David Michael Niven, age 64, of Powell Township, entered eternal life Sunday afternoon, May 22, 2016, at his home, in the loving, comforting care of his family. 
Born August 26, 1951, in Saginaw, a son of Robert and Norma (Sian) Niven, David was raised in Saginaw and attended Saginaw Township Schools. He was employed as a mechanic for several years with a Volkswagen dealership in Saginaw before taking a couple of summers in which he traveled through Colorado and Alaska. He returned to Saginaw and, in the mid-1970's, relocated to the Upper Peninsula, settling for a time in Deerton. During this time, David purchased land in Powell Township and, working weekends, build his home in the woods. Every aspect of the home from the cupboards, paneling, interior, and exterior design, were all David's craftsmanship. He was hardworking and industrious and his home shows his skill at carpentry. David and family officially moved into their home on Christmas 1980. Locally, David was employed as a mechanic with several automotive dealerships, while at the same time, doing residential construction work. He was always working on some project. Later, in the mid 1990's, David worked as a welding technician and boilermaker, traveling all over the world to jobsites from his home base in Big Bay. He worked long hours and always enjoyed returning to his home in the woods. David retired in 2014. An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed all that nature had to offer, David's hobbies and special interests included hunting, fishing, woodworking, and a love of animals. He also enjoyed anything connected with guns and gunpowder, and took great pleasure in doing his own reloading. David was also a cannoniere who built his own cannons in the old style, wooden, manner. David was a lifetime member of the NRA, a member of Boilermaker's Union 169, and the Big Bay Sportsman's Club where he was in charge of the trap shooting facility. 
David is survived by his wife, Chantal (Thibodeau) Niven, whom he married June 11, 2000; his children, Danielle and David Niven both of New Albany, MS; his grandchildren, Alyssa and Dylan Niven; a sister, Rosemary (John) Golombisky of Saginaw; brother, Dennis (Carol) Niven of Chatham; several nieces and nephews; and his canine companion, Nickie. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marce Fry; and a brother, Robert Niven.