On February 18, 2005 David Viskochil, 60, died suddenly in Traverse City. His death is a great loss not only to the Omena Historical Society and Omena but the surrounding areas as well. He gave so much of his talents and energy to the arts, education, and communities of Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties. He had a passion for Omena and never declined to help if it meant making the small hamlet a better place. Excellence, generosity, creativity, community spirit and dedication to helping others were part of David’s life. He also was able to challenge people to see beyond the here and now so they might make a difference in their lives and those of others.
David and his wife Sally grew up in Traverse City, attended Northwestern Michigan and then U of Michigan from which they graduated (David in art history and Sally in lithography). After they were married, they joined the Peace Corp and went to Thailand. After returning they opened a gallery at the base of Sugar Loaf and named it after a grove of trees on the land --"Tamarack". The gallery prospered and they soon needed to expand. The building in Omena was bought and David and Sally and daughter Sarah moved to Omena in 1976. He served on the Northport School Board for a number of years.
His contributions to the Society were numerous. He was never too busy to help with various projects such as the sesquicentennial, the publication and sale of the book, the barn dance, serving as a board member and working on the Christmas musical program. Because of David and Sally, Omena has a flag, which they designed and financially supported for the sesquicentennial. They also graciously provided the use of the Tamarack Galley to the OHS for receptions for contributors of the book as well as the book signing. When it came to the most recent project of restoring the Putnam-Cloud Tower House, no one was more dedicated to seeing it become a reality.
Those who knew him, his family, friends, and business associates, will remember him as a caring, giving and unique person who made a difference.
