David R. Angus
David Robertson Angus passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, intellect, and compassion.
Born in Xiamen, Fujian, China to missionary parents William and Joyce Angus, David’s early life was shaped by global events. At age seven, he was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese while living on a small island off the coast of China with his mother and siblings. After traveling to Africa for prisoner exchange, the family returned to the United States. He later returned to China and attended the Shanghai American School, only to leave again during the People’s Revolution. He departed on the last US Navy hospital ship out of Shanghai, the USS Repose. He then completed his high school education at the Brent International School in the Philippines.
David found a new home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he lived with mother’s family, especially his beloved aunts and uncle Joe. At sixteen, he began college at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army before dedicating his career to education. He taught English and Philosophy at Sexton High School while working on his PhD in English. He continued to teach at Hill until it closed, and then at Eastern High School until 1995. He then shared his love of language and thought as a lecturer at Michigan State University.
David met the love of his life, Gartha (Zemer) while studying Russian in Lansing. They married on June 22, 1963, and built a life rooted in faith, music, and family. David was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church and a proud voice in the MSU Choral Union. David and Gartha shared a love of travel and enjoyed many adventures in the US and abroad together and with their friends.
He is survived by his sons, William (Rob) Angus and wife Tamera, and Peter Angus and wife Lisa; and grandchildren MacKenzie, Lachlan, Audrey (Jordan), Graham, and Kate. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Marjorie, brother John, and grandson Liam Angus.
The family will be holding a private service. A public Celebration of Life will be announced for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Red Cross.
42 Messages to “David R. Angus”
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Vicki simmons
August 15, 2025 at 5:17 pmThe nicest person you would ever meet. Your safe now and no more pain
Mitchell Kobus
August 16, 2025 at 9:42 amDr. Angus was a very intelligent and caring teacher at J.W. Sexton high school in 1971. An exemplary educator and credit to his profession in all respects. Thank you, Dr. Angus, for your warmth, wisdom and wit. May you rest in peace.
Pat Mort
August 17, 2025 at 8:33 amDr. Angus was one of my favorite instructors at Sexton. His demeanor, insight and knowledge made Lit/Comp my favorite class. Seeing him through the years in the community was always a treat. He will live in in my memories. Sexton, class of ’71.
jeanie
August 17, 2025 at 9:36 amWhat a kind, lovely man who made any encounter, however brief, feel special. Sending wishes for peace and healing to his family.
Julie Hudson Kenyon
August 17, 2025 at 5:47 pmI was fortunate to have had Dr. Angus as a teacher @ Hill. I graduated in 1977 with the English Award and was so honored to be recognized by such an intelligent, kind man. What a gift to have known him as a teacher, eventual colleague, and friend. His was a life well-lived by a kind and generous man. We have lost an amazing person. Sending my gratitude, and my condolences.
Mary Ellen Cook
August 18, 2025 at 12:41 pmDr. Angus taught at Easter when my late husband did. Several of our children were there at the same time. They all agreed that David was one of the best people they ever knew, along with being a great teacher. I remember him as such a fine gentleman. My condolences to the family.
Frederick Kruger
August 18, 2025 at 1:01 pmDavid was a very intelligent person. He and I were colleagues together, teaching at Eastern high school in Lansing, Michigan.. my wife and I had many pleasant hours visiting with David and Garth’s..
Jean Stow Bolley
August 19, 2025 at 10:34 amI graduated from Sexton in 1969 and had Mr Angus for both English and Philosophy. He was a great teacher but the most memorable thing was the time he hypnotized a chicken in class.
Connie Garlitz
August 20, 2025 at 10:32 amI was just telling that story to my family.
Dee-Dee Webb (Garcia)
August 19, 2025 at 11:08 amThanks to this amazing teacher I formed a love for live theater and continue to reach for classic novels. He was a fantastic instructor whom I continue to highly regard. I STILL have my list of 100 books to read!!
Julia Miller
August 19, 2025 at 11:20 amHe will always be Dr. or Mr. Angus to me .. he was a teacher of mine at Eastern High School, multiple years, first for American Lit, then a couple of years later, for both Philosophy and Advanced Comp. He was one of the best teachers I had.
