David Palmer
courtesy photo
David Palmer
RONAN — David Palmer, 58, passed away Saturday Jan. 18 at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A celebration of life will be held on April 26, 2014 at Leon Hall in Charlo.
David was born in Ronan on Dec. 26, 1955 to Del and Bernice Palmer. He graduated From Charlo High school in 1974. He was part of the six-year undefeated Charlo football team and was an active member in 4-H.
His many adventures took him from working for the US Forest Service as a packer to construction, masonry and carpentry all over Montana and Alaska; also as a hunting guide to his many years at Plum Creek and the Crow Haven Arabian horse ranch. After he became disabled he started his own Old Wood Art and his favorite job of being Papa. Dave’s true passion was being in the mountains, hunting and fishing with his father, brothers, son, niece and nephew and many friends, also at the cabin teaching his grandchildren how to fish and hunt. He started teaching his bride these things on their honeymoon in a blizzard. His love of nature and family will never be forgotten. Nor will a few of the million pranks that he pulled on his family and friends.
On March 27, 1976, he married the love of his life, Kimberly McDonald. In this marriage they welcomed three children: Brian, Caysie and Stacy.
David was preceded in death by his grandparents E.M and Olive Palmer, Dee and Rachel Shriner, brother Dennis Palmer, mother-in-law Ann McDonald as well as several other aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his wife Kim of 38 years and children Brian (Sue), Caysie (Travis), Stacy (Cory); parents Del and Bernice, Tom and Shirley McDonald; brother Skip (Sue) and best friend/brother cousin Eddie (Jan); sister Charlene; grandchildren Tori, Billy, Bayleigh, Olyvia, Richard (Crystal), Casey, Cassie, Shelby; extended grandchildren Matthew, Nick, Haley, Emily, Dusty and Trenton; great-grandchildren Macao, Keeley, Richard and Liam; brother-in-law Tom and sisters-in-law Kris, Terry and Cindy; nieces Jennifer (Jereme), Nichole (Andrew); nephews Ben (Brandy), Justin and Tommy; great nieces and nephews Greydon, Rachel, Logan, Ian, Tommy, Dillon and Brody. We can’t forget dad’s trusty companion of 10 years, Shy; special friend and extended brother Paul Toussaint (Sharon). Last but not least, all of the “Fish Creek” family.
Donations in memory of David can be made to The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue Bethpage, NY 11714 (pancreatic cancer research) or Lake County Hospice, 711 Main St. SW, Ronan MT 59864.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Memories of condolence may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
