David Fawcett, 64

David Fawcett passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2007, with family and friends both close at hand and close at heart.

Dave was born June 19, 1942, in Pomona, Calif., the first born of Gloria and Ray Fawcett, and tremendous big brother to Steven and Matthew Fawcett. Dave's early years were spent between Southern California, Wyoming, and then Northern California, and led to his wonderful teen years in Coalinga, Calif., where he was student body president at Coalinga High School.

Out of high school, David joined the Marines, and later worked for Union Oil Company in Santa Maria, Calif., moving to Whitefish to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1977. Dave shared his life with his great love of 42 years, Connie Fawcett, at their home in Whitefish, across the field from great friends Bill and Marsha Voermans.

Dave later opened Whitefish Custom Meats, and it was in this role that he said gave him such connection to the many friends in and around the north Flathead Valley.

Dave later returned to school, graduating from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business, and began Mountain Mortgage in Whitefish. Dave and Connie have found home, purpose, and joy in this beautiful country of equally beautiful friends and community.

A love of equal joy and intensity was for his son, Jason, who, with his wife, Erin, now lives in Seattle. Dave planned his year around spending a long weekend at the drag strip in Seattle with Jason and fortunate others during the summer. It honored their mutual interest in cars, spending purposeful time with one another, and a father/son relationship undimmed by a tender and aching body that would have sidelined so many others.

Both home and family were Dave's primary supports, and these were shared with so very many others. His many friends and extended family always found the barbecue ready, The Beatles, Stones, Beach Boys, Queen, and music of similar genre playing at plaster-cracking levels, the door open, and a welcoming heart and hand.

In contrast to Dave's music-listening sound-level preferences, one of Dave's tremendous qualities was that of a quiet, caring, thoughtful, and purposeful listener, which so many friends and family appreciated and gravitated toward as they shared their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with him. Dave would hold up a loving mirror for them only if asked, and help them see their own light reflected in its surface.

Dave could discuss with you a layman's view of theoretical physics, '64 GTOs, macro/meso/micro economics, local happenings, world events, favorite lines from Shakespeare, football, hero cycles, metaphysics, engines, English literature, barbecue technique, early Spanish existentialist authors, Buddy Holly, best camping spots, Carlos Castaneda, jerky recipes, art, movies, music, and generally all things beautiful, regardless of context.

Quite a friend, husband, dad, brother, and man; he will be oh so very much missed.

Dave is survived by his wife, Connie, of Whitefish; son, Jason, and wife, Erin, of Seattle; mother-in-law, Wilma Atkinson, of Whitefish, father-in-law, Conn Meckler, of Missoula; brother Steven, and wife, Patty, of Whitefish; little brother Matt and wife, Lynn, of Kalispell; brother-in-law, Gerald Meckler, of Kalispell; nieces, LaChelle Freeland of Columbia Falls, Jenny Fawcett-Harris of Missoula, and Emma Fawcett of Kalispell; and nephews, Jesse Atkinson of Whitefish, and Zachary Fawcett of Moscow, Idaho.

A celebration of David's life will be held at 2 p.m. today, May 5, at the family home, 1850 Voerman Road, in Whitefish. All are encouraged to come eat, drink, share memories, and revel in the spirit.

Arrangements for cremation have been made with Austin Funeral Home of Whitefish.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.