For those of you who don't know, THE GENERAL IS DEAD

[jiganator]

It is with heavy heart that I post this.

This may be old news to some but it is brand new to me

The General, of Benelli's American Bird hunter and Outdoor America has passed away

This is tough news for me. The General was my favorite outdoor person of all time

"David D. Gruber

Laingsburg, Mich.

On Friday, Dec. 23, 2005, Dave Gruber left us without warning.

Dave was born on March 29, 1938, in Marlette, Mich., the oldest son of Dalton and Helen Gruber. He graduated from Hillsdale High School and Michigan State University before beginning his professional career with Dow Chemical. Dave's life-long love of the outdoors was rewarded with a second career that began in 1994, when he began working with Wolf Creek Productions, Inc. of Perry, Mich. His passion for and dedication to Wolf Creek Productions, Inc. was rewarded once again in 1998 with the launch of Benelli's American Birdhunter on The Outdoor Channel. The series was quickly recognized as one of the best outdoor programs, and soon began to win the highest awards in the industry. At the time of his death, Dave was preparing for another trip to film new episodes for 2006. The entire Gruber family, the Wolf Creek family, and Dave's vast network of friends and acquaintances feel a tremendous sense of emptiness with his passing.

Dave is survived by his parents, Dalton and Helen Gruber of Monroe, Mich.; his brother, Paul Gruber of Greenville, S.C.; three sons, Shane (Susan) of Webberville, Mich., Scott of Holland, Mich., Steve (Alyssa) of Williamston, Mich.; his nieces, Marie Gruber and Carol Goldsmith, both of Greenville, S.C.; his nephew, Jonathan Gruber of Charlotte, N.C.; his nephew, Tyler Gruber of Greenville, S.C.; and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005, at 11 a.m. at the Williamston Free Methodist Church, 4400 N. Williamston Road, Williamston, with the Rev. Doug Bradshaw officiating. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Middle St., Williamston, today, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.

Those desiring may make contributions to the Delta Water Fowl, 1305 E. Central Ave., Bismark, ND 50501, in memory of Dave.

Published in The Greenville News: 12-28-2005

Make that donation to Delta in Daves name