Daniel McAlpine

Born April 1, 1949, in Gulliver, Dan was the youngest son of Earl and Pauline (Burton) McAlpine. He grew up in Germfask, where he served as a paperboy for the Grit Newspaper starting at age 11. He was an avid fisherman, herbalist, trapper, mycophagist, entrepreneur, logger, and enjoyed living off the land with his faithful canine Buck. He attended Manistique High School in the mid 1960’s, and had an apprenticeship through a local mechanic.

Dan married his first wife and relocated to Flint to become a master mechanic. In the 1980’s he moved back to the Upper Peninsula to be closer to family, and met and married his second wife. He resided in Hulbert and was employed as a top sawyer for the Louisiana-Pacific Lumber Company. During this time, his canine Old Wolf helped him win awards for highest ranked fur harvester in North America, selling furs to the British royal family. In early 2000’s Dan retired in Chatham with his canines Ellie and Heidi, he still lived off the land as much as possible, and enjoyed playing poker at local casinos where he was known as “Wilson”.

Dependable, strong hearted, cheerful, and willing to help anybody in need, Dan was a man of the “old school” who believed in keeping his word and expected the same of others. No matter the weather, or his age, Dan was the type of person to live every moment as full as possible and in his own way.

Dan is survived by his children, April, Tabitha, Daniel (Jr.), Paul (Solomon), Earl, and Joshua; his grandchildren, Aunna, Olisha, Deseriae, Madelaine, Katrina, Natasha, Hollie, Danielle, John, and Peggie; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Rachel; brother, Fred; and many nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy; sisters, Gladys and Delores; and brothers, Arthur, Dave, John, Max, and Samual.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to The McAlpine Family, 1917 Longyear Ave., Marquette, MI 49855. Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com