David James Glenn

Chief weeder on Connemara Farm, wheat breeder, community and business development advocate, international agriculture development specialist, father, husband, friend to so many all over the world.

David James Glenn passed away suddenly Friday, September 20, 2019 in the arms of his loving wife Michelle (Shelly) Glenn in Middlebury, Indiana. They were on their way home to Hawks on a brief leave from Dave’s consulting job in Myanmar (Burma). Dave was born March 13, 1957 in Takoma Park, Maryland.

Dave worked his entire life in the field of agriculture, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in crop and soil science from Michigan State University (MSU). He started his working career in agriculture at the MSU Clarksville Horticultural Experiment Station while still working on his undergraduate BS degree. He then transferred to the main campus and spent several years as the technician to Dr. Everette (Ev) Everson and his wheat breeding program. They became very good friends, as many of Dave’s colleagues, and Dave often traveled to Arizona to visit “Doc” at his retirement home. Shortly after Ev’s retirement from MSU, Dave moved to the manager position at Michigan Foundation Seed Company in Okemos and then on to the Extension Directorship of Presque Isle County, for MSU again, where he eventually retired from.

Dave was by no means done with work and had a lot of ideas he wanted to share in addition to working his farm. While working in Iraq, Dave married Michelle in California and they combined their love of international travel and their talents by forming a consulting group (Connemara Consulting). This took him (and often Shelly) to many post conflict areas in the world. He traveled for work to Sudan, Uganda, Iraq, Afghanistan and lastly Myanmar. They also undertook a few domestic work assignments with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey and the Farm to School program in southwestern Colorado. Between the international assignments, Dave and Shelly worked on their 80-acre farm near Hawks where they had various livestock animals, a greenhouse for off-season vegetable production as well as a very large market garden. 

The bounty from the farm often ended up on the tables of the Chicory Cafe that they owned and operated in Rogers City or at one of the local farm markets in Gaylord, Rogers City or Alpena. They both were active in the local small farm community, helping to develop programs to support those other farmers too. Dave was instrumental in starting the farmers’ market in Rogers City and the Small Farm Conference for Northern Michigan. Dave often took on jobs with various local community development groups and taught business development courses with the hopes and expectation of helping to develop northeastern Michigan into a more vibrant area that would attract tourists and bring in new ideas.

Dave had a talent for attracting people of all ages and cultures to him and could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. 

Those conversations would often last for hours and they would part as friends. His quick wit and often times, sarcasm, kept you entertained and on your toes! He could take a simple comment and quickly turn it into a joke, often at your expense!

Dave loved life, his children and grandchildren, his many pets, and most of all, his wife Shelly! He will always be remembered as a kind and friendly soul who was a friend for life, once he made you his friend. Dave committed his life to making the world a better place, both at home and abroad. He lived his life to its fullest and often expressed his appreciation for the people and opportunities in his life.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle; two daughters, April (Aaron) Demers and Jessica (Jason) Glenn-Beatty; grandchildren, Brynn Beatty, Pierce Beatty, Brayden Beatty, Gage Beatty, Cait Corie, Jacob Corie and Lauren Corie; his sister, Cynthia Dianne Souza; nephews, Brett Glenn Souza and

Timothy Paul Souza. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Clinton Clair Glenn Jr. and Lucille Abbey Nott Glenn.

A memorial gathering, and celebration of life is planned for Saturday, October 12 at UpNorth 23 Restaurant & Lounge in Rogers City from 2 p.m. through time of sharing memories at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Dave’s honor to the Farmer Veteran Coalition (farmvetco.org) or by mail to Farmer Veteran Coalition of Michigan, P.O. Box 23182, Lansing, MI 48909. Please note that donation is for the Michigan Chapter in honor of Dave Glenn.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home. Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.