David Darrow McCune

Dave was born April 6, 1947 in Albion, MI, to the late Merrill and Luella (Robbins) McCune. He was raised in Albion, before attending classes at Michigan State University. During his college days, he agreed to a blind date, where he would meet the girl who would become his wife. Dave and Ellene were married in 1968, prior to his serving in the US Army and shipping out to the Vietnam War. Upon his return from war, Dave and Ellene briefly lived in Lansing, until settling down in Williamston, MI to raise a family.

Father to two devoted sons, and known as an avid outdoorsman, Dave’s life was well lived and full of adventure. From dodging bear in the northern Michigan mountains with his son, Doug; snacking on smoked white fish and crackers with his son Dan, while watching the freighters pass through the Straits of Mackinac; to paddling his beloved Au Sable River with his grandchildren, Megan and Max; Dave shared his great love of the outdoors. He loved rustic camping, hiking the Porcupine Mountains; and above all this, paddling the legendary Au Sable River. Some of his fondest memories were of times spent on the mighty Au Sable with his grandfather, Floyd Robbins.

While his greatest accomplishment was raising two successful sons, he was quite a local celebrity amongst the outdoor sportsman community. His family couldn’t get away without someone saying they knew Dave and how he sold them their first canoe or mapped out a trip of a lifetime for them on Michigan’s waterways. Dave was a founder of the Quiet Water Symposium; his work and dedication was recognized when he received the Verlen Kruger Award, honoring Dave for supporting and promoting paddle sports, water conservation, education and history in Michigan.

A profound love for animals, largely driven by his loving mother, Luella, Dave enjoyed the companionship of many rescue dogs throughout his life. Dave’s dogs were his best buddies, walking partners and closest confidants. One in particular, his “princess” Abby, was known to go to work with Dave at Raupp’s and be the “greeter”; a job Abby took very seriously. Once she had customers through the door, Dave would fit them with tools and equipment they needed for the best camping and outdoor adventures. They were a dynamic retail team.

Dave made his living doing what he loved. Working at Raupp’s Campfitters in Lansing, for over 30 years, he served many folks to fulfill outdoor dreams and bucket lists. In semi-retirement, he worked part-time at Menard’s, where he enjoyed helping customers to meet their home improvement needs. Once Dave fully retired, he could be found around Williamston, watching his grandson, Max, scoring touchdowns in Fall and out on the baseball field in Spring; and his granddaughter, Megan, scoring baskets, running track and on the volleyball court.

Survived by two sons, Daniel, and his wife Dawn, of Okemos and Douglas, and his wife Karen, of Williamston; two precious and loving grandchildren, Megan and Maddox (Max); his grand dog Tucker; a brother, Gary (Terry) McCune, nieces and nephews; cousin, Sylvia (Richard) Teasley; girlfriend, Janet Gross; and his beloved and faithful companion, his dog “Brando”. His love for animals and the great outdoors and his memory will live on forever in his children and grandchildren.

Dave is predeceased by his loving wife, Ellene, and his devoted parents, Merrill and Luella.

To honor Dave’s final request, there will be private cremation and memorial service for his immediate family.

In honor of Dave’s memory, he has requested donations to The Quiet Water Society, PO Box 27412, Lansing, MI 48909-7412 or Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, MI 48910.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grwilliamston.com