I hadn’t seen him in MANY years, I was incredibly happy when I started working at Apple Market, to discover that Dr. Angus was still around and a regular customer, AND even though I graduated in 1992, and I most likely hadn’t seen him since I graduated, he still remembered me by name! Since I left Apple Market a few years ago I’ve only had the occasional chance run in with him at the store, I could tell over the last few years he had lost some of the pep in his step, but I’m very thankful to have had him as an educator and to have had the opportunity as an adult to let him know how very special he was to me.
Marc Schafer
August 19, 2025 at 5:49 pmI had the privilege of taking Philosophy at Eastern High School with Dr. Angus as the teacher. It was one of the most rewarding classes I took, and I followed with several more Philosophy classes in college as a result. Dr. Angus maintained contact with my parents who are still in Lansing and it was always nice to hear news about Rob and Pete who were contemporaries at Eastern. The whole Schafer family sends their condolences to you all in the this time of loss. We will always remember the things we learned from David and his warmth and kindness.
Kim Ockert
August 19, 2025 at 8:41 pmHe helped shaped the lives of so many. Always a supportive and encouraging teacher, his passion for teaching the respect he showed his students was unparalleled. He was and will always be one of my favorites. My love and prayers are with his family in their time of loss. Thank you Dr. Angus. You will be missed.
Marsha thomas
August 20, 2025 at 8:20 amI had Mr Angus for advanced lit-comp class at sexton in 1969. He made literature interesting for once. Challenging us with writing poetry. He was kind and motivating. What a gift to education.
Mar and Barbara (Jones) Latimer
August 20, 2025 at 9:19 amWhat an interesting life he had. He was intelligent and insightful. A wonderful example of a caring teacher. A life well lived!
Kim Viculin
August 20, 2025 at 10:16 amI had ‘Doc’ Angus for World Lit as a junior, & philosophy as a senior. He made the class a ‘must attend’ event. I never skipped. He was kind thoughtful, approachable. He made his classes interesting & provocative. He would challenge your opinion, yet attentively consider it. Personable & unassuming, Dr Angus always enjoyed a good story or joke. I was very pleased to be able to visit with him at our recent Sexton Class of ‘71 reunion. His was truly a remarkable journey
Kim Viculin
Judy Coon Stubleski
August 20, 2025 at 3:13 pmOur family was blessed to call he, his wife, and his boys our neighbors for several years. He was teaching at Sexton at the time. I was not aware of his childhood journey. Most interesting. Rest peacefully Mr. Angus. Until Jesus comes to take us all home.
Lynn Viculin Hulkow ---Sexton 1969
August 20, 2025 at 7:17 pmDr. Angus was an outstanding educator who brought joy and enthusiasm to his classroom, along with a great sense of humor and kindness. It was an honor to be his student–I still have vivid memories of what was learned in his class that pop up—but his sharing and encouraging the love of diverse literature stand out. We learned a lot from him about how a great teacher can work magic. Thank you!
Sending sympathy and peace to his family.
Gwen Botting
August 22, 2025 at 2:53 pmDavid was a kind and gentle soul who radiated love. Our church will miss him.
Josh Weeks
August 22, 2025 at 7:11 pmMy condolences to the Angus family. Dr. Angus was a great man and teacher. I loved my time in his American Literature class. Eastern High School ‘93.
Mary Kathleen (Bauder) VanAcker
August 22, 2025 at 10:03 pmDr Angus was by far the best teacher I ever had. He allowed us to get extra credit by attending plays and concerts as well as going to museums and reading books. He made Shakespeare come to life. He was an excellent educator and even better man.
Coni Gatewood Ward
August 22, 2025 at 10:12 pmDr. Angus was a major contributor to my love of literature and writing. At a time when I had perfected the art of getting by with A’s and B’s with little to no effort he came along and made me truly care about the things I read and the manner in which I wrote.
I was lucky enough to have him for 2 years. In the first year he busted me writing letters to a friend that I thought I should write in several different colors of markers. He did chastise me for wasting time and not doing the work assigned, instead he complimented my creativity and the humor in my words that he had been reading over my shoulder. Because of this I stuck around another year and wrote two papers for him that I still possess because of the wonderful notes he wrote on them when grading.
