David Palmer 58, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at home surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

David was born in Ronan on Dec. 26, 1955, to Del and Bernice Palmer. He graduated from Charlo High School in 1974. He was part of the six-year undefeated Charlo football team and was an active member in 4-H.

His many adventures took him from working for the U.S. Forest Service as a packer to construction, masonry and carpentry all over Montana and Alaska and as a hunting guide, to his many years at Plum Creek and the Crow Haven Arabian horse ranch. After he became disabled he started his own Old Wood Art, and his favorite job of being Papa. 

Dave's true passion was being in the mountains hunting and fishing with his father, brothers, son, niece and nephew and many friends, also at the cabin teaching his grandchildren how to fish and hunt. He started teaching his bride these things on their honeymoon in a blizzard. 

His love of nature and family will never be forgotten; nor will a few of the million pranks that he pulled on his family and friends.  

On March 27, 1976, he married the love of his life, Kimberly McDonald. In this marriage they welcomed three children Brian, Caysie and Stacy.

David was preceded in death by his grandparents, E.M and Olive Palmer, and Dee and Rachel Shriner; brother, Dennis Palmer; mother-in-law, Ann McDonald; as well as several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Kim, of 38 years; and children, Brian and Sue, Caysie and Travis, and Stacy and Cory; parents, Del and Bernice, and Tom and Shirley McDonald; brother, Skip, and Sue; best friend/brother/cousin, Eddie, and Jan; sister, Charlene; grandchildren, Tori, Billy, Bayleigh, Olyvia, Richard and Crystal, Casey, Cassie and Shelby, extended grandchildren, Matthew, Nick, Haley, Emily, Dusty and Trenton; great-grandchildren, Macao, Keeley, Richard and Liam; brother-in-law, Tom; sisters-in-law, Kris, Terry and Cindy; nieces, Jennifer and Jereme, and Nichole and Andrew; nephews, Ben and Brandy, Justin, and Tommy; and great-nieces and nephews, Greydon, Rachel, Logan, Ian, Tommy, Dillon and Brody. We can't forget Dad’s trusty companion of 10 years, Shy; special friend and extended brother, Paul Toussaint, and  Sharon; last but not least, all of the “Fish Creek” family.

A celebration of life will be held on April 26 at Leon Hall in Charlo. 

Donations in memory of David can be made to The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue Bethpage, NY 11714 (pancreatic cancer research) or Lake County Hospice, 711 Main St. SW, Ronan MT 59864.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Memories of condolence may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.