Harry David “Dave” Tift, 68, of Houghton Lake and Florida passed away May 4, 2016 at Martin Memorial North Hospital in Stuart, Florida.
He was born on September 27, 1947 in Saginaw to Harry and Marguerite (Wesener) Tift. He served four years in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Independence, receiving a National Defense Service Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.
Mr. Tift was employed as a plumber for many years. He was a lover of nature, and all fish in it. He operated the Treasure Coast Kayak Adventures in Florida taking people on eco-tours or being their fishing guide. He artistically made fishing jigs and flies for trade shows and bait shops, enjoyed hunting, especially duck hunting, camping, kayaking, boating, snowmobiling, morel mushroom hunting, and much more. He was a member of the American Canoe Associations, and a Port St Lucie Fishing Club Instructor.
Surviving are his son, Josh (Jenny) Tift of Saginaw; three daughters, Crystal (John) Wichard of Freeland, Diana (Nick) Davis of Madison, Wisconsin, and Felicia (Jen) Lauber of Raleigh, North Carolina; and life partner, Margie Durham of Houghton Lake and Florida.
Also surviving are three brothers, Rick (Lori) Tift of Houghton Lake, Greg (Teri) Tift of Folsom, California, and Rudy Mosher of Port St. Lucie, FL; sister, Mona (Dick) Daughenbaugh of Stuart, FL; seven grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation is May 11 from 2 p.m. until the funeral service at 3 p.m.from Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel with Rev. William Winter officiating.
Donations to the family to offset funeral expenses are appreciated.
Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family.
Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com.