He was a brilliant man and even more brilliant teacher. The world has lost a good one. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to learn from him.
Myrical Barton
August 23, 2025 at 6:07 amDr Angus has a profound influence on my life as his quiet and gentle ways encouraged me to broaden my horizons and do my best. (Eastern, class of 1990)
Prayers for the family!
Lourdes (Mariano) Dempsey
August 23, 2025 at 8:55 amI only had Dr. Angus for 1 year. I remember his fun-loving personality. He was a gentle giant to me. I still remember how he read Huckleberry Finn and Of Mice and Men in Class. He read them with such animation that I felt like I was in the story. He was one of the greatest teachers I’ve had on all my years of school, including college. I never knew his back story until now. He truly was a great man and educator. I hated English and Lit classes until I had him as a teacher. Dr. Angus and Mr. Spagnuolo were the dynamic duo in English classes at Eastern HS. My favorite teachers up to this day.
Eastern HS Class of 1991
Scott Zuke
August 23, 2025 at 11:14 amI was friends with Pete and Rob in scouts. I later had Dr Angus as a teacher. He was a great teacher and example. Condolences to the Angus family.
Sheila (Gilson) McCulloch
August 23, 2025 at 11:46 amDr. Angus had a way to make words become vibrant and alive! I had the blessing of Dr. Angus’ teaching me how love reading in 1988-1989. I’m positive that he had a positive impact on all who crossed his path no matter the circumstances. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with the family and friends as they grieve the loss of an admirable teacher of many!
Debbie O’Day Gordon
August 23, 2025 at 12:38 pmDr. Angus was not only my English and Philosophy teacher, he was my (our) 1985 Eastern High School class advisor! I was so honored (and honestly lucky) to have the privilege of working closely with him to plan things for our graduating class from 1982-1985. We’re talking fundraisers, floats, high school dances, prom, class gift (the class of 1985 raised over $7000.00 to buy and get the sign installed that still sits in front of the Eastern High School field house). Mr. Angus was an incredible teacher, mentor and human!
I learned so much from him not only academically but about life. I remember telling him how worried I was about having to deliver my graduation speech, afraid it would be really boring. He offered to have me read it to him and then took time out of his busy schedule to help me also make it humorous! And I remember him telling me I won’t write it for you but I’ll help you in your words say what you want to say in a more humorous way). That helped me to be able to stand up in front of all of those people and deliver that speech! He was one of my very favorite teachers because he never ever put anyone down and he listened to what everyone had to say! I think because of him I am able to be outspoken and say what I mean and what I feel! He gave us that permission to be ourselves! I will be forever grateful to him for being a part of making me who I am today! I believe he knew bank then how much I respected and cared for him though I wish I could have told him all of that again! In some ways I am surprised that I didn’t know some of his history on how he grew up, though yet not surprised because as a teacher and mentor he didn’t make it about himself! I wish he would have because I would have loved to have some conversations about his amazing life! I really hope to be able to pay my respects at his memorial so if anyone hears about when it is please let me know! Rest in Peace Dr. Angus! To Rob and his family, please know how much your dad was loved and respected! You are all in my prayers during this very difficult time and I hope knowing how much he did for so many will give you some comfort and peace!
Susan Affholter
August 25, 2025 at 3:15 pmSuch great comments, Debbie. Glad you took the time to write this. Dr. Angus was a beloved member of Lansing’s First Presbyterian Church. I believe his memorial service will be held there. You can give them a call to see if it has been scheduled: 517-482-0668.
Easha Robinson
August 23, 2025 at 12:41 pmDr. Angus was definitely one of my Favorite Teachers at Lansing Eastern which was Philosophy and Advance Comp. He Knew each student by name and was passionate about his teachings. Definitely was an Honor to been under His Tutelage.
Thank You
Sharon Fatura Richardson
August 23, 2025 at 2:35 pmThank you Dr Angus for thinking outside the box, for sharing your life story, for your unique sense of humor that came out of nowhere and your open minded perspective that made your class one of the very best at JW—will always remember you!
