David L. Lake, 86

David L. Lake, 86, passed away Monday, May 12, 2008, at Brendan House in Kalispell. David was born Sept. 2, 1921, in Judith Gap, the third child of David E. and Myrtle Lake. He was raised in Judith Gap, Harlowton, and David Sr.'s ranger district. He graduated from high school in Harlowton. As he grew up, summers were spent helping on the ranger district, where his great fondness of the forest, hunting, fishing and camping developed.

He joined the Montana Army National Guard, COD, 163rd RCT. The Montana Guard was activated in September 1940, and in 1941, he was sent to the South Pacific. David was very proud of his service in World War II. It was during this period when in Australia, he met his lifelong love, Joyce, of Sydney. They were married in November 1943.

After the war he returned to Montana, and after several jobs, joined the fledgling Montana Employment (Job) Service. This job brought him to the Flathead, where he never wanted to leave, though after retirement he often thought of returning to Harlow.

During his 27 years with the Job Service, he worked in finding employment for workers on Hungry Horse Dam and the aluminum plant. Later at the Kalispell office, he familiarized himself with the many local businesses and owners. He remembered every client that came to his desk. He had seen many changes to the local community over the years and was dismayed by the more recent 'out-of-control growth.'

Cherry season found him on the east shore of Flathead Lake, finding pickers for the growers. He knew all the orchard growers and even remembered migrant pickers from year to year, who provided the family with lots of cherries each year.

He was a life member of the VFW and DAV and held offices with them and also the American Legion.

David was a devoted, loving and dedicated family man. He always was involved with his children and grandchildren, and helped out whenever and however he could.

He loved fishing, hunting and camping at the many local lakes. After retirement he got into painting, writing, traveling and reading, his favorite — any Western novel he could get his hands on. He also enjoyed playing his harmonica.

He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends, and will live forever in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard; and sister, lone.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; two sons, David and Shawn; four grandchildren, Matt, Andrew, Chris and Craig; and great-grandchild, Ryder.

Military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, at the VFW Post 2252 in Kalispell.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.