David F. Svoboda

David Franklin Svoboda passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, August 29, 2015, surrounded by his family and his music. David was born on August 1, 1930 in Greenville, Michigan, the son of Clyde and Frances (née Smith). He attended Greenville High School and Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1952 and met his wife, Ellin (née Bowlby). They recently celebrated 61 wonderful years of marriage.

 Dave began his career in the advertising and marketing profession, eventually starting his own firm. An avid Spartan fan, he held season football tickets from his graduation to the present. He enjoyed watching March Madness in Sarasota, Florida, where he also attended many operas. An enthusiastic aficionado of the arts, Dave supported the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Grand Rapids Ballet. A musician and long-time patron of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, he attended their performances over the years. His love of jazz and other genres of music led him to form a music appreciation group, which he and Ellin hosted for many years in their home, which explored a wide variety of musical and theatrical performances. Also a fan of the theatre, he attended plays in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Stratford Festival for over 50 years. He shared all of these passions with Ellin.

 A long time member of East Congregational Church, Dave was on multiple boards and served as Church Clerk for many years. Dave and Ellin also enjoyed travel immensely and were fortunate to have visited many parts of the world, often sharing their adventures with close friends. Dave was blessed with a joie de vivre, a wry sense of humor, and a keen intellect. He is greatly missed by his family and many friends, but his kind spirit lives on in all who knew him. Dave is survived by his wife, Ellin, sons Stuart (Diane) and John (Rhonda). He was a devoted grandfather to Jonah and Tali (who dearly loved their “Grandee"), and a great mentor and best friend to his sons.

 A memorial service will be held at East Congregational Church at a later date, to be announced in the Grand Rapids Press. Any donations in his honor would be gratefully accepted by East Congregational Church or the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra.  

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