David Alfred Kimar, 77, sailed away on the morning of January 14, 2023 at the UP Health System surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born on May 5th, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Alfred and Irya (Fern) Kimar. A graduate of Mather High School in 1963, Dave earned his B.S. in Education from NMU in 1968 and taught U.S. History for 13 years, including 12 years at Munising High School where he also coached wrestling for three years. An advocate for education, Dave also served on the Au Train-Onota School Board for 15 years. Dave married the love of his life, Christine Seglund, on August 27, 1966.
Dave’s other passion, as many know, was fishing. He spent much of his childhood at Kimar’s Resort in Shelter Bay and as a young boy, began his career renting boats and selling bait at Deer Lake. He earned his Captain’s License in 1967 at a time when charter fishing was in its infancy on the Great Lakes. In 1976, Dave and Chris took over the resort and charter business that was built by Dave’s parents and Uncle Oliver Sonne (Ruth) Kimar. Dave and Chris shared a love of the unique beauty of Shelter Bay which they conveyed to all their guests, many of whom became like family. Dave owned and operated the business until the day he died. Dave’s work ethic that started in childhood was both a gift and an inspiration to his family.
Dave Kimar was larger than life. An innovator and visionary, Dave chartered out of Shelter Bay for 55 years and became the first charter captain to make regular trips out to Stannard Rock. His knowledge of the history and fishery of the Rock was unparalleled, but is carried on through his son-in-law Captain Ric O’Neill. Some of Dave’s other memorable leadership roles include serving as president of the Michigan Charter Boat Association as well as being the founder and operator of the Boat, Sport, and RV Show at the Superior Dome for 28 years.
The late Mr. Rogers stated, “Look for the helpers.” Dave was a helper. The loss of Dave is a devastation to his family and community that cannot be put into words. When people didn’t know what to do, they called Dave. From needing an obscure boat part to Coast Guard rescues, Dave always knew what to do. As his neighbor stated, there is a Dave-sized hole in the Universe.
Dave’s size 18 shoes cannot be filled, literally or figuratively, but his legacy will be carried on in the Sisu of those who knew and loved him. Survivors of his family include his wife and anchor of over 56 years, Chris; four daughters: Anne (Ric) O’Neill, Diane (Wayne) Luman, Catherine Kimar, Sarah Kimar (Michael Pahno); four grandsons: Dave O’Neill and Ryan, Michael, and Cody Hansen; and of course, his favorite granddaughter and the Joy of his life, Joy O’Neill. He is also survived by his younger sister Barb (Joe) Hase and baby sister Deb (Will) Oas, along with nieces and nephews: Carrie, Erika, Jordan, Tyler, Ozzy, Heidi, Chelsey, Courtny and numerous cousins. Finally, he is survived by many friends including his right hand man, Roy Maxon, and one of his best friends of over 50 years, Ron Avery.
No services are scheduled at this time. A celebration of life is planned for a later date this summer in which everyone will be invited to share memories of Dave.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to make a contribution to the restoration of Stannard Rock Lighthouse at stannardrock.org.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Kimar family where memories of Dave may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
Nadine & Jerry Murphy wrote on Jan 22, 2023:
"Our deepest sympathy to the Kimar family. My husband Jerry and I (Nadine) first met Dave when my parents (Jim & Estelle Grogis)moved to their new home in AuTrain/Shelter Bay in 2000. Dave was always there to help, as well as making sure he did a great job with snowplowing their property and then eventually doing the same great job for us when we took ownership of the place after my parents passing. Dave would also come over to visit my folks from time to time and my parents always enjoyed his visits. My husband and my father also went on one of his fishing trips which they enjoyed tremendously. When my father passed away in 2011, Dave would also come by to visit with my mother and to see if she needed anything and just to visit with her. He was so very kind. When my mother passed in 2019, Dave continued to always offer his help in any way he could with the problems we faced with the property as well as continuing the job of snowplowing and roof shoveling. He was such a kind and helpful person. We are so very sorry for your loss and we offer you all our most sincere condolences.
