David “Happy” A. Yankus, 69, of Old Faith Road, died suddenly at home on Monday, March 2, 2009.

   He leaves his son, David Paul of Virginia Beach, VA; two daughters, Margaret C. Seligman and her husband Alan, and Mary E. Lindfors all of Holden; four sisters, Emily Lajoie of Orlando, FL, Pauline Sherblom and her husband Robert of Ocala, FL, Catherine Young and her husband James of Newport, VT and Cynthia Douglas and her husband Arthur of Millbury; five grandchildren, Eric, Amy, Anna, Emily, and Rachel; aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. His brother, George Yankus, and his sister, Virginia Paquette, predeceased him. He was born on January 15, 1940 in Worcester, son of George J. and Emily (Banis) Yankus, and lived in Worcester before moving to Shrewsbury more than 30 years ago.

   Dave was a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade High School, Worcester State College and served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a machinist for Morgan Construction Co. in Worcester until his retirement in January. Previously, he worked at George Meyer Co. in West Boylston and at the Mass. DPH State Lab on the Molluscan Shellfish Bio-Toxin Monitoring Research Project in Boston. He was an avid gun collector and was a member of the Hanson, Ft. Devens and North Grafton Sportsmen’s Clubs. He was also a lifetime member of the N.R.A. and the Gun Owners’ Action League. An active outdoorsman, he was a high master rifle shooter, a master pistol shooter, enjoyed hiking, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, and participated in many activities with the Appalachian Mountain Club. He was truly a happy man who embraced life with unending passion.

   His family would like to thank the staff and his many friends at the UMass Memorial Cardiac Rehab Center, as well as Dr. Angoff and Dr. Collinson and their staff for their continuous support and friendship. He deeply cherished all of you.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 5th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral service for Dave will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 6th, in St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland St., Holden. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.