It is with greak shock and sadness that the family of David Alan Carlson announces his passing. He passed unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, February 18th, 2017. David had just celebrated his 53rd birthday earlier this month.

Dave was born on February 3rd, 1964 in Lansing, Michigan to Nancy Lee Rittger Carlson Richter and Alan Charles Carlson. He grew up an avid water sportsman, competing in water skiing events and becoming a record-breaking swimmer in high school. David loved his 30+ year career as a professional bartender. His charm and warmth allowed him to gather and maintain a large, dedicated and meaningful group of clientele and colleagues. His love of the beach took him to Virginia Beach in his early 20's and love of family brought him back to Michigan for the remainder of his life. If the day was fine, he could be found on the golf course, or during baseball season down at Comerica Park enjoying the game as one of the Detroit Tigers biggest fans. We have lost a dear man far too young, his dreams finally within arm's reach. He was months away from following his plans to move back to the beach on the Gulf side of Florida. We will all feel the loss of his infectious, iconic laugh that so embodied his free and joyous spirit.

He was the second of five children, David will be deeply missed by his younger brothers Michael and Eric Carlson, his sister Suzanne Carlson (John) Rizzo, and 2 step-sisters, Christina Richter (Rajesh) Kothari, and Judy Richter (Glen) Tomascewski. He was Uncle Dave to his nieces Frances Morgan (Christopher) Brown, Barbara Morgan (Joshua) Woodrow, Amanda Tomascewski, and Priya Kothari, and his nephew Sanjay Kothari. Dave was also known as Grease Monkey to his great-niece Fiona Brown, and his great-nephews Kameron Brown and Charles Woodrow. He will be lovingly missed by his aunts, Rae Rittger Anderson and Christine F. Carlson, Uncle Eric C. (Christine) Carlson, step-mother Madeline Carlson and his step- father Charles Richter. David was predeceased by his mother Nancy  (June 14th 1942 - August 27th 1995), his father Alan (March 3rd 1942 - May 23rd 1998) and his eldest sister Lorie Elaine Carlson Morgan (January 4th 1962 - February 11th 2016).

Visitation Sunday, February 26th from 11:00am until Funeral Service at 4:00pm at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills. A private interment will take place following the services. Memorial Contributions may be made to Gleaners Community Food Bank in Dave's honor.