David M. Duffield

David M. Duffield, 68 of Gaylord, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 12, 2021.

Dave was born on September 29, 1952 in Gaylord, the son of George and Pearl (Thomas) Duffield.  He was a lifelong Gaylord resident and graduate of Gaylord High School.

Dave loved the Gaylord community and he served it well.  He met and made many friends along the way, working at Glen’s Market and the City of Gaylord where he served as city treasurer and council member.  He was a long time member of the Rotary Club of Gaylord, serving as secretary and board member for many years.

He served on the Otsego County Fire Department for 47 years, 13 of which he has been the fire chief.  He also enjoyed being the market manager of the Downtown Gaylord Farmers Market.

Dave enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He loved to collect rocks from the shores of our many lakes, hunting, gardening, spending time at his property and taking spontaneous road trips.  He found true joy in being “Papa” to his nine grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah and her family; upon their marriage, Sarah’s children and grandchildren became his too.  This includes daughters and son, Rachael (Brandon) Benchley, Jericho (Andrea) Andrew, Heather (Jon) Harding, Nicole (Ryan) Holmes and Tiffany (Zachary) Lundell; grandchildren, Isaac, Ezra, Dexter, Addison, Hadley, Cora, Brooklyn, Finley and Grady.  Also surviving is Dave’s sister, Joyce (Leonard) Slivinski and brother, Harold (Donna) Smith; and the many nieces and nephews that he loved.  He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Pearl Duffield and a brother, Tom Young.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Gaylord E-Free Church, 1649 East M-32 where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.  Please come prepared to follow recommended Covid 19 guidelines.  Masks will be required at the service.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Rotary Club of Gaylord, the Downtown Farmers Market or the Otsego County Fire Department.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com

For those who cannot attend the funeral or for those who would prefer...Dave's service will be livestreamed on our Facebook page...www.facebook.com/gaylordfuneralhome