David Abbott

David Elson Abbott passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, surrounded by his closest friends and family after his seventh and most heroic cancer journey. Born April 13, 1964, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, David graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1982. He studied Fashion Merchandising at Central Michigan University and earned his degree in 1986. David dedicated his life to creating exceptional experiences in men’s fashion and community engagement. His innate style, highly personalized attention, and thoughtful detail made him a treasure in luxury retail. His expertise ushered him from AK Rikks to Holt Renfrew, Boyd’s of Philadelphia, and Fitzgerald’s Store. A champion of community, the arts, and local entrepreneurs, David boldly served as the Executive Director for the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts. He was Director of Development for the trailblazing non-profits ArtPrize and Gilda’s LaughFest. One of his fondest times was the eight years spent working as a youth leader at his home church, Westminster Presbyterian. David believed in living life out loud. The only thing that belonged in a closet was your wardrobe. He chose vulnerability, and shared his joys and challenges. He shouldered the sorrows of others. Finally, David believed in a world of abundance. He believed in all things beautiful, vivacious, sweet, and delicious–fine art, Italian wool, dancing…and Daniel Craig. While David will be remembered for the magic he brought to every sales floor, boardroom, and art opening, he will also be remembered for his multiple journeys with cancer. For forty years of his life, David lived and loved with this cruel companion. However, David will be most remembered as a testament to journeying this life with elegance, grace, and gratitude. There are pictures to prove it. Despite his adversities, David’s pithy anthem was born and won’t be forgotten: Life is short. Dress well. David was preceded in death by his father, Rudyard C. Abbott. David is survived by his mother, Jeannette (James) Gunn, his two brothers and cousin; Steve (Deb) Abbott and their children Sarah (Cameron) and Eric (Sara); Mark (Marianne) Abbott and their children Evan (Megan), Andrew (Tori), and Jennalynn (David Nelson); cousin Jane (Larry) Strong and their son Joel Bartlet (Annie Marie Vecziedins). David is also survived by, or rather “survived because” of the love and care of his closest friends, Jane Timmer, Anna Baeten, and Randy Block. A Celebration of David’s Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. In honor of David, and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to Camp Henry (https://camphenry.org/donate), one of his greatest joys. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign David's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Abbott, please visit our flower store.