David "Davey" Pruter, 62

David "Davey" Pruter, 62, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 22, 2005. Dave lived in the Whitefish community.

Dave was born June 8, 1942, in Chicago, to John Desmond and Mary Pruter. He grew up in Chicago where he attended elementary and high school. As a young man he developed a fondness for horses and stables. During his early teen years he could be found most any day at one or another of the many stables on the Northwest side of Chicago.

After a short stint in the Army, Dave returned to Chicago where he learned about the rodeo circuit. After gaining initial skills, Dave traveled to Florida. Dave's competitive spirit and bull riding skills were honed in the Central Florida area and Dave went on to win two Florida State bull riding championships. Unfortunately, the rough and tumble world of rodeos took its toll and Dave retired after several injuries.

Dave returned to Chicago to renew friendships and start his career in the long-haul trucking industry. After a several years, Dave moved to the Oklahoma City area.

Dave's over-the-road hauls took him to the four corners of the United States and during one of those trips he discovered Montana. Dave literally fell in love with the beauty, serenity and limitless vistas of Western Montana. He initially settled in the Yack area where he soon became an avid outdoorsman and big game hunting guide. He never lost his love for the Yack as he moved and became part of the Whitefish community.

Dave was a kind and unique person. He loved life and helping people. Dave was his own man and always respected the views of others. He will continue be a special person and watch over each and every person that ever touched his life.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Gabellini, Jackson, Tenn.; son, Travis, Jacksonville, Fla.; daughter, Dena Vigil and Shayne, and only grandchild, Olivia Kate, Edmond, Okla.; brother, Thomas and Nanci, Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Cathy Jarvis and Chuck, Jackson, Tenn.; nieces, Denise and Lisa (Chicago), Stephanie Delgado and Roger, Jackson, and Katie, Auburn, Ala.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Austin Funeral Home, Whitefish. Services are at 3 p.m. Monday, April 25, at Saint Charles Borromeo, Whitefish. A private cremation service will be held at a later date.