Jerry & Nadine Murphy"
Joan (Cady) Hendrickson wrote on Jan 22, 2023:
"My sincere condolences to the Kimar family. I was fortunate to have had Mr. Kimar as my night school teacher. He was the best and most helpful teacher. ???"
Carole Cooper wrote on Jan 22, 2023:
"Dearest Chris, Sarah, Katherine and Family,
I cannot tell you how many times Geoffrey and I called out for David's help and he was always there! Always with the solution, the fix! From tree cutting to plumbing, well digging to septics, building to snow plowing, fishing and just visiting, David was always there for us! We so appreciated our relationship with David and You his family.
I am sending you my deepest empathetic heart for your loss, our loss. "BIG DAVE" what a wonderful man, thank you for being in our lives!
Carole Cooper "
Maryalice Boone wrote on Jan 22, 2023:
"Chris and families......I am so sorry for your loss. Dave will surely be missed. Know of my prayers for your families at this difficult time.
Maryalice Boone"
Darryl Robbins wrote on Jan 21, 2023:
"I?ll always remember Dave for his extraordinary willingness to help a neighbor out when in need. On many occasions he did just that for me. I?ve never forgotten that and never will. Our most sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
Darryl & Margaret Robbins"
Deanna Walters wrote on Jan 21, 2023:
"I'm so sorry to hear about Dave. I all ways enjoyed spending time at Dave's place with Dano Piippo. Know Dano has his good friend and fishing buddy to be with. Fish on my friend. Sending prayers ? for Dave's family and friends."
Ed Rex wrote on Jan 21, 2023:
"I only met him once on our fishing trip last summer. Great stories by the campfire. I enjoyed it very much! Great fishing and great times. R.I.P. E. Rex."
Sandy Hassel wrote on Jan 20, 2023:
"Awww Chris, I am so sorry to read this sad news. Take care?.praying for your peace "
Jim Fenner wrote on Jan 20, 2023:
"I am shocked and saddened to see the announcement of the passing of a good guy, a former President of the Michigan Charter Boat Assoc., and friend. Dave was at the recent fall MCBA conference. It was the first time he had been with us in several years. We had some pleasant conversations. He seemed well, and happy to be there.
I will miss him. All of us in the MCBA will miss him. My condolences to his family,
"
Terry Munger wrote on Jan 19, 2023:
"Sending are deepest sympathy ,Terry and Dennis Munger "
Paul Rader wrote on Jan 18, 2023:
"Sorry to hear of Dave passing.You and your family have our condolences.Taught with Dave for most of his career in education.Paul and Peggy Rader"
Marc Brink wrote on Jan 18, 2023:
"My deepest regrets to you Chris, and all your family, on the heartbreak of his passing. You all mean so much to me and have always been our extended family. Peace and love, Marc, Mara & family."
Mark Lindeblad wrote on Jan 18, 2023:
"Chris and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dave?s passing
Mark & Brenda Lindeblad
Mark jr & Kaitlyn Lindeblad
Tri-county septic & sons"
PAUL PERRY wrote on Jan 18, 2023:
"I am one of many who owe Dave a gift of gratitude! He is the reason munising wrestling is around today! He stepped up when it was on the chopping block and said I will coach the team. Dave I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the talks and advise . Rest In Peace !! "
Judy A Valente wrote on Jan 17, 2023:
"To Chris and all family members,
My heart is heavy for all of you who feel the unbearable loss of Dave. I remember the many beach evenings, parties, whitefish caught by Dave and cooked by Chris, cabin #5, the friendship, and the sense of comfort and belonging whenever I was at their home. God bless you all as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of David.
Love you all!
Judy (Hanson) Valente"
George and Deb Sobolewski wrote on Jan 17, 2023:
"Our condolences to Chris, the girls and their families. We will miss seeing Dave around. Seems he was always there when someone needed him and always willing to help. May your memories bring you peace.
George and Deb Sobolewski
Sand River"