Bay City, Michigan - Daniel Belanger, a man who never met a stranger, passed peacefully on Saturday, June 27, at Bayfield Memory Care. Born November 5, 1938, in Lake Leelanau to Dan and Elsie Belanger, Dan was a product of Lake Leelanau St. Mary's School, University of Detroit, and Wayne State University.

Dan built a career defined by connection. He began in Human Resources for Consumers Power and went on to HR work at several companies before spending the 28 years self-employed as a sales consultant and corporate training for Ford Motor Company and companies across the USA. He took immense pride in his work and the relationships he built throughout his career. Dan generously gave his time to the community he loved, volunteering with River of Time, the Historical Museum of Bay County, and Bay County Habitat for Humanity.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Molly; his children, Michele Brown (Adrian), Aimee Belanger, Nicole Barvian (Mark), and Daniel S. Belanger (Angela); his stepchild, Maureen Rovas; five grandchildren, Jessica (Kara), Rhiannon, Jamie, Ava, and Alison; his brother-in-law, Paul Leugers; six nieces and nephews; and a multitude of cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Greg; his sister, Ruth Leugers; and his brothers-in-law, Denny Goddeyne (Lori) and Jim Goddeyne (Pam).

There was never a room Dan couldn't light up or a person he didn't like. His smiling face and sunny disposition touched everyone who knew him, and he leaves behind not only his family but life-long friends Dan Sterkowicz, Verne Petroskey, and Ed Pritchard - a testament to the kind of man he was.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Lake Leelanau at Dick's Bar on August 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A separate celebration will be held in Bay City in late July; date and details are to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's School, Lake Leelanau; or a charity of your choice. Funeral home arrangements are being provided by Trahan Funeral Chapel, Bay City, Michigan. Celebrate Dan's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.trahanfc.com