Donald Harvey Dyke, age 79, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on May 14, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Don was born on June 15, 1946, to Harry and Peggy Dyke. He attended Lowrey Elementary School in Dearborn, Michigan, before graduating from Fordson High School with the June Class of 1964. A devoted Spartan through and through, Don earned his Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University in 1968, and later his Master's Degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.

Following his graduation from Michigan State, Don answered the call of duty, serving his country in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 and attaining the rank of Specialist Fifth Class. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Minneapolis, and Bangkok, Thailand, and was honorably discharged. He was the proud recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

On June 26, 1971, Don married the love of his life, Helen Julius. Together they built a life full of warmth, laughter, and shared purpose, recently celebrating 54 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to their enduring devotion to one another.

Over the course of his professional life, Don brought his characteristic dedication and work ethic to every role he held. He worked at Jan Overhead Door Company, Ford Motor Company, Indianhead, and Johnson Controls before retiring from Magna International, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and camaraderie that his colleagues will long remember.

Don had a rare and wonderful gift for conversation. He could talk to anyone about anything and always had a story to share. He loved to cook, and his home was often filled with the warmth of a good meal and even better company. Whether trying a new recipe or hosting a festive gathering, Don took genuine delight in bringing people together around the table.

Perhaps Don's greatest passion was his lifelong devotion to Michigan State University. He served as an officer and board member of the Michigan State Oakland County Alumni Club - Oakland Spartans, for many years, and also served on the National Board for Michigan State University. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping establish the Oakland Spartans Endowment, through which hundreds of students from Oakland County have received scholarships. He also championed the idea of MSU license plates as a fundraising initiative, a concept the university has since embraced. His love for MSU was not merely sentimental; it was active, generous, and far reaching.

Don was equally devoted to the people in his life. He worked tirelessly to keep his Fordson High School classmates connected, sharing news and updates and making sure no one fell out of touch. His college roommates remained a cherished part of his life, and his friendships, many spanning forty years or more, were a true reflection of the kind of loyal and big-hearted man he was. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Donald Harvey Dyke is survived by his beloved wife, Helen; his daughter, Erika (Brandon Urtel); his son, Bradley; his brother, Robert (Mary) Dyke; his sister-in-law, Dorothy (Wesley) Kirkpatrick; his brothers-in-law, Eddie Julius and John Julius; his nephews, Jason (Sally) Dyke, Jason Julius, Richard (Tina) Kirkpatrick, Randy (Kristi) Kirkpatrick, and Ronald Kirkpatrick; and many beloved cousins.

There will be a military honors ceremony, and Don's ashes will be laid to rest on June 11th at 2:00 p.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442, and scattered at the places he loved most.

Memorial donations in Don's name may be directed to the MSU Oakland County Alumni Club - Oakland Spartans Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships for Oakland County students.