David Begian, 66, of Rochester Hills, Michigan peacefully passed away June 23, 2021, surrounded by caregivers and loved ones.

He was born in 1954 in Farmington, Michigan to his parents, Sam and Ethel Begian . David grew up in Farmington with his five siblings, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He is predeceased by his parents, as well as his sister Maggie Kennedy.

David was a loving and devoted father, brother and son.

He is survived by his son Alexander Begian of Rochester, Michigan and by is siblings Dale (Kathy) Begian of Pennsylvania, Debra (David) Parker of Maryland, Kenneth Begian of Florida, and Michael (Laura) Begian of Michigan.

David grew up in Farmington, Michigan where he attended and was active at the Farmington First United Methodist Church, a member of the Boy Scout Troop 45 and delivered papers for the Detroit News. David went to Longacre Elementary School, and then attended Farmington Junior High, he played cornet in the school band, was a member of the Cross-Country team and Track and Field team. David later went to Farmington High School, where he continued playing cornet in the school band, was a member of the Track and Field team, and Wrestling team. He also initiated the participation of the school in gymnastics and formation of a Gymnastics team, of which he was an active member.

David graduated from Farmington High School in 1972, and went on to attend college at Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan. While attending Cental Michigan University, David majored in Psychology, and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Public Heath Education. While attending Central Michigan University, he was a member of the Men's Gymnastics Team, on an Athlete (Gymnastics) Scholarship.

After graduating from CMU, David attended Oakland University, Auburn Hills, Michigan in 1978 in pursuit of a Special Masters Program in Clinical Psychology. As part of his studies at Oakland University, David also did clinical therapy with patients in their homes who suffered with an agoraphobia mental disability. Along with attending Oakland University, David worked at Glenn Riley Gymnastics, Rochester Hills, Michigan as a gymnastics coach and managing assistant. While working there, David developed the dream of opening his own gymnastic training center.

In May 1982, his dream became a reality when David opened The Gymnastic Training Center of Rochester (GTC), Michigan. In addition to being the owner, David was also the Program Director and Head Coach. His business was successful. And GTC flourished after the 1984 Olympics, where the USA Gymnastics Teams did extremely well. The growth in gymnastics popularity also increased GTC's enrollment, team members, and staff. The original facility, (8,300 square feet) was relocated across the parking lot to a new 25,000 square foot facility, where it still resides today.

During David's GTC business career he was also head coach of GTC boys and girls teams, girls competitive team technical advisor, coach of numerous Elite and Junior Olympic National athletes and gymnasts earning full ride college scholarships. He was also a Michigan USA Gymnastics Board Member, Michigan USAG: Education Coordinator, USA Gymnastics Regional and State Clinician, and MI-USAG Contributor of the Year.

David enjoyed the outdoors and nature, he liked listening to music, going to concerts, and playing the piano. David also liked to travel, whether in the US or worldwide. He always strived to learn from his adventures and always wanted to bring something back, even if it was only more knowledge.

One of David's favorite places to go, was his cottage on Elbow Lake. He enjoyed relaxing on deck and watching the activities on the lake, going out on his pontoon boat, kayaking, cooking on the grill, and always enjoyed entertaining family and friends. One of his favorite things at the cottage was looking out over the lake, at the end of the day, and watch a spectacular sunset evolve and change as it went through its cycle of closure.

One thing that brought David the most joy was working with children (his students or his son), teaching them and helping them learn their full potential and building their self esteem. David was a very loving and caring individual, uniquely talented who greatly enjoyed making other people happy.

A memorial celebration of David's life will be held July 31, 2:30 pm (doors open at 2:00 at GTC (Gymnastic Training Center of Rochester).

In David's loving memory, donations to FSHD Society or American Diabetes Association are greatly appreciated.

Saturday, July 31, 2021

2:30 PM

1813 Northfield Drive
Rochester Hills, MI 48309

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