Born in 1949 to David and Alice Spinniken, he married his beloved, Barb MacLaurin, on September 8, 1973.

Raised on a cherry farm in Leelanau County, he took pride in hard work and even after retirement he was tireless in his passion to serve. His favorite pastimes were getting involved in new construction projects, spending time with his family, and boating. Dave was also a gardener whose worm farm contributed to a bounty every year. He had several crow friends, and was at heart, a child of the woods who loved a good hike. Dave and his wife, Barb, shared many interests, and on their hikes, they could identify species of all sorts of plants, trees and mushrooms. They were devoted to the fine arts community in Northern Michigan, and it is this generation of the 1960’s-70’s artists who shaped the vibrant Arts community we see in Northern Michigan today. He loved to dance, especially to local folk bands. Dave and Barb enjoyed many festivals around Michigan and loved to camp. He never forgot his roots, and always considered himself a Leland boy.

In 1980, Dave graduated Cum Laude from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science. He had a major in 1949 ~ 2025

industrial education and a minor in psychology. A dedicated professional, he started his career teaching workshop skills to challenged adults. In 2016, he celebrated retirement from his twenty-year passion – as editor “Scoop” of the Grand Traverse Band News. Under his leadership, he created a dynamic department with an essential role in the band’s community. His compassionate nature is most evident in the buildings and remodels he created throughout his life, and his brilliance will be missed. He is remembered by many as a mentor whose good nature brought an element of fun to many tasks.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his three children, Faye, Arian, and Adam; his sisters, Bev and Jen; his brother, Jim; as well as several nieces, nephews, and his seven adored grandchildren. His absence will be felt most strongly by his family, for he was an invested caregiver whose wisdom was always available to anyone he encountered. Interment of ashes will take place in the family plot at Leland Cemetery in April of 2026, followed by a close family gathering. At his request, there will be a friends and family celebration of life in September of 2026. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations made to Leelanau Conservancy, or Habitat for Humanity.