Karen Williams Garner
August 23, 2025 at 10:25 pmDr. Angus was my American Lit Teacher at Eastern. He was always so kind and kept the class interesting. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Chris Allen
August 24, 2025 at 1:30 pmI met Mr Angus (and Mrs Angus) when we moved to Groesbeck and they were our next door neighbors for almost 20 years. They were the kindest people I’ve ever met and just a pleasure to interact with over the years. They watched our boys grow from basically toddlers to adults and never had a complaint (that I knew of ?) with all the boys many friends and all our various “gatherings” over the years (some louder than others, especially as they boys got older!) They joined us for some of our many bbqs and shared with us on multiple occasions their delicious pecan rolls!!
Since I knew Mr Angus later in life I didn’t realize, until I read the obituary, all that he had experienced and accomplished throughout his earlier years !! I’m sure he was an inspiration to the many students he taught and to others who were fortunate to know him. To Gartha and the family my sincere condolences and I feel very blessed to have shared a part of his beautiful life.
Chris Allen
Kathy Draper (Coon)
August 24, 2025 at 5:15 pmWas blessed to have been neighbors with Dr Angus and his family growing up. Would babysit the boys. He will really be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Matt Kuiper
August 24, 2025 at 10:10 pmWhat a great man and teacher. Rest in peace in God’s presence. Condolences to the family.
Susan Affholter
August 25, 2025 at 3:36 pmAt the first Robert Burns Night Supper my husband and I attended (2007) we sat with our church family members, David and Gartha Angus (and their friends). It was a rollicking good time. We had the pleasure of sharing a table at Burns Night many more times with the Anguses. They were a joy.
In a visit with David in early June of this year, David was asked (by an academic) why, after he earned his doctorate, he choose to work and teach at the high school level instead of the college level. David replied that he felt that by teaching in a public high school he could have a greater impact on his students. Based on the many comments above made by his students, he was right.
Well done good and faithful servant David.
Kay Benjamin
August 25, 2025 at 7:43 pmI’m so sorry for your loss Gartha. David was always so kind. He also was a pretty good baker. My condolences to the Angus family.
madison vanantwerp
August 27, 2025 at 3:41 pmDavid coming into my life at Provision/Story Pointe senior living community was such a blessing. An amazing man with such a wonderful life story to tell. He had the most kind and caring spirit and made me feel so welcome and loved each time I walked into his room. FOX therapy loves and misses you David.
Melissa Zemer
August 27, 2025 at 6:17 pmHow very lucky am I. David was my uncle. I was blessed to have his light radiate my life every single time that I saw him. Kindness, grace, acceptance and beauty are only a few ways to describe his character. He was not a man that judged, but instead listened and encouraged. He lived a life that was never blurred by generation influence or trends, he valued all of what each human had to offer. A conversation with him, was leaving a room and being inspired to move forward with hopes and dreams. Sadness will come when he is no longer sitting across the table and telling me that I should be proud of who I am, or encouraging me to dream and live those dreams. I am incredibly lucky that he sprinkled my life with all that light and beauty.
Jerre Cory
September 2, 2025 at 11:31 amI loved being mentored as a young teacher by Dave and becoming life long friends with he and Gartha. The last time I saw him was at the Wharton Center. Always a delight. I’m hoping I did not miss his memorial. As a Board Member for the mid Michigan American Red Cross board I want to thank you for designating this as your charity. Jerre Cory aka Viera
Kimbal smitb
September 4, 2025 at 9:06 pmThe one thing i learned from doc angus was this
“Words are power” Dr . David angus . That lesson has taken me very far in life.
K.R. Smith
Lansing Eastern High School
Class of 1988
Susan Grewal (Mickelson) and family
September 24, 2025 at 2:58 amWhat a kind and gentle giant is how I always remember your father as a child. My mother adored your family and I am so sad to hear of his passing. Love and condolences to the entire family. Please Peter or Rob email me so I can communicate with you.
Dave Honhart
October 8, 2025 at 7:40 pmJust saw that Doc had passed. He was my mentor teacher when I student taught at Lansing Eastern in 1993-4. I am still teaching today, and I owe a lot of my career to Dave. He gave me lots of freedom to find my style, but reeled me in when needed and provided great guidance & wisdom throughout a year-long experience. I beyond grateful that he was part of my life and helped shape me as a teacher.