David Edwin Gillison

David Edwin “Dave” Gillison, 72, of Haslett, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on October 29, 2024. Born on March 7, 1952, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Dave was the son of Stewart and Nellie (Merriman) Gillison. He grew up in Shepherd, Michigan, alongside his sister Susan, and later graduated from Alma College with a bachelor’s degree.

After college, Dave moved to Lansing, Michigan, where he began a lifelong career in banking, highlighted by 36 memorable years with Independent Bank. He fondly reflected on his time in banking, especially cherishing the many friendships and colleagues he gained along the way.

Dave was active in the Lansing community, serving as a member of the Lansing Rotary Club, the Finance Committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, and the Downtown Coaches Club. In retirement, he fulfilled his passion for music by playing the trumpet with several local bands, including the Meridian Community Band, the Mid-Michigan Community Band, the Michigan State Alumni Band, and the MSU Strolling Spartans. He took great joy in performing with his bandmates, particularly during Michigan State University sporting events and tailgates.

Dave was known for his kindness, positivity, and his unique sense of humor, often “poking the bear” in good-natured fun. A passionate sports fan, he spent over 45 years officiating high school basketball and softball, relishing the excitement of the games and being around the young athletes.

Dave cherished time spent at his cottage on Eight Point Lake, where he served as a board representative for the Homeowners Association. Friends and family will remember the sound of 60’s music drifting from the cottage as Dave relaxed on the porch, a Diet Coke in hand, taking in the view of the lake. In recent years, Dave loved the energy his grandchildren brought when they visited, filling the cottage with laughter.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn (McCue) Gillison; his sister, Susan Dickey and her partner Keith Donsky; his children with Michelle (Rashid) Gillison, Albert (Rachel) Gillison and Alysha (Shawn) DeMay; Kathryn’s children, Emily (Jason) Learman and Benjamin (Megan) Logan; and grandchildren, Becca and Lincoln Gillison, Patrick, Charles, and Maxwell DeMay, Aubrey and Lucas Learman, and James Logan.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in East Lansing on Tuesday, November 5th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Alton Road in East Lansing on Wednesday, November 6th, with visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service at St. Thomas Aquinas, and burial will take place after the luncheon, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Meridian Community Band in Okemos: Meridian Community Band, P.O. Box 542, Okemos, MI 48805-0542

Dave’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him for his warmth, humor, and generosity.