David Bruce Sipe, 61

David Bruce Sipe, 61, an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the comfort of his home Sunday morning, April 25, 2010. Dave s strength and positive attitude throughout his 3 1/2-year battle with cancer was an inspiration to many. Dave was born on June 10, 1948, in Kalispell, to Keith and Vivian Sipe. On June 2, 1973, he married Jennifer Joy Anderson at the Whitefish United Methodist Church. Dave was a lifelong resident of the Flathead Valley, living most of his life in Whitefish. He was employed by Anaconda Aluminum, the Flathead County Detention Center, DePratu Ford and the Whitefish Fire Department. Dave s involvement with the Whitefish Fire Department began in March of 1978, when he took a position as a volunteer fireman. He was appointed volunteer fire chief in 1984 and served in that capacity until 1985, and then again from 1993 to 1995. In October of 1995, Dave became the first paid fire chief of the department. Due to illness, he retired in July of 2008. His passion for helping others made leaving his job difficult. In 2006, Dave was honored as City Government Worker of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and the Whitefish Community Foundation. He was also awarded Ambulance Attendant of the Year in 1987, and then again in 1991. Dave was known to spend time wearing his red Crocs at The Buffalo Cafe in Whitefish with his long-time coffee buddies, and could be found there most mornings of the week giving the waitresses a hard time. After moving from Whitefish, he split his time between The Buffalo Cafe and Bojangles Diner in Kalispell, where he joined a group of long-time friends. He enjoyed spending time in his shop with Dave Weldele building beautiful furniture that will be forever cherished by family and friends. Dave had a passion for motorcycles and went on many adventures with good friend Orland Leland. Dave also enjoyed special visits with longtime friend Bob DePratu. Dave and Jennifer loved loading up the camper and heading out for the weekend with the dogs. Dave loved animals, especially his dogs Ripley and Penelope. He took great pride in his yard, building a garden house and keeping an immaculate lawn. Dave had an affinity for classic cars, most notably his black 1965 Chevelle. Other activities that he took part in were softball and golfing with his brothers and son-in-law, Jeff Claridge. Dave was a well-respected and loved member of the community known for his selflessness and dedication; when the siren sounded, you could be sure that Dave was the first one on the scene. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Vivian Sipe. He is survived by the love of his life, Jennifer; daughter, Rachel Williams and Bob of Oregon; son, Eric Sipe and Lisa of Louisiana; daughter, Molly Claridge and Jeff of Kalispell; and son, D.J. Sipe of Whitefish, all of whom had a unique relationship and special bond with their father. He is also survived by his brothers, Brian and wife Jolene of Kalispell, Robin and wife Karen of Missoula, Richard and wife Joan of Kalispell, Craig and wife Maureen of Arizona, Mark and wife Susan of Arizona, and Kevin and wife Susan of Florida; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was proud Grandpa to Justin Waverick, Jourdan Williams, Griffin Williams, Garrett Sipe, Anna Grace Sipe, Hannah Sipe, Megan Sipe, Jack Sipe, and soon-to-be-born Travis Sipe. He was also known as Boppa to Stella and Sully Claridge. His wife, children and grandchildren were the light of his life, giving him great strength during his illness. He was so proud of them all. At his request, a celebration of his life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at the new Whitefish Emergency Services Center, 275 Flathead Ave. Parking will be available on the street, at the Mountain Mall or in designated nearby parking lots (follow signs for parking). Bus transportation will be available from the Mountain Mall (by McDonald s) and from Baker Avenue and West 13th Street. Interment of his ashes will follow at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell with a reception held at the Whitefish Methodist Church afterward. Memorials may be given to the Whitefish Fire Department, 275 Flathead Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937 or Whitefish United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 4248, Whitefish, MT 59937. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dave s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Dave s tribute wall.