RIP DAVID ABBOTT: 1964-2024, CELEBRATING A LIFE OF PASSION, RESILIENCE, AND JOY

As we all know, life isn’t always fair. And how terribly unfair that a man so fully engaged in life should spend most of his years fighting cancer—seven times since his early 20s! In February 2023, David Abbott was diagnosed with the pancreatic cancer that ultimately caused his demise on June 9th, 2024, at age 60.

During his adult years, most of them spent in Grand Rapids Michigan, David enjoyed several careers. Among them: youth pastor for eight years at Westminster Presbyterian Church, running Grand Rapids’ fabulous Festival of the Arts, and passionate menswear merchant, both at AKRikks and most recently at Fitzgerald’s.

As tributes to David pour in, we want to share some of the story that David himself shared with MR readers in July 2023.

“When I was diagnosed in February, the Fitzgerald family really stepped up, sending letters to my clients, visiting me in the hospital. (Molly even came to my room with next season’s swatches!) Jesse, Jane and Jerry Girod, owners of Fitzgeralds, assured me that I was part of their family. Amidst my diagnosis, they set aside our business relationship and tended to our real relationship. In such uncertainty and change, their faith in me had me in tears. They believed in me, and for that I am so truly grateful. I’m also humbled that my journey has served as inspiration and hope for so many. Their words and deeds have fed my soul and given me strength.

“As for the fashion part of my journey, losing 70 pounds necessitated a new wardrobe and vendors rallied around my return to the selling floor, including Stenstroms, Billy Reid, Coppley, Samuelsohn, Magnanni, Meyer, Teleria Zed, Johnnie-O, Hart Schaffner Marx, Faherty, Paige, William Kleinberg, and others. On May 1, I was back to work. What a joy returning to such great support from clients! When chemo began, work was the best distraction from the pain, lethargy, anger and sadness of being sick. This industry has proven a haven of hope and healing for those of us living with cancer. Thank you MR for allowing me to share my story, and the profound effect that our menswear industry has had on my life.”

Rest in Peace, David Abbott. As you would say it: “Life is short, dress well, and let’s take care of each other.”

David is survived by his mother, Jeannette, brothers Steve and Mark, and their families, cousins, and close friends Jane, Anna, Randy, and numerous other loved ones.
A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on June 16th, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, at 3:00 pm.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to Camp Henry, one of David’s greatest joys.