David Brinkerhoff Loveland

February 22, 1930 - February 14, 2022

Major David Brinkerhoff Loveland passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 14th, 2022. He was just one week shy of his 92nd birthday. He was born February 22nd, 1930 to Roelif Loveland and Mildred Graham Loveland in Cleveland, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara Loveland and his brother Peter Loveland. Dave graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1948. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio on a football scholarship. It was there he learned many life lessons from his beloved coach Woody Hayes. Coach Hayes, he used to say, taught me how to get through life’s inevitable roadblocks. His football career dashed by injury, he became an officer and pilot in the United States Air Force. Flight Duty began in March of 1953 which on occasion, brought him to Traverse City. It was here that he met Barbara “Bobbie” Sherberneau, a stewardess at Capitol Airlines. Their date nights were unique, meeting around the globe as their schedules would allow. They married in May of 1957 and had three daughters. After 21 years in the Air Force, Major Loveland and Barbara retired to Traverse City in 1973. He began his next chapter at Northwestern Michigan College as Chief Flight Instructor. Having flown many aircraft, including rescue helicopters, his aviation experience proved invaluable to the brand-new flight school. It wasn’t just his skill in the cockpit that students appreciated… It was his colorful storytelling in ground school that kept hopeful pilots on the edge of their seats. He retired from NMC in 1994. He touched many lives during his tenure and became a legend in Northern Michigan Aviation. One of his family’s most heartfelt moments was when he was invited to Northwestern Michigan College’s “50 Years in Aviation” celebration. His former students were now successful pilots, flying across continents in huge modern aircraft. He was moved beyond words as they lined up to get their picture taken with their former mentor. Dave was a proud member of Elks Lodge #323 in Traverse City for 50 years. He also enjoyed being a parade director with the National Cherry Festival and met new friends while serving in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. His family at Faith Reformed Church brought him great happiness during his later years, especially after his wife Barbara passed away in January of 2018. His church family brought him comfort, support and friendship that he was truly grateful for. Living on West Grand Traverse Bay allowed him to do the things he loved like flying his yellow J-3 Cub seaplane, fishing for the elusive “big one” and going on many, many pontoon rides with friends and family. Dad was a wonderful father and a great role model, and we miss him very much. Major David B. Loveland is survived by his daughters Cynthia Fredrickson (James) of Suttons Bay, Linda Cobb (Steven) of Traverse City and Nancy Loveland of Traverse City. He was also blessed with six loving grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A private memorial will be held June 7th. Please consider a donation to “Veterans in Crisis” at veteransincrisis.org in his memory. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with David’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.