David R. Ottosen, 74

David R. Ottosen, 74, of Thompson Falls, “went home to be with the Lord” on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015 in Plains, after a swift illness with cancer.

Born on Sept. 14, 1940, in Plentywood, to Danish parents, Stanley and Edna Andersen Ottosen, Dave was the fifth of seven children. His family moved to the Flathead Valley when Dave was 5 years old and he remained a resident of Bigfork for most of his life. Dave attended Bigfork Elementary and Junior High School, leaving home to start his career after graduation.

He was an avid reader, naturally gifted in all things electrical and mechanical, and became a self-taught mechanic, engineer and inventor. Early in his career, Dave lived in several small towns, including Cut Bank, Libby, Troy and Augusta where he worked various jobs as a heavy equipment operator doing road construction, as a home delivery milkman, and co-owner of a TV repair shop. The majority of his career was spent as a diesel mechanic for Plum Creek Timber Co. in Evergreen, where he retired in 2000.

Once his children were grown, Dave’s favorite pastime became riding his motorcycle through Glacier National Park. He also participated in several charity rides for the Montana Hope Project to support Camp Mak-A-Dream with the Lawman 1000 Ride, for which he was a top fundraiser.

Upon retirement, Dave was actively involved in the Bigfork community for several years visiting residents at the Lake View Care Center and attending Bethany Lutheran Church where he served on the Care Team Ministry. He also provided building maintenance for the church and assisted with several projects, including the installation of the white fence and wind harp on their cemetery grounds. Another lasting contribution Dave made to the Bigfork community was helping his two brothers build the white cross on the hill overlooking the Flathead River more than 40 years ago.

Most recently, Dave had relocated to the Plains and Thompson Falls area. When he wasn’t working on one of his many projects, he made time every day to tend to the animals he loved — the wild birds and deer that frequented his yard plus five stray cats that adopted him.

Dave had a quick wit and good sense of humor and was always ready with a joke and a twinkle in his eye. He was generous and humble and his kindness made an impact on all who met him. Dave deeply loved the Lord, the Bible and his family and he will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Darla Cervantes, Geraldine Schrock, Monta Thomas; and daughter, Angela Ottosen Roe.

He is survived by his son, Stan and Michelle Ottosen of Bigfork; daughter, Jackie and Rob Bourriague, of San Diego, and five grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Millie and Otha McClure, of Newport, Tennessee; two brothers, Don and Rose Ottosen, and Ed Ottosen, both of Bigfork; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 20, at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Bigfork.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to In Touch Ministries, P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357; also online at www.intouch.org or Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS), P.O. Box 1589, Thompson Falls, MT 59873; also online at pet-tracs.com.