David Wayne Mentzer, 65

David Wayne Mentzer, 65, passed away on April 9, 2014, in Kalispell at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Dave was born June 27, 1949, in Oregon to Betty Louise Rice and Leonard Wayne Mentzer.

Dave was a logger for many years until he was injured. He couldn't go back to logging so he loaded up his truck and camper and was headed to Spotted Bear for the summer to think about what he was going to do next. Dave got a flat tire and was stopped along the road. This was when Deb and Cameron stopped to help. Dave said he was looking for work and was hired on the spot to work at the Diamond R Guest Ranch. He then moved over to Wilderness Lodge and was a guide and packer. This was also when Dave became family to us 27 years ago.

Dave retired from outfitting and started driving truck for Goose Bay and was working for LHC when he passed away.

Dave's passions were his dog Maggie, hunting, fishing, guns, his goddaughter Becka, and the kiddos Stormy and Morgan. Dave loved riding his four-wheeler and spending as much time as he could in his camp at Spotted Bear. Dave also loved to tinker around and spend time outside. Dave had a great sense of humor and loved to tease us every chance he got.

Dave fought for life, surviving heart surgery, colon cancer, diabetes and six and a half weeks in the hospital. He was proud of being a “stubborn German.”

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Louise Rice and Leonard Wayne Mentzer.

Dave is survived by his goddaughter Becka, and her husband Matt, and the kiddos Stormy and Morgan, and Cameron, Deb and Jason Lee.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 at The Dew Drop Inn in Coram.

Condolences may be sent to the family to P.O. Box 190391, Hungry Horse, MT 59919.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Dave's family.