David Mann Brant, 79, son of Robert Alston Brant and Jane Mann Brant Ward, died unexpectedly on Nov. 19, 2013, in Spokane.

Dave was born in Los Angeles in 1934. He attended grammar school at Third Street School and secondary school at Harvard Military School, both in Los Angeles. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Stanford University in 1956. During his days at Stanford, he was a member of the Naval ROTC and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and then went into the Navy's Underwater Demolition School at San Diego.

Dave served for two and half years as a lieutenant with Demolition Team Eleven (forerunner to the Navy Seals), based in Coronado, Calif., and served on the USS Telfair (APA 210) in Japan where he participated in destroying World War II mines in Tokyo Harbor. When released from the Navy, Dave went to graduate school in geology at Stanford, then pursued careers in geology and selling securities.  

In 1968, he moved to Ashley Creek Ranch in Kila — the place he called home for the rest of his 45 years, loving his family, dogs, cows and horses. Dave loved to hunt and fly fish all over the world, especially in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina, where he spent many winters. As a member of Rancheros Vistadores of California since 1964, he participated in their annual rides in the Santa Ynez Valley, and was well known for his pranks.

While always spiritual, Dave had a vision of Christ on the cross before a heart surgery in 1997. God blessed him with an extended life and a new focus on humility, forgiveness and being prayerful. Dave lived a long, active life, bountiful with love and friendships. He was a true cowboy.

He will be dearly missed and remembered by his daughter, Rebecca, and her husband, Ken Edwards; daughter, Kathleen, and her husband, Tom Torgerson, and their daughters, Riley and Taylor; his son, Pike Brant, and his wife, Nicolette, and their son, Jake; his sister, Marilyn, and her husband, Patrick DeYoung; his sister-in-law, Sally Brant; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his border collie, Chica.

His brother Robert Brant, and his parents predeceased him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Faith Covenant Church of Kalispell, with a reception following. A private burial and wake will follow on Dave's beloved ranch.

In lieu of flowers, donations or memorial gifts can be made to LAM Christian Academy, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815; or Hope Pregnancy, 1281 Burns Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.