David Paul Mariin, 64, of Rapid River, went to be with the Lord on May 2, 2017, at OSF St. Francis Hospital after suffering from heart-related issues. He was born April 10, 1953, and was the youngest child and beloved son of Allie and Hugo Mariin of Trenary, Michigan, and brother to Laurel, Helen, and Lynn. He grew up in Trenary and graduated from Trenary High School in 1971, where he was a very gifted athlete. He played Little League baseball, high school basketball, and fast pitch softball as an adult. He was proud of his athletic accomplishments and proudly displayed his many trophies, awards, and achievements. 

Following graduation, he attended Soumi College on a basketball scholarship, and then completed his law enforcement certification through the Flint Police Academy. Dave worked as a Police Officer and Firefighter for 19 years for the City of Gladstone until his retirement. He was very proud of his police career and continuously won pistol shooting tournaments. He was also an active member and former President of the local Fraternal Order of Police, which organized many events for the local community. 

In 1975, Dave married his wife of 20 years, the former Lynn Buckland of Escanaba, and had his two daughters, Jessica and Melissa- the lights of his life. Some of his greatest memories were times spent with them, especially coaching them in softball, camping, canoeing, traveling, teaching them how to do things the old-fashioned way, like canning homemade rhubarb jam or dilly beans, and making them laugh with his quick wit and Swedish chef impersonations. 

Dave was an avid sports fan, especially fond of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. He was also a talented musician who loved karaoke and playing guitar/singing old country gospel songs with his daughter. During his life, he owned and operated two local businesses, Tunes Bayou Karaoke Klub and The Caddyshack, where he shared his love of music and famous chili recipe. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Dave’s favorite retreat was going to Richard Hedds hunting camp with his lifelong best friends- Herb, Jim, Gary, Duane and many others- to play poker and have fun. Dave loved animals and especially loved his grand-dogs, Sarge and Maggie. He was an extremely generous person with a huge heart, who would gladly help any neighbor or friend in need. He gave the ultimate gift by being an organ donor. 

Dave is survived by his daughters, Jessica (Matt) Glomp of Marquette, and Melissa (Craig) Aho of Escanaba; sisters, Laurel (Duane) Birk of Mackinaw City, Lynn (Jim) Ritenour of Kalamazoo, and Helen Schroeder of Menominee; nephews, Doug (Wendi) Matthews, Todd Birk, Marty Birk, and Craig (Joey) Ritenour; nieces, Lana (Denny) Qualey and Alissa (Ronnie) Jallad; and two grand-nieces, Ava and Giselle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Allie Mariin. 

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of David will follow at 1:00 p.m., Saturday with Rev. James Duehring officiating. There will be a reception following the services at Hereford and Hops in Escanaba. Burial will take place in Mathias Twp. Cemetery in Trenary.

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