmed him down a bit and they settled into a great life on the lake. They were blessed with the birth of their son Alexander in 1983 and then their son Steven in 1985. Dave supported his family through his job as a senior lab technician at Howmet in Whitehall. He remained in this position for over 25 years until he retired in 2009. Dave also taught some classes at Muskegon Community College. One of the things that made Dave so extraordinary was his willingness to lend a helping hand. At times he helped others financially, but often it was with a piece of advice or wisdom he had learned along the way. Dave helped his friend Jody who was serving in Iraq by researching desert survival skills and passing what he learned along. When Jody returned, Dave helped him navigate through the government channels based on his own experience when he returned from Vietnam. There were many things Dave enjoyed throughout his life. Although he suffered with back problems that at times required surgery, he never let these issues slow him down much as he was still ready for a good time. There were annual Fourth of July celebrations complete with fireworks, and corn roast parties that sometimes went on for days. Dave got a pontoon boat and built a hard top for it that the boys loved using to jump into the lake. He also had jet skis for their family to enjoy. Dave liked to plant a garden every year and was a marvelous cook who was known for his stews and homemade pizza. He was a member of Twin Lake Gun Club and continued to enjoy hunting and fishing throughout his entire life. As much as Dave enjoyed all of these activities, his most treasured times were spent with his family. He delighted in watching his boys grow up through all the fascinating ages and stages. With dreams of hitting it big, Dave bought his wife a lottery ticket nearly every day, although he was never able to turn his dream into a reality. With such a zest for life, David Bakos was truly an extraordinary man to know. He loved life and he loved to care for others in any way he could. Dave was a truly devoted family man who never hesitated to show his family just how dearly they were loved. He worked hard throughout his life whether on the job or not, often doing what he could to make sure those around him had fun, too. Dave leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and integrity that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. David Bakos died on March 19, 2010. Daves family includes his wife, Sandra; sons, Alexander (Nichole Welch) Bakos of ME; Steven Bakos of Twin Lake; sister, Carolyn Fortin of IN; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, James. A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or make a memorial contribution to Disabled American Veterans.