Brian Keith Dane

Dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather Brian Keith Dane, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 2 surrounded by his family. He was 78 years old. Born March 12, 1946 in Kalamazoo to Jack Lyon and Mary Louise Dane, he grew up in Plymouth, MI. Brian fell in love with Pentwater, MI at an early age during family vacations, and returned each summer to work, first at the Nickerson Inn and later as a trained state park lifeguard. It was here that he met his lifelong friends who became family: Danny Reid and the Mattheson Clan: Ken, JoAnn, Keith, and Craig. The shores of Lake Michigan were without question where his heart was happiest. Brian proudly served in the US Army from July of 1966 to July 1969. He had one tour of duty in Vietnam and was injured just 10 days before his tour was completed. He received: a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Purple Heart. After his recovery and completion of his enlistment in 1969, he returned to Michigan where he attended Kalamazoo Valley College on the GI Bill. It was in Kalamazoo in November of 1970 where he met his future wife Carleen Kaye Church who was enrolled in Bronson School of Nursing. They married on June 10, 1972 in Grayling and brought four beautiful children into the world. After settling in Coopersville, he worked at Delphi Automotive Systems from 1980 to 2008. Following his retirement, Carleen convinced Brian that they needed to purchase a cottage in Pentwater in 2009. This has become an epicenter of family gatherings and he later admitted it was one of the best decisions she ever persuaded him to make. He loved boating, the beach, Pentwater, and the cottage. You could see his grin from shore as he flew past the swim areas of Lake Michigan far too fast, giving kids giant wakes to play in while showing off his 1986 Donzi Hornet III speedboat to admirers. He was adored by his family. Grocery store adventures were a thing of legends. He would take all three kids and careen around with two giant carts, making 50-yard throws of marshmallow bags down aisles. His pockets were always full of change—handfuls would tinkle down on the dresser each night. “Shut the door, we’re not heating the outside!” has been seared into the DNA of each of his children. He played 60s music for six decades straight, and was admired for the meticulous care he took of his trucks. In his later years, he was lovingly known to doomsday prep large quantities of creamer, bread and have no less than 12 boxes of different kinds of cereal with some hidden anywhere from the kitchen to the closets, and even the garage. Sadly, Sam’s Club has lost their best customer. ‘Papa’ was his family’s hero. His kisses on the cheek made all of those he loved feel treasured. His legacy will live on every time the pontoon fires up and Carleen, his kids, and grandkids enjoy the sun on the shores of Lake Michigan. Brian is survived by his wife of 52 years Carleen; children Erik (Ashley) Dane of Sparta, Katie (Louie) Dauser of Sparta, and Kim (Dennis) Anderson of Coopersville; grandchildren Noah Dane, Liliana and Taliya Dauser, and Brennan and Landon Anderson; and sister Nan (Bengt) Mossberg of California. He was preceded in death by brother Steve Dane and daughter Stephanie Debra Dane. A celebration of Brian’s life will be hosted 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the Ironwood Bar and Grill, 2501 Wilson Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.

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Brian Keith Dane

March 12, 1946 - July 2, 2024