David Michael Gift

David Michael Gift, 55, of Dover, Ohio died unexpectedly Sunday, January 21, 2007 in his home.

Born June 14, 1951 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of the late Kenneth and E. Ethel Shope Gift.

David was a Product Specialist for Grange Insurance Company in Columbus.

He enjoyed music, was an excellent pianist and a former member of the Bad Johnny Band in Columbus. For many years he sang barbershop. He was also formerly an avid runner having competed for many years. He was a loving father and grandfather and was very proud of his daughters�(TM) accomplishments. He was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in New Philadelphia.

David is survived by his wife, Julia Pretorius Gift with whom he would have celebrated 32 years of marriage on September 13; two daughters, Sarah Elizabeth (Egidio V.) DiFazio of Louisville and Rachel Farrow Gift of the home. One grandson, Egidio Michael DiFazio; one brother and four sisters, Jackie (Jim) White of Huntington, West Virginia, Joy Redouty of Portsmouth, Ohio, Joan (Phil) Stivers of Pleasant Hill, Ohio, Daniel (Toni) Gift of Columbus and Janet Baily of Franklin Furnace, Ohio; sister in law, Linda Gift of McDermott, Ohio; mother in law, Miriam (Rob) Cohen of Dover; seven sisters and brothers in law, Margaret (Peter) Nevins of Hingham, Massachusetts, Ellen Pretorius of Dover, Kingsland Pretorius of Dover, Valerie (Steve) Sluka of Dennison, James (Ann Thomas) Pretorius of Wainwright, Calvin Pretorius Jr. of Columbus and Patrick Pretorius of Dover along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Gift and his father in law, Calvin Pretorius Sr.

A memorial service celebrating David�(TM)s life will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at noon in the Trinity Episcopal Church in New Philadelphia with Fr. Paul Johansen officiating and a reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. There are no calling hours. Cremation will take place and burial will be held at a later date. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of David may sign the online register book by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church (Organ Fund), 122 3rd St. NW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or the Friends of the Homeless, 211 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover has been entrusted with his funeral arrangements.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330 343-6132