Dave Amon

David “Dave” Morris Amon, 71, left this life to join his Father God in eternal glory, Wednesday June 29, 2022. He was surrounded by his wife, sons and cherished pastor at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. David fulfilled with valor and passion the earthly roles of husband, father, papa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, employer, confidante, mentor and friend. He will be both dearly missed and tenderly remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him. David was a lifelong resident of the Traverse City area, born to the late Morris Frederick and Lorraine Florence (Hardesty) Amon on December 4th, 1950. Dave was actively involved in choral programs, musical theater and served as the Trojan Football team manager at Traverse City High School, where he graduated in 1969. Dave proceeded to study Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1973. On March 2nd, 1974 Dave married his best friend, high school sweetheart and soul mate, Judith Ann Smith. They enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage. Dave was a second generation cherry farmer. In 1978 he became co-owner of Amon Orchards where he loved meeting and serving customers, tending the crops and passionately innovated the agro-tourism industry in Northern Michigan. He served diligently with varying organizations and committees, including but not limited to the National Cherry Festival Board of Directors, Traverse City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Soil Conservation District Board, Grand Traverse County Fruit Growers Association, Living God Christian School Board, Cherry Administrative Board of Michigan, Acme Township Supervisor, Good News Media Corporate Board Member and was actively involved in his church, New Hope Community Church in Williamsburg. He retired in 2008. David was honored throughout his career with an array of titles, awards, accolades and achievements but perhaps his proudest of all was that of Father and “Papa.” Dave enjoyed simple pleasures, a good meal, traveling, gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends. He and Judy enjoyed many winters in Wintergarden, Florida and vacations to the eastern coast. He was a proud Northern Michigan native and adored his hometown and community. His faith and cherished family will be his enduring legacy. Dave is survived by his beloved wife Judy; their sons Michael (Kathryn), Eric, Benjamin (Britni) and Jazz (Stacy) Feyer-Salo; grandchildren Aiden, Emily, Charlie, Jackson, Deacon, Leilani, Boston, Zephaniah, Willow and Rose; brother Robert (Meredith) and sister Janice (John) Marnett; honorary brother Richard “Blackie” Alvarez, brother-in-law Ted (Anne) Smith, and Stepmother Leta R Amon as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. David was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Lorraine Amon and in-laws, Fredrick and Edith “Susie” Smith. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 pm at New Hope Community Church on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. A memorial service celebrating his life will also be held at the church on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 11 am with visitation beginning one hour prior. Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to New Hope Community Church https://newhope.cc/give/, Grand Traverse for Uganda – a Gospel Outreach and Water Well Ministry https://www.gt4uganda.com/donate.html or The National Cherry Festival Foundation https://www.thefestivalfoundation.org/p/donate

Dave Amon

December 4, 1950 - June 29, 2022