David R. Long

David Royce Long 80, of Pellston, Michigan, died July 20, 2025 at home.

David was born on May 14, 1945 in Holly, Michigan, the son of Royce and Genevive (Wheaton) Long. He graduated from Milford, high school, Milford Michigan 1965. In his early years, David spent time on the family Sod Farm where he gained his love for the great outdoors, which inspired him to follow his life’s work and dream to own his own farm and raise a family.

He married Bronwyn (Bonnie) Patricia Dermody April 16, 1966 in Milford where they started a family together.  As life progressed, David sought his dream to own his own farm. In 1980 that dream would become a reality, he purchased his farm and moved his family north to Cheboygan where he and his family would spend the next 40+ years investing love, life, and hard work to make his dream a successful reality.

David was passionate about sharing the outdoors with his family and friends. He was able to instill his love for watching things grow, and could often be found walking the fields, checking the growth and progress of his crops. David always had time to lend a hand to others, often dropping what he was doing to assist a neighbor or friend, generously sharing his equipment and tools.  Later in life he valued his time watching his grandchildren engage in sports and school activities. He came to love his home in Pellston and enjoyed the many family gatherings with all his children and grandchildren around.  Outsiders looking in, would find laughter and humor in the Long family home, “Dave-isms” and silly nick names would often be the center of laughter. All were welcome, and there really were no strangers where David (Dad) was concerned! He loved telling funny stories and fond memories from the past.

David is survived by his wife Bronwyn (Bonnie Dermody) Long, his daughters Stephanie (Scott) Smith, Jennifer (Darren) Beard, Torrey (Paul) Taylor and grandchildren; Trevor Neelis, Jake Smith, Brenden Smith, Devan (Stephen) Hetro, Jordan Beard, Brach Taylor, Brody Taylor. Along with his first great grandchild who will be arriving in September.

He is preceded in death by his son Ryan David Long and grandson Ryan Earl Taylor.

The family will receive friends at Nordman-Christian Funeral Home on Thursday from 5-6pm with services celebrating David’s life at 6pm. There will be a small reception at the Hive on Main Street directly following the Service. Burial will take place down in Highland Michigan – Still to be arranged.

Arrangements are in the care of Nordman Christian Funeral Home of Cheboygan.

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