(October 29, 1965 - February 21, 2011)
David and his youngest son, and fishing buddy, Bridger, were tragically taken from this earth and welcomed into Heaven’s glory on Monday, February 21, 2011. David spent a perfect weekend of ice fishing with his three sons, brother, and nephew.
David was the second child of LeeRoy and Terrell Strong. He was a challenging, yet charming son who effortlessly drew attention with his smile and antics. David spent his childhood with his siblings in Helena and Stevensville where he made life-long friends and memories. Immediately after graduating from Stevensville High School in 1984, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy. There, he traveled the world and participated in many world changing events. His favorite place in his many travels was Rota, Spain. He graduated college from the University of Montana in Dillon with an education degree, and later went on to earn two Masters Degrees. After many years of teaching, David took a position in higher education with the Office of Public Instruction with the State of Montana. In this capacity, he took a lead role in ensuring post-secondary education opportunities for Military veterans. David was currently working with the Helena Public Schools in a unique position charged with decreasing drop-out rates and facilitating college education for local students. David spent his career serving both youth and Military veterans.
David retired from the military in 2007 after serving 23 devoted years, retiring as a Petty Officer First Class from the U.S. Navy.
David’s most important and satisfying job in life was being a husband to his soul mate and wife, Parrish, and being an outstanding father. As an avid outdoorsman, mountains and lakes were his sanctuary. It was a very rare weekend that David wasn’t out on the lake fishing or hunting with his boys. This was a gift for all of us to enjoy as we watched David mold his boys into strong, active young men. He started hunting early in life with his Grandpa Tony near the Crazy Mountains and continued this tradition with his sons beginning at a very young age. Some of his fondest memories were fishing with his brothers during the summer at Grandpa Tony’s place along the Clark Fork River. His favorite movie was A River Runs Through It.
David was a proud Norwegian son who enjoyed lutefisk and potato sausage every Christmas with his family. He had a lot of natural talent and a passion for educating and shaping young people. He was funny, witty, and smart. Among David’s many hobbies, he especially enjoyed attending bible study at Jim Weber’s on Thursday nights, spending time with his family, and woodworking. He was patriotic and proud to have served his country. He was looking forward to his son David’s wedding in June.
“Though nothing can bring back the hour of Splendor in the grass or the glory of the flower; We will grieve not; rather find strength in what remains behind; In the primal sympathy, which having been must ever be…” ~William Wordsworth
David leaves behind his devoted wife Parrish; sons and best friends, David Strong II (Whitney Armstrong) of Ellensburg, WA, Kyle Strong of Helena, and Caleb MacLean of Helena; daughter, Emily MacLean of Helena; parents, Terrell Strong of Missoula and LeeRoy Strong of Avon; brothers and sister, Roy and Sherry Strong of Billings, Lisa and Chip Weinrich of Spokane, WA, and Kevin and Heather Strong of Boise, ID; he also leaves behind numbers nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and hunting partners.
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