David Paul Anderson

David Paul Anderson “slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God” and rest in well deserved peace May 18, 2015. He is survived by his beloved wife Lori (Mantyla), five children Matthew, Jonathan (Tatiana), Jason (Lisa), Melissa (Evan O’Rourke), and Hannah; his grandchildren Elle, Tyler, Evan, Adeline, Nadia, and Ryan; his father John; his siblings Steve (Debbie), Todd (Sue), Dan (DeeDee), and Elise (Dave Rhodes); his 19 nieces and nephews; and the many friends, colleagues, and clients his life touched. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 
 David was born to John and Elaine Anderson in Minneapolis, MN, on September 7, 1955. He attended Oral Roberts University, where he met and married Lori, his wife of 38 years, and graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Accounting. He moved to Grand Rapids in 1978 to begin his career in public accounting. After working for Arthur Andersen, BDO Seidman, and Howard City Paper Company, he began his own accounting practice in 1987, serving hundreds of clients before merging with Helmholdt & Company in 2011.
Dave is remembered by those who knew him as a man of faith, wit, wisdom, and care. He was a loving father, committed friend, generous sibling, a leader in his churches (First and Thornapple Convenant Churches) and community (East Grand Rapids School Board). His clients learned to rely on his wise counsel in matters both business and personal. His life was an example to many and his extraordinary marriage to Lori is an inspiration to all who witnessed their love. 
Dave lived with passion and integrity. He loved to sail, work with wood, play with his children and grandchildren, tinker with cars, and mentor those who prized his attention. He was always looking for ways to bring joy to those he met and is remembered for his joking manner, treasurer’s reports that kept hundreds laughing, Groundhog’s Day parties, and mischievous smile. Twenty one months ago, Dave was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive kidney sarcoma. Although diagnosed early, his disease was already terminal. By October 2013, his Mayo Clinic doctors determined he had exhausted conventional treatments. A trip to MD Anderson followed by three experimental therapies in the next fifteen months and dedicated care at St. Mary’s Lacks Cancer Center bought his family two more Christmases and many more months than they dared hope. He fought long and hard through grueling treatments. In the end, he was at peace. A funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00am at Thornapple Covenant Church, 6595 Cascade Rd. SE. Visitation is Friday between 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial at Graceland Memorial Park to follow at 2 PM. Memorial contributions may be directed in David’s name to Saint Mary's Foundation in recognition of the compassionate care he received at Lacks Cancer Center.

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