Carmichael III, Daniel Archiebald

Daniel Archiebald Carmichael III, of Cedarville, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on November 3, 2021 in Scottsdale, AZ. Dan was born on June 8th, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio to Daniel Jr. and Patricia (Teachnor) Carmichael. Dan grew up in the Columbus neighborhood of Bexley, and was first introduced to the Les Cheneaux Islands through visits to a family friend’s summer cottage. It was during one of these trips that he met his future wife, Sally; the two of them immediately formed a special bond and knew they were destined to be together. After studying architecture at Ohio University for four years, Dan transferred to Michigan State University where Sally was attending. In 1972, they moved north to Cedarville to start a life together in the area they both so cherished. With the simple goal of “being able to put hot dogs on the table,” Dan’s concept for a local dock business took form, and Flotation Docking Systems was founded in 1974. Through hard work, dedication, and as Dan would humbly recall, “a lot of luck”, the business blossomed, and what started as a small company evolved into a family of its own. Soon after forming FDS, he and Sally decided to get married, eloping January of 1977. Dan always had a fondness for speed, and took a particular interest in snowmobile oval racing. He became a team member of Wahl Brothers Racing out of Greenbush, MN and participated in the winter circuit for many years, including several appearances at the World Championship event in Eagle River, WI. Although Dan loved the sport itself, it was the lifelong friendships formed during this period of his life that truly stand out. Following the birth of Dan and Sally’s only child, Cody, Dan began pursuing his pilot’s license. He quickly became passionate about

aviation, finding particular

enjoyment in being able

to fly his family to a variety

of vacation destinations. He never tired of weaving

around fluffy cumulous formations – “Cloud Canyon

Cruising” as he called it. Dan was also an avid golfer. Upon retiring in 2011, he and Sally found great

pleasure golfing together all

around Michigan and, most recently, Arizona. He never cared to keep score, and was just as content spending hours on a range as he was actually being on the

course. When not golfing,

Dan could be found in the woods of Marquette Island “playing” on his equipment, creating and maintaining an elaborate trail system, tinkering with model rail

roads, fixing something, or

simply working through his never-ending list of projects. Dan is survived by his wife, Sally; son, Cody (Teresa) of Cedarville; sisters, Sally Merrick of Dublin, OH, and Tracy (Michael) Rand of Sharon, CT; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. To honor Dan’s wishes, a memorial service will not be held. In

lieu of flowers, the family

requests donations be made to Clark Township Fire Department and Ambulance Corps.