David Alan Solum, 51

David Alan Solum, 51, died May 31, 2012, at his home in Clinton.

He was born Dec. 19, 1960, at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. He grew up and went to schools in Missoula, Kalispell and Somers.

After high school, David enlisted and served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps as a helicopter crew chief. Following his military service he worked at numerous jobs in the electrical industry and was very adept at fixing and maintaining mechanical equipment.

While employed at a Missoula bowling alley, he became a U.S. Bowling Congress Association certified bowling coach. Coaching young kids was his great delight, which he did in bowling and baseball. He was also an avid Griz fan, supporting his favorite team the Missoula Grizzlies.

Together with his wife Rose, they enjoyed fishing, camping, quilting and caring for their dogs and horses.

David was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Otto and Nellie Solum; and his maternal grandparents, Ted Winegar and Charlotte Kingman.

He is survived by his wife, Rose; his grandkids, "Buddies" Connor and Gavin and "Princess" Cassidy; his children, Anita Sayer and sons, Christopher and Gavin; Max Sayer and son, Connor, of Missoula; and Carrie Hill and children, Cassidy, Kaleb and Kalee, of Boise Idaho; sister-in-law, Judy Feistner; and brother-in-law, Gary Spatzierath. And, of course, he leaves behind his beagles Princess Leah and Gunny Sargent.

He is also survived by his mother, Peggy Fonner, of Missoula; his father, Alan, and Geri Solum, of Somers; sister, Deborah Eickhorst, and Randy; brother, Erik Solum and Penny, of Bigfork; sister, Barbara Reeder, and Steven, of San Diego; sisters, Laural Manwill and Wayne, and Pamela Pfau and Joe, of Boise Idaho; sister, Nikki Kelly, of Missoula; and numerous nephews and nieces.

There will be an interment service at 2 p.m. July 6 at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower St., in Missoula, with a barbecue to follow at the Hellgate High School Courtyard, 900 S. Higgins Ave., Missoula.