David Scott McCurdy

David Scott McCurdy of Cadillac passed away, August 22, 2024 at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital. He was 74. Dave was born September 11, 1949 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Donald L. and Sally A. (DeVries) McCurdy and they preceded him in death. Dave graduated from Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois in 1967. After completing his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Illinois, Dave moved to Cadillac at age 24 and joined Don Samardich to form Samardich and McCurdy, P.C. It was one of the best decisions he ever made. Don became a lifelong best friend, and Dave helped build their law practice over 48 years. He ushered it through many iterations, finally retiring in 2023 from McCurdy, Wotilia and Porteous. He also co-founded Lakeside Title in 1978, and sold it in 2022. Dave enjoyed the outdoors over his lifetime: hiking, camping and backpacking, canoeing rivers from the mellow Manistee to the mighty Batchewana, and piloting his pontoon around Lake Mitchell while wearing his signature captain’s hat. An avid skier, Dave could often be found cruising groomers at Caberfae Peaks during the winter months, and he treasured family ski trips to Big Sky, MT. He also enjoyed playing and watching tennis; tennis was a huge part of his social life in his early Cadillac years. Dave was a voracious reader of news, getting a multitude of newspapers to stay current. He loved to try new restaurants, enjoy good wine, and travel to new and exciting places around the world with his family, friends and book club. An excellent entertainer, Dave and his wife Kathy loved bringing people together for a meal, and he’d always keep your wine glass filled. He was a friend, advisor, mentor and champion to innumerable people, young and old. In his law practice, he guided many people through the hardest time of their lives. He always knew just what to say, and he navigated difficult situations with grace. He made those around him feel that he was genuinely interested in them and cared about them; he was a people person and energetic ‘hype man’ who found the best in others. A civic leader, Dave cared deeply about Cadillac and was involved in many boards and committees. Along with serving as the attorney for the city of Cadillac, he served on the Cadillac Area Public Schools Board, the Cadillac City Council, the Cadillac Downtown Development Association board, the Cadillac Area Community Foundation board, the Fifth Third Bank board, Mercy Hospital Cadillac board, and in recent years he loved serving with the ‘geniuses’ on the Munson Healthcare board. On June 17, 1972 in Rockford, Illinois he married the lovely Katherine D. Slattery and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. Kathy survives him along with their children: Katie (Nick Perez) McCurdy of Burlington, Vermont, Brian (Dalton) McCurdy of Bozeman, Montana, Mollie (Oliver) Yee of Rancho Palos Verdes, California; grandchildren: Lola, Juniper, Fiona, Penelope, and Jackson; siblings Bob McCurdy of Nokomis, Florida, Bo McCurdy (Pat) of Cadillac and nieces, Kelly and Megan McCurdy. Dave loved to talk about his kids’ and grandkids’ accomplishments, big or small, and his grandkids loved their ‘Geeka.’ A visitation and celebration of life will be held Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at Fox Hill Event Center in Cadillac from 3-7pm, with a brief memorial service at 5pm. Dave wanted a short service and a long party. In lieu of flowers, David suggested that memorial contributions may be made to Munson Cadillac Hospital Foundation, the Cadillac Area Backpack Program, or the Cadillac Area Community Foundation. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

David Scott McCurdy

September 11, 1949 - August 22, 2024