David Edward Lietz, 59
David Edward Lietz "passed away into the loving arms of our heavenly Father," at age 59, from his home in Martin City, with his loving family around him on June 26, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Oct. 18, 1945, in Thompson Falls to Otto N. Lietz and Florence (Grantham) Lietz. He graduated from high school in Columbia Falls in 1964.
He joined the Army in 1965 and received his basic training at Fort Ord, Calif. He completed a radio teletype operation course at the Army Southeastern Signal School at Fort Gordon, Ga., and was trained in transmitting and receiving in both voice and code. He served his country in Vietnam.
After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he worked with his father and younger brother, Glenn, in the logging industry, and, at a later time, his older brother, Donald, joined them in forming Lietz Logging Co. Their company owned and operated one of the first highleed machines.
David's passions were his Lord Jesus Christ, his community and his many friends and family. He was truly a great man, father, brother, husband and grandfather. "We will miss you, David."
David served as a firefighter and fire chief for more than 25 years in Martin City. He was also the quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9932 in Hungry Horse, chairman/trustee for the Martin City Water Department, was involved with Montanans for Property Rights and with the Trapline Association.
He became known as "Editor Dave," having volunteered his time and expertise for 18 years to the Canyon Enquirer. David also created Turd Mountain behind his home in Martin City in honor of the Flathead County Sanitation Department.
David was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Viola; his parents; his nephew, Danny Buzzell; brother-in-law, Vernon "Red" Thompson; and his great-niece, Elizabeth Strowbridge.
He is survived by his son, Shawn and Tami, and Shelbi and Regan, from Nampa, Idaho; son, Chad and Machelle, and Tyler, Hallie and Katie, from Kennewick, Wash.; son, Tony and Michelle, and Allisa, and little David. He also is survived by his brothers, Donald and Karen, and Glenn of Martin City; his sisters, Connie Micken and BJ of Spokane, Avis Endreson and Harris of Columbia Falls, Eileene Lyons and Jack of Denver, Carol Buzzell and Keith, and Virginia Strowbridge and Kenneth of Kalispell; plus countless nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Martin City Fire Department; or QRU in Martin City; or Canyon Community Church in Coram.
David was cremated at his request. Memorial Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls, with the Rev. Tod Fox officiating. Coffee and cookies will be served after the service.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is in charge of the arrangements.