David Ward Templeton

David Ward Templeton, 56, of Traverse City, died in an accidental fire on September 21, 2015 in Traverse City, along with his dog and best buddy, Smoker.

Ward is survived by his mother, Nancy of Traverse City; his brothers, Scott of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Dean (Maureen) of Traverse City, Blake of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; his nieces and nephews, Roury, Joseph, Mac, Cooper and Monica; stepmother, Nicki of Naples, FL; step-sisters Laurie, Deanna and Annette; Uncle Clay Hepler as well as many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard "Dick" Templeton, grandparents Archie and Edythe O'Rourke, Ken and Elva Templeton; Aunt Betty (O'Rourke) Hepler, Uncle Bob and Aunt Yvonne Templeton.

Ward was born on April 29, 1959 in Pontiac to parents Richard I. and Nancy C. (O'Rourke) Templeton. He graduated from Northwood School, Class of 1978 in Lake Placid, NY and attended NMC and Ferris State University. He moved to Naples, FL where he was a successful Commercial Realtor. Ward, a managing partner of Templeton Properties, enjoyed playing the harmonica, skiing, golfing, fishing boating, scuba diving and relaxing with his best friend Smoker. His family and friends will always remember him as a fun loving, gregarious person.

The family would like to thank the Traverse City Fire Department and the Traverse City Police Department detectives and officers for their kindness.

A visitation time with Ward's family will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with the memorial service beginning at 3 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Rather than flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Ward's name be directed to The Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686 ( www.cherrylandhumane.org )

Please share your favorite memories of Ward with his family by way of his online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.