Robert “David” McGinnis entered this world late in the evening on February 3, 1959 during a raging blizzard. David was the firstborn son of Robert “Bob” and Dorothy (Pickering) McGinnis and the little brother of kind and adoring big sister, Becky. The day of his birth, his mother was driven to the Sidney Community Memorial Hospital in a taxi and that may have started his lifelong love for automobiles.
In 1962, at the age of 3, David and his family moved to Glasgow MT. The following year David was blessed by the birth of his lifelong friend and little sister, Colleen. Unfortunately, a few short weeks after her arrival he had to undergo open heart surgery at the University of Minnesota’s School of Medicine in Minneapolis. The surgery was necessary to patch the two holes in his heart caused by a congenital heart condition he had been battling since birth. In 1963, when David had the surgery, it was in the experimental stages. David's surgeon, C. Walton Lillehei, was very instrumental in developing open heart surgery and David played a role in helping the process be improved for future patients. In 1964 he was the poster child for Heart Fund and his sweet little face was seen around the country. At the age of 4, David began his life long journey with pacemakers.
In 1965, Brian, David’s brother and future hero was born into the family. His family circle became complete in 1969 with the addition of his fun loving, red-haired sister Crystal who added a lot of spice to his days. David’s family was the most important part of his life. He cherished their visits and looked forward to any time he could spend with them.
David’s family returned to Sidney to live when he was in first grade. During his school years, he dealt with numerous health issues that caused him to be absent from school for months at a time. David persevered through all his medical hardships and was very proud to walk across the platform to receive his diploma with the SHS Class of 1980. David received a standing ovation that day.
David was passionate about history and historical events. He had the ability to memorize facts and could recall them instantly when asked. He watched the news every day and kept up on all current events. He loved listening to Paul Harvey. David never stopped studying and learning. He read endlessly and the more technical the book the more he enjoyed it. He collected books about cars, airplanes, the space program, ships, trains and all the wars.
David loved playing games on his Play Station, the Wii and his computer. Being a huge fan of Star Trek and Star Wars, David traveled through many galaxies in his lifetime.
A little-known fact about David is how much he enjoyed listening to country music. He was a huge fan of Johnny Cash and the Mandrell sisters. He loved Louise Mandrell so much he named the family dog after her.
Nothing excited David more than traveling. He enjoyed the planning of the trip as much as the trip itself. He looked forward to the warm weather each year when the adventures of the highway could begin. David's stepfather ignited the traveling bug in David by purchasing a camper. David loved the camping life, he could take his home with him wherever he went. Favorite destinations included Branson, Black Hills, Medora, the Great Lakes, Dollywood, Glacier and Yellowstone parks. He especially looked forward to trips to Kansas to visit his sister and her family. Car and air show dates were marked on his calendar and he loved attending as many as he could each year. David enjoyed day trips to the Culbertson and Crosby Threshing Bees and Fort Union events. He could spend hours strolling through antique markets and museums. He knew so much about history he could have been a tour guide or curator.
David had an incredible faith and trust in Jesus. It gave him the strength and patience to survive all the obstacles he faced. Every day he would faithfully do devotions. He prayed for each member of his family, which was a long list, especially in his slow deep voice.
David was delighted when his great niece Carly was born on his 51st birthday. He loved celebrating his birthday and having someone special to share it with made it even better.
David’s heart had physical damage but it definitely had a strong beat for being kind and grateful. It also fueled that precious smile of his that warmed our hearts.
David received his fresh new body on February 13, 2019 and is now soaring with the angels in heaven.
David is survived by his mother Dorothy Bullington, siblings Becky (Bruce Johnson); Colleen (David Williams); Brian (Patti) and Crystal (Rich Carlson); 12 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his father Robert McGinnis, stepfather Gary Bullington, stepmother Joyce McGinnis and his grandparents David and Nellie Pickering and Ernest and Sylvia McGinnis.