David M. Barnard

David Barnard was truly a man of the Greatest Generation a man who learned the meaning of hard work and sacrifice growing up in the Great Depression, and who went on to bravely fight for his country in World War II. He lived his life by a strong moral compass, and was always there for his country and his family when they needed him. In addition to these more stoic virtues, David was also a jokester, the life of the party, and could always bring a smile to the faces of those around him. Davids determination, his indomitable spirit, and his ability to bring joy to others are an inspiration to those he leaves behind; he has touched many lives, and will be deeply missed. David Matthew was born on November 22, 1922, to proud parents John Cap and Rebecca (Nedeau) Barnard. He was the baby of the family, and grew up with eight older siblings: Jerome, Philip, Isadora, Paul, Lorraine, John, Jean, and Mary. The Barnard family lived in Whitehall, Michigan, where John was stationed as the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard White River Light Station. When the time came for David to go to school, he attended classes at the Mouth School of Whitehall, a one-room schoolhouse. At the time, the class had just 8 children, 4 of whom were Barnards. If winter storms threatened, the teacher would call Davids mother to see if she was sending her children to school if she said no, the teacher cancelled school! Tragically, Davids father died in 1931, at which point the family moved to Muskegon, Michigan. David and his siblings pulled together to help the family get by in the tough Depression years to come. By the time he was in high school, David was working several jobs before and after school in order to make ends meet at home. A bright point in those often difficult years was his friendship with Jake Tazelaar, who would be a good friend for many years to come. David graduated from St. Jeans in 1940, and in 1942 was drafted into the U.S. Army. Before being sent overseas to fight in Europe, David was assigned as an MP (military police) in Indiana, where he guarded German prisoners-of-war. In later years, David would enjoy telling stories about the German soldiers, recounting how happy they were to be in the United States, and what a positive impression they had of life in America. One thing he never figured out, however, was how German cooks could use the same ingredients as the American cooks, and yet produce a far more delicious meal (he ate with the Germans whenever he had the chance)! David was eventually assigned to the 104th Infantry Division, known as The Timber Wolves, and saw action in France and Germany. He fought courageously, and participated in the liberation of one of the concentration camps. During one of his military leaves, David made the acquaintance of a young lady named Patricia Arthur, who worked with Davids sister Lorraine. At first, David just admired Pat from afar he found out she usually lunched at the Continental Hotel, so most days he hung out there around lunchtime, hoping to see her. Eventually, David worked up the courage to ask Pat out, and the rest is history. Their relationship lasted throughout the war, and the happy couple was married on June 21, 1947. David and Pat settled down in Muskegon, Michigan, and started a family of their own. They were blessed with a son, David Paul, and twin daughters, Judith Ann and Janice Lee. Delighted to be a father, David proved to be a firm but loving parent. He encouraged his children to always do their best, and to never stop trying. Although he would help if asked, most of the time he let his kids learn by doing. He set an example of strength tempered with kindness: a caring family man, who was always there for his family when they needed him. David worked at many companies over the years, including the gas company, Olsons Appliance Store, and Brunswick Bowling. In addition to working a full-time job, David went to night school after his children were born, and earned an accounting degree from the Muskegon School of Business. He then went on to a position at the Muskegon Federal Savings and Loan. During his twenty-five years of loyal service, David worked his way up from teller to branch manager and finally head of purchasing. David and his family made many happy memories every year at a cottage on Middle Lake, where they spent two weeks every summer. Closer to home, they had wonderful Pool Parties for friends and family every Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Christmas and Thanksgiving were also memorable occasions big family affairs with cousins, aunts and uncles all coming to the Barnard house for festivities. David was always the life of the party, and made sure that everyone had a great time. In his free time, David enjoyed tinkering with projects around the house and yard he was a Fix-It kind of guy. He enjoyed building ship models (the more complicated the better), and many of his finished models were proudly displayed around the house. He was active in the community, and participated in the Boy Scouts, the Muskegon Recreation Club, where he became a lifetime member and the Moose Lodge. At home, David loved reading, especially about WWII and the Civil War, and was a diehard Detroit Lions and Notre Dame fan. David and Pat both retired in 1987, David from MFS and Pat from Coca Cola Bottling. It didnt take long for them to become snow birds, which means that all their winters were spent in Gulf Shores, Alabama. David and Pat also began to go on cruises, their favorite type of vacation. David liked to say that if he could live on a cruise ship all year round, he would! They took at least one cruise per year, sometimes two; looking back, their favorite trip was a round-the-world cruise taken in 2008 with their son, David. David and Pat also enjoyed being grandparents, and visited whenever they could. They loved chatting with the grandkids, getting to know them, and watching them grow into the wonderful adults they all became. Intelligent and hardworking, friendly and fun-loving, David was a caring husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Mr. David Matthew Barnard died on January 1, 2013, at the age of 90. Davids family includes his wife, Patricia; his son, David (Cindy) Barnard of TX; his daughters, Janice (Dea) Barnard of WI, and Judith Barnard of AZ; his grandchildren, Erin Behr, Ryan Barnard, Elizabeth Barnard and Joshua Workman; and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 4, at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit Davids personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.