Obituary for David Anton Romatz
David Anton Romatz
Beaverton, Michigan
Our quirky, loquacious and kind hearted Dad and Grampy passed away peacefully in his own home on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Although death carries with it a certain weight and sadness, all who knew David would likely agree that he lived each day with joyous appreciation for what he had and lived every day with an endless and enthusiastic curiosity. He found beauty in the tiniest cracks and the dark corners of his world. He was a happy, silly, lovable guy with a big sunshine smile who would give whatever he had to anyone who needed it.
Dave’s early explorations in the fields and gravel roads of Gladwin County set a path of discovery which led to a love of poetry, literature, history and philosophy. His parents, Anton and Dorothy Bishop Romatz may not have understood his interests, but they supported his goal to become a teacher. He loved his students and inspired them to see things from different perspectives and think outside of the box. He even woke up recently wondering if this was a snow day. He often talked about pivotal moments in his learning and teaching careers and had a heartfelt connection with his students.
He wished he had been born in the 1930s, but still liked making people smile when he said his birthday was 1-2-3-4-0 (January 23, 1940). He knew that his purpose in life was his teaching and fatherhood. His 6 children have inherited his gadfly traits, including questioning the purpose and point of things, and never being content with “that is the way it is.” He was happy with what he had, and enjoyed every moment.
So today, as we feel sadness in saying goodbye, we feel confident that he felt that his life was “well-lived.” His poetry expresses poignantly his love of writing and the constant quest for life’s lessons. He carried his manuscripts with him in a worn bag for years.
Here is one poem that expresses just how he felt about life.
Song on the Wing
What would we do with one more day,
One fragrant morning that lengthens
Toward night? What could we do with one
More day, when one day is very like
A flower or a star? What would we do
With another strand of pure delight,
Strung between two golden suns?
How well do we love this one, green day?
What would we do with two?
-David Romatz
The Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Unity of Bay City, 3736 State Street Rd. Bay City, MI 48706. Officiating the Funeral Service will be Rev. Gail Dobert. Visitation will take place at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd. (Between Shattuck and McCarty), on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., and at church on Sunday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the service Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Army and the American Legion Post 439. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to “Unity of Bay City.”
Beaverton, Michigan
Our quirky, loquacious and kind hearted Dad and Grampy passed away peacefully in his own home on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Although death carries with it a certain weight and sadness, all who knew David would likely agree that he lived each day with joyous appreciation for what he had and lived every day with an endless and enthusiastic curiosity. He found beauty in the tiniest cracks and the dark corners of his world. He was a happy, silly, lovable guy with a big sunshine smile who would give whatever he had to anyone who needed it.
Dave’s early explorations in the fields and gravel roads of Gladwin County set a path of discovery which led to a love of poetry, literature, history and philosophy. His parents, Anton and Dorothy Bishop Romatz may not have understood his interests, but they supported his goal to become a teacher. He loved his students and inspired them to see things from different perspectives and think outside of the box. He even woke up recently wondering if this was a snow day. He often talked about pivotal moments in his learning and teaching careers and had a heartfelt connection with his students.
He wished he had been born in the 1930s, but still liked making people smile when he said his birthday was 1-2-3-4-0 (January 23, 1940). He knew that his purpose in life was his teaching and fatherhood. His 6 children have inherited his gadfly traits, including questioning the purpose and point of things, and never being content with “that is the way it is.” He was happy with what he had, and enjoyed every moment.
So today, as we feel sadness in saying goodbye, we feel confident that he felt that his life was “well-lived.” His poetry expresses poignantly his love of writing and the constant quest for life’s lessons. He carried his manuscripts with him in a worn bag for years.
Here is one poem that expresses just how he felt about life.
Song on the Wing
What would we do with one more day,
One fragrant morning that lengthens
Toward night? What could we do with one
More day, when one day is very like
A flower or a star? What would we do
With another strand of pure delight,
Strung between two golden suns?
How well do we love this one, green day?
What would we do with two?
-David Romatz
The Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Unity of Bay City, 3736 State Street Rd. Bay City, MI 48706. Officiating the Funeral Service will be Rev. Gail Dobert. Visitation will take place at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd. (Between Shattuck and McCarty), on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., and at church on Sunday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the service Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Army and the American Legion Post 439. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to “Unity of Bay City.”