David E Mick

David E Mick, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022. David was born to Robert W. and Maude Mick in Sturgis, Michigan. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sally Haigh, brother Wyatt Mick, and infant son David Mark. A 1952 graduate of Sturgis High School, David attended Michigan Tech where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Honors. He was a four-year letterman in both track and basketball. From a very young age he always had a job and a strong work ethic. In grade school he delivered newspapers, making sure to bring them right to the doorstep during Michigan winters. He swept floors in the shop of a local engineer, learning the value of a job well done. This carried through his years as a college student where he painted houses during the summer and gained a job with Detroit Transmission after graduation. As a member of the Air Force ROTC he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant out of college; this was unusual but attributed to perfect scores on his written exams. He was stationed in Albuquerque where he met and married his wife, Karen. David retired from Kirtland AFB after 30 years of civilian service in Research and Development. His engineering and drafting skills depicted his genius and talent for all things mechanical. He held top secret security clearances in both his military and civilian service and worked on early space programs, including some of the first Apollo missions, airborne lasers, SR-71 Blackhawks, and astronomical ground based telescopes.

After retirement he dealt poker at several local casinos. He was intrigued by magic and designed his own tricks as a hobby. Both activities kept his mind sharp and gave him an outlet to continue processing numbers, patterns, and design. He was a proud member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and spent time in his late 70's and early 80's back in classes at UNM working on new design ideas with diesel engines.

Through the years David loved his friends. The men and women of his generation were truly one of a kind, and he enjoyed discussing design projects and sharing his life experiences from growing up during the depression and how times have changed.

He was most happy when he was with his family; his proudest accomplishments in life were his marriage, his children, his grandchildren, and extended family. Spending time with family was important to him and he was always at his best during difficult times. He was known to show up, uninvited, just to check in and visit, usually with donuts or cookies. He was always willing to lend his time for tutoring, working on a car, or sitting bedside in a hospital when someone was ill.

David is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Karen; sisters-in-law Elaine Mick, Diane Riggs, and Letha Young and brother-in-law Olin Young; daughter and caregiver Melissa Mick; son Dennis Mick and wife Lisa; grandson Brandon Mick and wife Lyndi and their daughter Brooklyn (David's great granddaughter); and grandson Barrett Mick. David was also privileged to have many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

The family wishes to thank all of those who were a part of his care team from the VA and Ambercare Hospice; their kindness and support over the past year was greatly appreciated.

Per his request, private services will take place in the fall where David will be laid to rest in Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors. If you are so inclined donations can be made in his memory to the Veteran's Administration.