David Russell Judkins

Parting Letter to Dave Judkins Family and friends of David Russell Judkins (known to some of the youth of our community as Mr. J.) regretfully inform you of his passing, November 17, 2005. Dave was the loving son of Shirley and David E. Judkins of West branch and is survived by three sisters Linda Judkins, Sandra Frey (Kirk), and Jeannette Nichols (Joseph), special aunts Mary Lou Novak and Peggy Eckert, many uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins, his sons Ryan and Chad, and his loving wife, Melissa Judkins (nee Wangler). Dave was one of our unsung American heroes. Born July 5, 1959 he grew up along the Rifle River in Alger where his father ran the Boy Scout Camp. It was there that he developed his love of the outdoors, hunting, canoeing, and helping people. He ultimately joined the Navy Seals; he fought in the first Gulf War, Bosnia, Grenada, and Panama. He continued to be a great protector of his community after he returned home to West Branch. During his time in the military Dave developed his skills as a photographer and he worked as a professional photographer after he returned to civilian life. Following that he joined the Army National Guard as a firefighter. After that he went to work for Fuelgas for a while before starting up his own business. Many people remember Dave from his Plumbing and Heating business; he was always there when someone called for help in the frozen dead of night. Others know him for his consummate hunting skills and one of the things he will miss is whitetail season. Others will remember Dave for his awareness and protectiveness towards his community and those living here, as his friends in the Ogemaw Co. Sheriff’s Department well know. And last but certainly not least, as a martial arts instructor (a 4th degree black-belt in Tae Kwon Do) Dave taught many of us, both adults and children, to be stronger, more focused, better people…We give him our last bow of respect with this letter. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00am at the Skidway Lake Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. Friends of Dave