David James Julien

December 26, 1955 - March 14, 2020

David James Julien passed away on March 14, 2020 at the age of 64. David was born on December 26, 1955 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Royal and Violet (Niggle) Julien. David was born with Down’s syndrome which shaped his entire life. He attended Lincoln School in Grand Rapids and worked for several years at the DECC sheltered workshop in Grand Rapids. He lived for most of his life with his parents and later with his sister Carole. The last few years Dave lived at the Sanctuary at St. Mary’s (currently Valley View). David enjoyed music, dancing, watching old sitcoms, celebrating the holidays with relatives and their pets, spending his time at his sister’s cottage, condo and participating in the Special Olympics. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his Aunt Virginia “Gigi” Julien, Uncle Russel Niggle, and Uncle Alfred and Aunt Barbara “Bobbie” Niggle; cousin Alfred Niggle, Jr.; brother-in-law Thomas McKernan; nephew Timothy McKernan; and grandparents Alfred and Rose “Nonie” Niggle and George and Elizabeth Julien. David will be greatly missed by all who loved him but we have great joy that he is now in heaven with the Lord and his loved ones who have passed away. Surviving David are his sister Carole McKernan and brother Thomas (Deborah) Julien; nieces and nephews: Michael (Kathy) McKernan, Maggie (Peter) Franklin, Matthew (Courtney) Julien, and Stephanie (Sean) Carmody; cousin Sharon (Cy) Moore. Memorial Service will be held Saturday June 27, 2020 11AM at the Basilica of St. Adalbert. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. To share memories or condolences please visit arsulowiczbrothers.com or Memorial Contributions to Special Olympics will be appreciated. It took a family support and love to raise David. A special acknowledgement to Pete, Maggie, Kaitlin, Brendan and Gavin for all their assistance and care of Uncle David, who was the highlight of all family gatherings.